[Watersheds] DEM, WOOD-PAWCATUCK WILD & SCENIC RIVERS STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL PARTNER TO IMPROVE AWARENESS OF RIVER ACCESS POINTS

[Panciera, Ernie (DEM)]

[DEM-logo-small]

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 | http://www.dem.ri.gov<http://www.dem.ri.gov> | @RhodeIslandDEM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                CONTACT: Gail Mastrati, 401-255-6144
Friday, November 6, 2020                                                             gail.mastrati at dem.ri.gov<mailto:gail.mastrati at dem.ri.gov>



DEM, WOOD-PAWCATUCK WILD & SCENIC RIVERS  STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL PARTNER TO IMPROVE AWARENESS OF RIVER ACCESS POINTS



[A sign on the side of the road  Description automatically generated]PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council (WPWSRSC) are working in partnership to increase public awareness of the seven newly designated Wood Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers.  Signage is being installed at 14 public access points for paddlers, anglers and nature enthusiasts. DEM and the WPWSRSC recognize that educating the public and this new designation is a vital part of their mission to protect, preserve and enhance this wonderful resource.

"DEM is proud to partner with the Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council on this exciting project to enhance public awareness of the cultural and natural resources of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "The seven rivers in the watershed are among the state's most valued natural resources and boast excellent water quality, a thriving native trout population, prime habitat for rare and endangered species, and exceptional recreational opportunities. These amazing rivers will be protected for future generations with this important Congressional designation."


"Providing this new signage at DEM access points is a wonderful opportunity to encourage folks to think about the importance of the watershed and what these 110 miles of rivers mean to them personally," said Dennis Migneault, South Kingstown representative to the Council.


In March 2019, the seven rivers of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed were officials designated as "Wild and Scenic" by the National Parks Service. This was the result of work done by dedicated local representatives of the 12 towns of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed, and approval of local governments. It was very much a community effort.

The 300-square mile watershed comprises most of southwestern Rhode Island and extends into Connecticut.  It provides abundant clean groundwater that serves as the sole source of drinking water for more than 60,000 local residents and supports roughly 70 percent of Rhode Island's globally imperiled species.


The Pawcatuck is very popular for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other forms of outdoor recreation. It's a beautiful river that supports Rhode Island-raised stocked trout and warm water fish species. The upper Wood River offers excellent water quality, cool temperatures and continuous flow. The river is well suited for trout and is frequently stocked with hatchery produced fish by DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife. No wonder it's the most popular trout fishery in Rhode Island. And, the 52 navigable river miles on the Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers offer tremendous opportunities for paddling and recreational pursuits.


Signage has been installed at the following locations:
Charlestown:
Pawcatuck River/Shannock Horseshoe Falls

Exeter:
Wood River/Rt 165

Hopkinton:
Wood River/Barberville Dam
Wood River/Mechanic Street Dam
Wood River/Switch Road Access
Wood River/Dow Field

Richmond:
Pawcatuck River/Lower Shannock Falls
Beaver River/Rt 138
Pawcatuck River/Biscuit City

Wyoming Dam Fishing access

South Kingstown:
Chipuxet River/Taylor's Landing

Westerly:
Pawcatuck River/Post Office Lane
Pawcatuck River/Bradford
Pawcatuck River/Main Street

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov<http://www.dem.ri.gov>.  Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!bjRr2ZtU7rBlwDRr5Jk5XEBUm4Y1KQmnEcbDAFA0Ifh8z3Fjp-XdZvhBMrc5ct_QySLVr87R$ [facebook[.]com]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!bjRr2ZtU7rBlwDRr5Jk5XEBUm4Y1KQmnEcbDAFA0Ifh8z3Fjp-XdZvhBMrc5ct_QySLVr87R$ [facebook[.]com]> for timely updates.

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