Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association

About Us

Since 1983, the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has fostered a mission to promote and protect the integrity of the lands and waters of the Pawcatuck Watershed. WPWA is an outspoken voice working for those who use and enjoy the rivers. Many of WPWA's activities educate and inform residents, visitors, and public officials about the watershed's pristine lands and waters.

WPWA plays an ongoing role in public policy formulation within the watershed. As watershed council for the Pawcatuck, WPWA has legal standing to advocate on behalf of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed. When necessary to serve the best interests of the watershed and public, WPWA will take a position on matters of land use, surface and groundwater use, water quality, threats to habitat, growth issues, and river corridor concerns. WPWA works with local, state, and federal agencies to encourage the watershed approach to environmental management, and works on the local level with regard to specific aspects of watershed protection.

Our campus on the Wood River provides administrative headquarters, conference and program facilities, and a handicapped-accessible public fishing and canoe access with parking. With your generous donation, our facilities are available for your next private function. Funding for the site was provided by Champlin Foundations, Horace Kimball Foundation, Ocean State Charities Trust, NRCS, & others. The fishing pier was constructed in partnership with RI DEM, US Fish & Wildlife Service, RI Governor's Commission on Disabilities, & Small Craft Access Trust.