Rivers Council Programs
Foster Public Involvement in River & Watershed Protection
Watershed Stewardship Program
Each fall, the Rivers Council offers its Watershed Stewardship Program to citizens interested in learning how to protect their watersheds. Through a series of indoor classes and outdoor field sessions, participants learn from professionals the basics of watershed hydrology, watershed assessments, land conservation, fish restoration, trail maintenance, invasive species, watershed policy, community involvement, and more. Many Watershed Stewards go on to volunteer with their local watershed councils, land trusts, or other environmental organizations.
Visit the Watershed Stewardship Program website!
Watershed stewards identify benthic macro-invertebrates which serve as indicators of water quality. Photo: Rachel Sholly
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- Download the Registration Form (MS Word)
- Download the Beach Day Flyer for more info!
Environmental Awareness Day at Narragansett Beach
Each July, the Rivers Council partners with the Town of Narragansett to host an environmental awareness day at the Town Beach. Environmental organizations from all over the state set up information displays, talk to beach-goers about RI's natural resources, and offer fun and educational activities for kids.
This year's Beach Day will be held on Saturday, July 18th, 2009 from 10:00am-2:00pm. If your environmental organization would like to participate, please contact Sharon Pavignano at sharon@ririvers.org or (401) 741-8569.
Rivers Council staff demonstrates water quality testing with two young beach-goers. Photo: Juan Mariscal
Policy Development and Coordination
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- Revise and update the Rivers Policy and Classification Plan
- Participate in the RI Bays, Rivers & Watersheds Coordination Team
- Establishment of Riparian and Shoreline Buffers and the Taxation of Property Included in Buffers (PDF)
Develop and coordinate river and watershed policies for the State of Rhode Island
Support & Empower Watershed Councils
Organizational Assessment and Capacity Building
The Rivers Council in partnership with the RI Land Trust Council has developed an organizational assessment tool.Notice Rule
Watershed Councils recognized by the Rivers Council are empowered to testify before local and state hearings on issues affecting the river and watershed.
Section 46-28-7 of the Rivers Council statute states that the Council shall “promulgate regulations and procedures as may be needed to issue grants and approve watershed action plans, including rules requiring notice by state or city and town agencies to local watershed councils regarding proposed actions pertaining to projects, developments and activities located wholly or partially within the watershed represented by the local watershed council.
In 2005, the Rivers Council promulgated regulations covering the Concil's grant making process and the notice by state, city and town officials to watershed councils. (Notice Rule PDF)