S. 45 – Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Wild and Scenic River Act

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Updated April 13, 2026 at 11:56 PM UTC

The Wood‑Pawcatuck Watershed Wild and Scenic River Act amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to officially designate several river stretches in the Wood‑Pawcatuck watershed as protected wild, scenic, or recreational rivers. It sets up a stewardship plan and cooperative agreements to manage and protect these waters, while keeping the segments out of the National Park System and restricting land acquisition to voluntary means. The bill primarily affects the rivers, surrounding towns, state governments, and any partners involved in conservation efforts.

Key Provisions

Adds 13 specific river segments in the Wood‑Pawcatuck watershed (in Rhode Island and Connecticut) to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, classifying each as wild, scenic, recreational, or a mix.
Requires the Interior Secretary, working with the Wood‑Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council, to manage those segments according to the “Wood‑Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Plan,” which takes a watershed‑wide approach and satisfies the Act’s comprehensive‑management‑plan requirement.
Allows the Secretary to enter cooperative agreements with the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island, selected towns, the stewardship council, and eligible nonprofits to help protect and enhance the designated river segments.
Specifies that the designated segments will not be administered as part of the National Park System and will not be subject to National Park System regulations.
Treats local zoning ordinances in the listed towns as meeting the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act’s land‑use standards, and defines each town as a “village” for those purposes.
Limits the Secretary’s ability to acquire land within the segments to voluntary donations or purchases with owner consent; condemnation (eminent domain) is prohibited.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S69-70)

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

January 8, 2019

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

January 8, 2019

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S69-70)

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

January 8, 2019

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about S. 45 on the floor

2 Republicans1 Democrat

Sen. Jack ReedD-RI · Jan 8, 2019

Mr. President, today I am once again introducing, along with my colleagues Senator Whitehouse, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Murphy, legislation to designate river segments within the Wood-…

Mr. President, today I am once again introducing, along with my colleagues Senator Whitehouse, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Murphy, legislation to designate river segments within the Wood- Pawcatuck watershed as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Following more than three years of intense study, this legislation would formally recognize the recreational, natural, and historical qualities of portions of the Beaver, Chipuxet, Green Fall-Ashaway, Pawcatuck, Queen-Usquepaugh, Shunock, and Wood Rivers that flow through Rhode Island and Connecticut while providing access to Federal resources and promoting strong partnerships for their restoration and protection.

The Wood-Pawcatuck watershed is a National treasure that not only holds natural and scenic value, but also is an important economic driver for the area. Indeed, the 12 local river communities experience direct economic benefits from their proximity to these rivers through increased recreation and tourism. The watershed provides many opportunities for visitors to explore history and experience nature, including viewing early industrial mill ruins, trout fishing, bird watching, and kayaking.

I have long been a supporter of protecting and restoring these special rivers, which is why I sponsored the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Protection Act in 2013. The process that was initiated by that law has been a critical tool for bringing together stakeholders from Rhode Island and Connecticut including representatives from State agencies, local governments, and conservation groups in order to develop a collaborative path forward. The resulting Stewardship Plan, which has been formally adopted by the study committee and is supported by all twelve local river communities, builds upon currently existing efforts to preserve and manage the river ecosystems while also considering what steps will need to be taken collectively in the future in order to protect them.

I would like to commend Representatives Langevin, Cicilline, and Courtney for again introducing companion legislation. In October 2018 we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the landmark Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and I am proud that after all these years we are continuing our work to protect such extraordinary places. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to pass this legislation so that we can preserve the rivers of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

Sen. Jack ReedD-RI · Jan 8, 2019

Mr. President, today I am once again introducing, along with my colleagues Senator Whitehouse, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Murphy, legislation to designate river segments within the Wood-…

Mr. President, today I am once again introducing, along with my colleagues Senator Whitehouse, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Murphy, legislation to designate river segments within the Wood- Pawcatuck watershed as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Following more than three years of intense study, this legislation would formally recognize the recreational, natural, and historical qualities of portions of the Beaver, Chipuxet, Green Fall-Ashaway, Pawcatuck, Queen-Usquepaugh, Shunock, and Wood Rivers that flow through Rhode Island and Connecticut while providing access to Federal resources and promoting strong partnerships for their restoration and protection.

The Wood-Pawcatuck watershed is a National treasure that not only holds natural and scenic value, but also is an important economic driver for the area. Indeed, the 12 local river communities experience direct economic benefits from their proximity to these rivers through increased recreation and tourism. The watershed provides many opportunities for visitors to explore history and experience nature, including viewing early industrial mill ruins, trout fishing, bird watching, and kayaking.

I have long been a supporter of protecting and restoring these special rivers, which is why I sponsored the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Protection Act in 2013. The process that was initiated by that law has been a critical tool for bringing together stakeholders from Rhode Island and Connecticut including representatives from State agencies, local governments, and conservation groups in order to develop a collaborative path forward. The resulting Stewardship Plan, which has been formally adopted by the study committee and is supported by all twelve local river communities, builds upon currently existing efforts to preserve and manage the river ecosystems while also considering what steps will need to be taken collectively in the future in order to protect them.

I would like to commend Representatives Langevin, Cicilline, and Courtney for again introducing companion legislation. In October 2018 we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the landmark Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and I am proud that after all these years we are continuing our work to protect such extraordinary places. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to pass this legislation so that we can preserve the rivers of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

Sen. Mitch McConnellR-KY · Jan 8, 2019

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Sen. Steve DainesR-MT · Jan 8, 2019

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued January 8, 2019

II

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 45

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

January 8, 2019

Mr. Reed (for himself, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Blumenthal, and Mr. Murphy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

A BILL

To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain river segments within the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Wild and Scenic River Act.

2.

Wood-Pawcatuck watershed wild and scenic river segments

(a)

Designation

Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(214)

Wood-pawcatuck watershed, Rhode Island and Connecticut

The following river segments within the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council:

(A)

The approximately 11-mile segment of the Beaver River from its headwaters in Exeter and West Greenwich, Rhode Island, to its confluence with the Pawcatuck River in Richmond, Rhode Island, as a scenic river.

(B)

The approximately 3-mile segment of the Chipuxet River from the Kingstown Road Bridge, South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to its outlet in Worden Pond, as a wild river.

(C)

The approximately 9-mile segment of the Green Fall River from its headwaters in Voluntown, Connecticut, to its confluence with the Ashaway River in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, as a scenic river.

(D)

The approximately 3-mile segment of the Ashaway River from its confluence with the Green Fall River to its confluence with the Pawcatuck River in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, as a recreational river.

(E)

The approximately 3-mile segment of the Pawcatuck River from the Worden Pond outlet in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to the South County Trail Bridge, Charlestown and South Kingstown, Rhode Island, as a wild river.

(F)

The approximately 4-mile segment of the Pawcatuck River from South County Trail Bridge, Charlestown and South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to the Carolina Back Road Bridge in Richmond and Charlestown, Rhode Island, as a recreational river.

(G)

The approximately 21-mile segment of the Pawcatuck River from Carolina Back Road Bridge in Richmond and Charlestown, Rhode Island, to the confluence with Shunock River in Stonington, Connecticut, as a scenic river.

(H)

The approximately 8-mile segment of the Pawcatuck River from the confluence with Shunock River in Stonington, Connecticut, to the mouth of the river between Pawcatuck Point in Stonington, Connecticut, and Rhodes Point in Westerly, Rhode Island, as a recreational river.

(I)

The approximately 11-mile segment of the Queen River from its headwaters in Exeter and West Greenwich, Rhode Island, to the Kingstown Road Bridge in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, as a scenic river.

(J)

The approximately 5-mile segment of the Usquepaugh River from the Kingstown Road Bridge to its confluence with the Pawcatuck River in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, as a wild river.

(K)

The approximately 8-mile segment of the Shunock River from its headwaters in North Stonington, Connecticut, to its confluence with the Pawcatuck River as a recreational river.

(L)

The approximately 13-mile segment of the Wood River from its headwaters in Sterling and Voluntown, Connecticut, and Exeter and West Greenwich, Rhode Island, to the Arcadia Road Bridge in Hopkinton and Richmond, Rhode Island, as a wild river.

(M)

The approximately 11-mile segment of the Wood River from the Arcadia Road Bridge in Hopkinton and Richmond, Rhode Island, to the confluence with the Pawcatuck River in Charlestown, Hopkinton, and Richmond, Rhode Island, as a recreational river.

.

(b)

Management of river segments

(1)

Definitions

In this subsection:

(A)

Covered tributary

The term covered tributary means—

(i)

each of Assekonk Brook, Breakheart Brook, Brushy Brook, Canochet Brook, Chickasheen Brook, Cedar Swamp Brook, Fisherville Brook, Glade Brook, Glen Rock Brook, Kelly Brook, Locke Brook, Meadow Brook, Pendleton Brook, Parris Brook, Passquisett Brook, Phillips Brook, Poquiant Brook, Queens Fort Brook, Roaring Brook, Sherman Brook, Taney Brook, Tomaquag Brook, White Brook, and Wyassup Brook within the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed; and

(ii)

any other perennial stream within the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed.

(B)

River segment

The term river segment means a river segment designated by paragraph (214) of section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) (as added by subsection (a)).

(C)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

(D)

Stewardship Plan

The term Stewardship Plan means the plan entitled the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Plan for the Beaver, Chipuxet, Green Fall-Ashaway, Pawcatuck, Queen-Usquepaugh, Shunock, and Wood Rivers and dated June 2018, which takes a watershed approach to the management of the river segments.

(2)

Wood-pawcatuck wild and scenic rivers stewardship plan

(A)

In general

The Secretary, in cooperation with the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council, shall manage the river segments in accordance with—

(i)

the Stewardship Plan; and

(ii)

any amendment to the Stewardship Plan that the Secretary determines is consistent with this subsection.

(B)

Watershed approach

In furtherance of the watershed approach to resource preservation and enhancement described in the Stewardship Plan, the covered tributaries are recognized as integral to the protection and enhancement of the river segments.

(C)

Requirements for comprehensive management plan

The Stewardship Plan shall be considered to satisfy each requirement for a comprehensive management plan required under section 3(d) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(d)).

(3)

Cooperative agreements

To provide for the long-term protection, preservation, and enhancement of each river segment, in accordance with sections 10(e) and 11(b)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1281(e), 1282(b)(1)), the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements (which may include provisions for financial or other assistance from the Federal Government) with—

(A)

the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island;

(B)

political subdivisions of the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island, including—

(i)

the towns of North Stonington, Sterling, Stonington, and Voluntown, Connecticut; and

(ii)

the towns of Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, Westerly, and West Kingstown, Rhode Island;

(C)

the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council; and

(D)

any appropriate nonprofit organization, as determined by the Secretary.

(4)

Relation to national park system

Notwithstanding section 10(c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1281(c)), each river segment shall not be—

(A)

administered as a unit of the National Park System; or

(B)

subject to the laws (including regulations) that govern the administration of the National Park System.

(5)

Land management

(A)

Zoning ordinances

The zoning ordinances adopted by the towns of North Stonington, Sterling, Stonington, and Voluntown, Connecticut, and Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, Westerly, and West Greenwich, Rhode Island (including any provision of the zoning ordinances relating to the conservation of floodplains, wetlands, and watercourses associated with any river segment), shall be considered to satisfy the standards and requirements described in section 6(c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1277(c)).

(B)

Villages

For purposes of section 6(c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1277(c)), each town described in subparagraph (A) shall be considered to be a village.

(C)

Acquisition of land

(i)

Limitation of authority of Secretary

With respect to each river segment, the Secretary may only acquire parcels of land—

(I)

by donation; or

(II)

with the consent of the owner of the parcel of land.

(ii)

Prohibition relating to the acquisition of land by condemnation

In accordance with 6(c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1277(c)), with respect to each river segment, the Secretary may not acquire any parcel of land by condemnation.