Since its inception in 1983 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) has fostered a mission to preserve and protect the integrity of the lands and waters of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed for the benefit of our natural and human communities. WPWA is recognized as an outspoken voice working for those who use and enjoy the rivers. Many of WPWA’s activities are directed toward educating and informing residents, visitors, and public officials about the watershed’s pristine lands and water resources. WPWA plays an ongoing role in public policy formulation within the watershed. As the designated council for the watershed, WPWA has legal standing to advocate on behalf of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed. When necessary to serve the best interest of the watershed resource and the general public, WPWA will take a position on significant matters of land use, surface and groundwater use, water quality, threats to habitat, growth issues, and river corridor concerns. WPWA works in partnership 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.