Our Program Partners

The Blackstone River Bikeway will serve as an alternate mode of transportation for commuters as well as the region's premiere recreational bicycle facility. This bi-state linear park along the Blackstone River will connect New England's second and third largest cities serving a population of more than 1 million. The bikeway will link many of the Valley's Overview of Bikeway significant natural and historic features.

 

 

In 1986, the Blackstone Valley was recognized as a special place and designated as a National Heritage Corridor by the U.S. Congress (Public Law 99-647). A 19-member Federal Commission, appointed by the Governors of each state and approved by the Secretary of the Interior, consists of representatives from the National Park Service, state and local governments, and valley-wide interests, and oversees the Corridor’s operations. Congress established the National Heritage Corridor as an affiliated area of the National Park System to make the NPS tradition of management of cultural and natural resources available to the Blackstone River Valley.

 

The Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA) was founded in 1976 and is dedicated to restoring, enhancing and preserving the Blackstone River system and its watershed. The Blackstone River is 46 miles long and runs from Worcester to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where it becomes the Seekonk River at the Main Street dam and flows to Narragansett Bay.

 

To promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley, meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley.

 

As one of 6 state funded regional tourism councils, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council has become a major force in enhancing the region's economy, preserving its environment and cultural heritage and expanding its recreational opportunities. By attacking the issue on all fronts and fostering collaboration among the communities and organizations working to enhance and promote region, the Council has helped attract tens of thousands of visitors into the Valley and improve the quality of life for all of the Valley's residents.

 

Of all of the challenges we as a society face, perhaps the most important, far-reaching and vital of these is how we interact with the environment. From the water we drink to the air we breathe, protecting our environment is critical. Very often, advocates for the environment and advocates for industry have contended that one must be sacrificed for the other to succeed. This is not true; environmental stewardship can work hand-in-hand with job creation and economic prosperity. Congressman Kennedy's work in the United States Congress demonstrates this reality.

 

We would like to take this opportunity to give special thanks to EMS in Millbury for its kind donation of two double canoes. Our organization uses canoes for many events and cleanups and these will be put to good use.

 

 

 

All of Worcester's waterways are headwater tributaries to the Blackstone River. Mass Audubon has helped create the Blackstone River Coalition, a partnership of various organizations, businesses, individuals, agencies and municipalities that are working to restore the Blackstone River and improve the health of the Blackstone River watershed. What we're doing is working collaboratively to win the Campaign for a Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone River by 2015.

 

The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program's mission is to protect and preserve Narragansett Bay and its watershed through partnerships that conserve and restore natural resources, enhance water quality and promote community involvement.

 

The National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks Program (VIP) was authorized by Public Law 91-357 enacted 1970. The primary purpose of the VIP program is to provide a vehicle through which the National Park Service can accept and utilize voluntary help and services from the public. The major objective of the program is to utilize this voluntary help in such a way that is mutually beneficial to the National Park Service and the volunteer.

 

 

 

 

 

RINHS is a consortium of organizations and individuals seeking to advance knowledge and understanding of Rhode Island’s biology, geology, and ecosystems. The Survey maintains a clearinghouse for ecological information in Rhode Island, providing sound scientific data to scientists, naturalists, educators, land managers, decision makers, and the public. The Natural History Survey manages the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Database of Rare Species and Communities.

 

 

 

 

Sheldon Whitehouse is a strong advocate for environmental protection, health, and conservation. He has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court to protect public wetlands from development; sued to block Bush administration efforts to weaken the Clean Air Act; and led the investigation into a devastating oil spill in Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay.

 

 

 

The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.