[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 110 (Monday, July 23, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5262-S5263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, and Mr. Whitehouse):
  S. 3423. A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate 
a segment of the Beaver, Chipuxet, Queen, Wood, and Pawcatuck Rivers in 
the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island for study for potential 
addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am introducing, along with my 
colleagues from Rhode Island and Connecticut, Senators Whitehouse and 
Lieberman, legislation to authorize the National Park Service to study 
specific sections of the Beaver, Chipuxet, Queen, Wood, and Pawcatuck 
Rivers in Rhode Island and Connecticut for potential addition to the 
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Our legislation seeks to bring 
greater attention to and resources for efforts to protect and restore 
the health of these rivers through the evaluation of their 
recreational, natural, and historical qualities and whether they are 
suitable for designation as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
  The recreational and scenic wealth of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed is 
a natural treasure. The National Park Service's Rivers and Trails 
Conservation Assistance program conducted a planning and conservation 
study in the 1980s which concluded, in part, that the waters of the 
Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers corridor in Rhode Island ``are the cleanest 
and purest and its recreational opportunities are unparalleled by any 
other river system in the state.''
  These rivers also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and 
tourism that contribute to the local economy. Not only do its rivers 
provide easy access to the wilderness for family outings and school 
field trips, but they also offer ways to explore our heritage 
throughout the watershed, from Native American fishing grounds to 
Colonial and early industrial mill ruins. The rivers also provide 
opportunities for trout fishing, canoeing, bird watching, and hiking.
  I have long supported the protection and restoration of Southern New 
England's watersheds and estuaries, including the Narragansett Bay, and 
this study is an important first step in determining future 
opportunities for protection and recreational enjoyment of the rivers 
in the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed. Our states have been excellent 
stewards of these rivers, and this study would enhance existing local 
and State efforts to preserve and manage this open space and its 
wildlife habitat.
  Indeed, partnerships are key to broad restoration and management of 
our resources, and it is expected that this study would be conducted in 
close cooperation with the affected communities, state agencies, local 
governments, and other interested organizations. The partnership-based 
approach also allows for development of a proposed river management 
plan as part of the study, which could address issues ranging from fish 
passage to the restoration of wetlands to assist with flood mitigation, 
as well as balance the

[[Page S5263]]

recreational opportunities that contribute to the local economies with 
preservation of the natural resources.
  This is a two State initiative that will encompass both Rhode Island 
and Connecticut, and will help protect these resources for future 
generations to enjoy.
  I commend Representatives Langevin and Courtney for spearheading this 
effort in the other body, and I look forward to working with all of my 
colleagues to initiate the process to study the rivers of the Wood-
Pawcatuck Watershed for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic 
Rivers System.

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