Grant Opportunity from Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers

[Casey Merkle]

Hello RIEEA Community!

The Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council is still accepting proposals to their Community Grants Program. Please help spread the word within your communities. If you have any questions or would like to discuss project ideas, I’d be happy to connect.

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The Stewardship Council is back with a new round of community grants! From October 1, 2025  through December 29, 2025 you can apply for a grant up to $10,000 for projects that will protect, preserve and enhance the outstanding and remarkable values of the federally designated Wild and Scenic Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed's rivers and tributaries. Through this grant program, we provide funding to organizations whose projects align with the  Stewardship Plan – Chapter 6. This year, thanks to the US National Park Service Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, the Stewardship Council has a total of $54,000 to distribute.

Top Community Grant Goals:

1. Programs and initiatives that highlight the following four values within the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed's rivers and tributaries.
• Hydrology / Geology
• Exceptional Ecosystems
• Cultural
• Scenic / Recreation
2. Land preservation activities related to the acquisition and management of preserved lands including, but not limited to appraisals, legal fees, surveying and development and implementation of stewardship plans.
3. Water Quality – Retain and improve water to be of highest quality possible.
4. Free Flowing Condition – Rivers natural flowing condition, with as few obstructions as possible.

Eligible Applicants: Non-profit organizations; local, state, and regional governmental agencies and commissions; Tribal and First nations; public schools and other educational institutions. All other groups, individuals and businesses interested in applying for funding should partner with an eligible entity.

 
Application Period: Grant applications will be accepted via email to coord...@WPWildRivers.org through December 29th, 2025.

Grant Awards: Grants up to $10,000 are available. These funds are not eligible as a match for other federal grant programs.

Process and Application: Click here for Grant Instructions and Click here for the Application. Have questions about your eligibility or need assistance filling out the application? Please email Casey Merkle, WP Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinator at coord...@WPWildRivers.org.

Best,

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Casey Merkle | she/her

Coordinator

Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council

coord...@WPWildRivers.org

WPWildRivers.org

I work in the office and remotely Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm