Mission

The mission of the Riverways Program is to promote the restoration and protection of the ecological integrity of the Commonwealth's watersheds: rivers, streams and adjacent lands.

To fulfill our mission, the Riverways Program provides tools to help local communities and groups:

• Protect and restore water quality
• Protect healthy stream flows
• Protect land along rivers and streams
• Improve habitat for wildlife and fish in river corridors
• Promote public access to and along rivers and streams consistent with resource protection

Additionally, Riverways works with local, state, and federal partners to promote and establish policies that protect and restore valuable riverine and watershed resources.

Our Philosophy

Riverways is based on the belief that local action is the key to river protection. Riverways staff work side-by-side with local citizens, town officials, watershed-based groups and other partners to restore and protect the state’s rivers and their ecosystems. In addition, Riverways believes in working with partners from state agencies, federal agencies, municipalities and nonprofit organizations to ensure that policies, actions and regulations protect river and riverine systems. 

Riverways recognizes that by protecting rivers, streams and adjacent lands, we are also protecting the unique character and livability of our communities. Protected and restored rivers and stream will bring tourists, anglers, hunters, birders and hikers to Massachusetts destinations. In addition, healthy rivers will provide exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities close to home for Massachusetts residents and visitors, contributing to the high quality of life so essential for attracting and retaining top-notch employers and workers and for providing clean water for human health.

Riverways Work

The Riverways Program has developed several programs targeted to meet the needs of both river advocates and river resources. The programs strive to provide tools citizens may use to protect and restore water quality and healthy stream flows, protect open space and river access, improve fish and wildlife habitats, enhance aesthetics and help reconnect people to their rivers. Demand for assistance remains steady and despite diminishing resources to provide tools and services, the staff has strived to meet commitments to partners by adapting our programs and utilizing our existing staff to respond to current conditions.

History

The Riverways Program was established within DFWELE in 1987 in recognition that river and stream corridors are a crucial component of the state's ecological infrastructure and that protection of these watershed resources could not be accomplished through land acquisition alone. The Riverways Program was created to encourage and support local river protection initiatives as a vital complement to state action. (M.G.L. Ch21A Sec.8)