In 1968, Congress enacted the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Initially eight rivers, which flowed largely through federal land, were designated with a federal agency (e.g., Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service,US Forest Service, or National Park Service) identified for each, responsible for protecting and enhancing the values that caused it to be designated. Over time, the number of Wild & Scenic rivers has expanded to over 200, encompassing over 13,000 river miles. To accommodate rivers that flow through private, municipal, or state properties, Congress developed a Partnership Wild and Scenic River (PWSR) designation, meaning that the river is managed collaboratively by the National Park Service and a local entity. With these PWSRs, communities protect and enhance their river and its resources through developing and implementing a management plan tailored to the communities and the rivers’ needs. The 29-mile SuAsCo Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council) is one such PWSR, managed by the National Park Service with advice from the Council composed of a representative from each of the eight towns that directly abut the Wild & Scenic section, OARS, SVT, the USFWS Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.FundingFunding for PWSR programs is appropriated annually by Congress, with a base operational budget of approximately $200,000. A portion of the funds are allotted to the NPS to fund the staffing. Through its fiduciary agent SVT, the SuAsCo RSC is tasked with disbursing remaining funds. 

The council awards funds based on criteria listed in the Request for Proposals (RFP) through two types of grants: 

• Partner Grants (“partners” have traditionally included OARS, SVT, the Commonwealth of Mass, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mass Audubon, and Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust)

• Small Community Grants

Community Small Grants Program

The Community Small Grants Program was initiated in 2006 by the RSC. Its purpose is to support town efforts that help to protect and enhance the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers and their outstandingly remarkable values. The grant program also aims to engage municipalities and local organizations in protecting the rivers’ resources and building strong local stewardship of the rivers in accordance with The Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic River Conservation Plan (River Conservation Plan). Any municipal entity (conservation commissions, historical commissions, libraries, schools, recreation departments, public works, etc.) is eligible, as well as community-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations. These include local land trusts, garden clubs, art associations, churches, watershed and neighborhood groups. Individuals interested in participating, should partner with one of these town entities or local organizations. Since 2010, there has been an added interest in using the arts to promote the rivers.

Click here to download the 2025-2026 Community Grants Request for Proposals and Application.

A wide variety of projects have been supported through this program ranging from a water resource inventory, to invasive species management, trail enhancement, school programs, art murals, speaker series, and medical waste collection. See the Bartlett's Landing Ribbon Cutting (2022) and the Middlesex Canal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (2021).

River Stewardship Council sponsored sculpture as part of Framingham Centre Common Cultural District's "Many Cultures, One Heart" public art project.

River Ambassadors

The Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Council began their River Ambassador Program in 2022. The River Ambassadors, one year-round and one seasonal, work within the eight Wild and Scenic communities and beyond to provide a presence on and around the SuAsCo Wild and Scenic Rivers and promote stewardship and understanding of local riverine resources. They administer projects and activities related to the Wild & Scenic River designation, engage with the river users at popular access sites and on the water, and help monitor conditions on the rivers. Keep an eye out for the River Ambassadors on the river, at river access sites, and at community events!

River Ambassadors Elissa Brown and Ellie Sablak at a community tabling event.