The Council

For the ARWC bylaws, click here.

For our latest newsletter, click here.

The development and organization of the Androscoggin River Watershed Council took more than three years. The ARWC was officially born on July 23, 1999 at Bonny Park in Auburn, Maine, during the 4th Annual Androscoggin River Canoe Trek. A group of concerned people came together to approve the bylaws and elect the fist Steering Committee.

The Council is a collaborative effort supported by diverse interests in the Androscoggin River Watershed, including individuals, small businesses, large businesses, municipalities, state and federal governments, and non-profit organizations.

Aerial Photo of the Mead Paper Facility at Rumford Falls, courtesy of Aerial Survey & Photo, Inc., Norridgewock, Maine

A glance at the composition of our Steering Committee will give the reader an idea of who we are now and our powerful potential for cooperation.

Androscoggin River Watershed Council: An Overview

Who We Are

The Council is a collaborative effort supported by diverse interests in the Androscoggin River Watershed, including individuals, small businesses, large businesses, municipalities, state and federal governments, and non-profit organizations. ARWC brings together these diverse groups to discuss issues impacting the river and the watershed and to provide information about the river and the watershed to the public.

Mission

To continuously improve environmental quality and promote healthy and prosperous communities in the Androscoggin River Watershed.

Goals

Advocate and support environmentally responsible economic, community and recreational development.

• Promote recreational uses, especially through increased access and responsible, low-impact activities.
• Respect local concerns and private property rights.

Advocate and support continued improvement of the natural environment.

• Promote sustainable use of the lands and natural resources on the watershed.
• Promote programs to protect important habitat and improve existing habitat.
• Promote programs to improve water quality.
• Promote pollution prevention programs.

Provide educational opportunities in support of the mission.

• Promote the historic and cultural aspects of the watershed.
• Promote greater understanding and appreciation for the interconnectedness of watershed resources.

Encourage intercommunity and interstate cooperation and planning that recognizes the human and natural resources of the watershed.

Actively develop and maintain broad-based involvement in the Council.

• Support sub-regional and local groups.
• Promote communication and cooperation among all interests, including those outside the watershed, in carrying out the mission.
• Promote grass roots community involvement, especially through community conferences and special events to implement future goals.

History

The Androscoggin River Watershed Council started as an idea hatched by a staff member of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and a conference held by the Androscoggin and Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. While it took about seven years to reach the Council stage, a committee started meeting in 1992.

The Council was formed during the Source to Sea Canoe Trek in the summer of 1999 on the banks of the Androscoggin at a relatively new park in the City of Auburn. Recently, the Council was granted 501c3 status by the IRS. The Council is based in Maine and has active operations and active Board Members in both Maine and New Hampshire.