The mission of the Androscoggin River Watershed Council is to continuously improve environmental quality, encourage stewardship, and promote healthy and prosperous communities in the Androscoggin Watershed.

Advocate and support environmentally responsible economic, community and recreational development

ARWC promotes recreational uses, especially through increased access and responsible, low-impact activities. We respect local concerns and private property rights

Encourage inter-community and inter-state cooperation and planning.

ARWC promotes collaboration that recognizes the human and natural resources of the watershed.

Advocate and support continued improvement of the natural environment

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

Provide educational opportunities in support of the ARWC mission

ARWC promotes the historic and cultural aspects of the watershed and greater understanding and appreciation for the interconnectedness of watershed resources.

Actively develop and maintain broad-based involvement.

We support sub-regional and local groups and promote communication and cooperation among all interests, including these outside the watershed, in carrying out the ARWC mission. ARWC also promotes grassroots community involvement, especially through community conferences and special events to implement future goals.

About the River: The Androscoggin flows for nearly 170 miles, beginning at Lake Umbagog on the Maine/New Hampshire border, continuing south through northern New Hampshire, heading east through western Maine, then turning south again before joining with the Kennebec in Merrymeeting Bay and emptying into the Atlantic. Having once been rated as one of the most polluted rivers in the country, it served as the inspiration for the Clean Water Act and now boasts great fishing, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. The Androscoggin River Watershed Council encourages collaboration among industry, conservation groups, landowners, and other interests to ensure that the Androscoggin continues to be a healthy asset to the communities on its banks and the wildlife it supports.