The Blackstone River Watershed Council/ Friends of the Blackstone

Policy Statement concerning the Health and Welfare of the Blackstone River.

Gasoline Powered: Vessels on the Blackstone River:

 The BRWC /FOB acting as Stewards of the Blackstone River opposes any gasoline powered motorized vessels other than emergency response Fire and Rescue boats,  The Explorer or related existing educational or service vessels that are registered under operating permits.

The BRWC/FOB, considers the Blackstone River an open space area that is off limits to motorized vessels other than rowboats, or electric powered boats.

The risk of further damage from fuel and oil spills and potential propeller damage could lead to the deterioration of the habitat and quality of the health of the river.

Dangers lurking from these motorized boats could also lead to sediment disturbance and the release of contaminates that will place the river at great risk

 Years of work by the State of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Cities and Towns along the River and dedicated volunteer labor has returned the Blackstone to a thriving healthy habitat, ready and beckoning the soon to be returning migratory fish.

Let us not return to the days of red or yellow running water, putrid odors and disrespect for our Mighty Blackstone River, the Lifeline to Narragansett Bay