The Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit river corridors support outstandingly remarkable biological and ecological diversity. They also support outstandingly remarkable opportunities for recreation, for enjoyment of scenic views, and for appreciation of the historical events and cultural elements that shaped our region. Each river has its own unique characteristics, but all share a connected ecosystem and history.

In 2018, eleven riverfront communities in two states voted to support the designation of these rivers as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Additionally, they approved the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitssit Rivers Stewardship Plan to be the comprehensive management plan for these rivers. Those communities are, in Massachusetts, Ayer, Bolton, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend, and in New Hampshire, Brookline and Hollis. In 2019, the “Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Act” was signed into law by the President of the United States, officially designating the three rivers as National Wild & Scenic Rivers.

Today, the Stewardship Council, made up of representatives from each of the eleven communities, as well as the National Park Service, Nashua River Watershed Association, Devens Enterprise Commission, and MA Division of Fish & Wildlife, implement the Stewardship Plan through an ongoing, locally-driven process, focused on community engagement and voluntary actions that can be taken to maintain and enhance our outstandingly remarkable resources.