The Millers River Watershed Council was formed in the middle of the last century after the color and smell of the Millers River varied on a daily basis. In the early 1960s, farmers started fencing their stock away from once clear drinking spots along the river. In the late 60s, at a meeting between a farmer and a University of Mass Dairy Extension agent at the confluence of the Millers and the Connecticut River, they decided to persuade two residents from each of the 17 watershed towns to meet and formulate an action plan to discover the cause and work towards a pollution solution. Uncertain of the sources of the problem, the group formed search parties to explore the watershed and, if and when sources were found, to lobby local and state officials to help them clean up the river. In this way, the Millers River Watershed Council had its beginning and by 1970 the group was incorporated as a nonprofit.

Today threats to the river still exist, but the source of the threat is more difficult to manage: hindered by dams and water withdrawal, natural flows are altered; preservation of groundwater is threatened by uncontrolled water use and development; development (including landfills) threatens sensitive aquifers, wetlands, and riverbanks; and the non-point sources of pollution threaten the quality of water and the aesthetics of the region. Poverty and joblessness present a major roadblock to action on these issues that face the river. Athol and Orange, at the heart of the watershed, are two of the ten poorest communities in the state. Outside sources of project support remain essential; we are a money poor but people and natural resource rich region.

We maintain a core of active members who support river monitoring activities, restoration projects, and political action in support of appropriate development and clean water. Current Council board members serve on area town boards, regional watershed and land protection boards, and the State-wide watershed coalition. Our membership in the River Network Partnership is also very important; it provides us with national support and information. This wider look at watershed protection helps us define our vision for the future- we want to be able to share the lessons learned on the Millers with others and adopt strategies that others have found to be successful.

Our current mission is to continue to protect the watershed and the river and to restore its natural flows and biodiversity. Our newer vision is to work collaboratively with other organizations in the region to protect land, educate residents concerning river stewardship, and to continue our volunteer advocacy and monitoring efforts. We currently have a membership of 100 with 25 active volunteers.