DRBC Updates PCB and pH Water Quality Criteria for Delaware River and Bay

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) at its December 4, 2013 business meeting adopted updated water quality criteria for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Delaware Estuary and Bay and also for pH in interstate tidal and non-tidal reaches of the main stem Delaware River.

The updated PCB criteria for the protection of human health from carcinogenic effects is 16 picograms/liter. This number, based upon the most current methodology and scientific data available, is now a uniform value for the entire Delaware Estuary and Bay (DRBC Water Quality Zones 2-6). The criteria previously varied according to the water quality zone, differed from that of the basin states, and did not take into account site-specific data and current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) guidance on the development of human health criteria.

This update was originally proposed in 2009, but action was deferred pending further refinement of an implementation strategy to support achievement of the revised PCB water quality criteria. While comment on an updated implementation strategy was solicited simultaneously with the current PCB criteria revision, there was no planned commission action on the strategy.

The Delaware Estuary and Bay are considered impaired for PCBs, and the U.S. EPA has established total maximum daily loads (Stage I TMDLs) for these waterbodies. A TMDL expresses the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterway can receive and still attain water quality standards. With DRBC’s adoption of revised PCB criteria, it is anticipated that the U.S. EPA will establish new TMDLs (Stage 2 TMDLs) corresponding to the updated criteria. In the associated report announcing the Stage 2 TMDLs, the U.S. EPA will include the proposed implementation strategy as an appendix and will solicit comment on the report and strategy in 2014.

PCBs have been classified by the U.S. EPA as a probable human carcinogen. The U.S. banned the manufacture and general use of PCBs in the late 1970s, but not before 1.5 billion pounds of the substance was produced.

The updated PCB criteria was developed under the guidance of the commission’s Toxics Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives of the four basin states – Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania – and members of the academic, agricultural, public health, industrial and municipal sectors, and non-governmental environmental community. The rulemaking was noticed in the federal and state registers, with the full text of the proposed rule changes and related materials posted on the DRBC web site on August 1, 2013. A public hearing was held on September 10, with written comments accepted through September 20.

The commissioners at the December 4 meeting, which was held at the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, also adopted revised pH water quality criteria for the main stem Delaware River and tidal tributaries up to the head of tide. DRBC’s pH criteria have not been updated since being established in 1967. The old pH criteria were expressed as ranges and were different for the tidal (between 6.5 and 8.5) and non-tidal (between 6 and 8.5) river. The approved criteria range (between 6.5 and 8.5) is now uniform for the entire main stem Delaware (except towards natural conditions in certain sections of the river), minimizes regulatory inconsistencies between DRBC criteria and that of the basin states and the U.S. EPA, and better addresses natural pH cycles in the main stem Delaware River.

The revisions to the pH criteria were unanimously endorsed by the DRBC’s Water Quality Advisory Committee, comprised of regulators, municipal and industrial dischargers, academicians, and environmental organizations, which advises the commissioners on technical matters relating to water quality within the basin. The rulemaking was noticed in the federal and state registers, with the full text of the proposed rule changes and related materials posted on the DRBC web site on September 20, 2013. A public hearing was held on October 24, with written comments accepted through November 21.

Additional information is available on the commission’s web site at www.drbc.net.

The DRBC was formed by compact in 1961 through legislation signed into law by President John F. Kennedy and the governors of the four basin states with land draining to the Delaware River. The passage of this compact marked the first time in our nation’s history that the federal government and a group of states joined together as equal partners in a river basin planning, development, and regulatory agency.

At Fourth Annual Water Conference, Upper Delaware Is Judged Priceless

How much is the water of the Upper Delaware River worth?

It’s priceless, according to conservationists, business owners, flyfishers and government officials who participated in the fourth annual Water Water Everywhere conference, held last week near Hancock, NY.

About 100 people attended the two-day conference on Oct. 15 and 16 at the West Branch Angler & Resort. The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR), a watershed protection organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Upper Delaware River region.

The event is held each year to give river stakeholders and government officials the opportunity to get together and discuss the Delaware River, an invaluable natural resource asset that serves millions of residents from its headwaters in the Catskills 400 miles downstream to the Delaware Bay.

“Our job, and the purpose of this event, is to educate and engage river advocates on the benefits of what a healthy river system means to not only our community but to our friends who share the water that flows out of our region downstream to Delaware Bay and into the ocean,” said Jeff Skelding, Executive Director of FUDR.

The conference began with a report by Tom Shepstone, a Wayne County consultant and businessman, who produced a draft economic impact study on how protecting and restoring the Upper Delaware River coldwater fishery through improved water releases and other conservation efforts can benefit the regional economy.

A number of conference attendees, included many fishermen and women and fishing-related business owners, said the initial numbers attributed to various forms of river recreation appeared to undervalue the resource.

Shepstone said, "The numbers might seem a bit low and I may have missed a few things that need to be reconsidered. But the numbers I am presenting today are credible and very substantial to the local economy. This is only an initial draft and there is still more work to do."

Commissioner Robert Bachman of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said, “Our area is different in that the Delaware River is a world-class fly-fishing destination. We get anglers that come from all over the world for a week at a time to visit and spend money in the area. This is very different from the guy who just comes down for the day from Binghamton and whose major expense may only be fuel costs."

The conference included a presentation by several business owners from Hancock, NY who say they depend on visitors who are drawn to the region by the Upper Delaware River. They included Theresa Allen, who owns the Hancock, NY liquor store; brothers Sam and Matt Batschelet, owners of the West Branch Angler & Resort; Bart Larmouth, manager of the Delaware River Club, and Ben Rinker, owner of East Branch Outfitters.

Each told the same story: Their income flows from the river. When it is full of water, their tills are flush with cash. When water levels drop, so do revenues.

"Modern clients use modern methods of planning a trip to the region,” said Larmouth. “They go online to look at river conditions. If we have water, they come here. If we don’t, they go somewhere else."
Bachman and other participants agreed Shepstone’s numbers were a starting point for a long-overdue, credible economic impact study related to river usage.

The conference also included:

• A report by Mark Gutshall of Landstudies Inc. and Tracy Brown from Trout Unlimited about an ongoing FUDR-sponsored project to restore feeder streams in the Hancock area. Gutshall said, "To improve the health of our streams and rivers, we first need to look hard at historical land use. After we get this, we can go back and restore our waterways in a holistic manner that will not only help with flood mitigation but provide the habitat our wildlife needs to thrive. And it’s far more cost effective to protect streams before they become degraded rather than repairing them after the damage is done."

• A discussion on improving water release through an “Equitable Apportionment Plan” from the Catskills reservoirs, which provide drinking water to New York City, to better protect the cold water ecosystem that has allowed trout to thrive downstream of those reservoirs. Garth Pettinger, a New York Trout Unlimited representative and FUDR member, said the Croton Reservoir system in Westchester County will go back on line this fall after completion of a new filtration plant in the Bronx. Pettinger said that means the demand for Delaware River water should be reduced, which will allow improved management of the Catskills water without jeopardizing the drinking water needs of New York City residents.

• A report by Dr. Peter Kolesar, Professor Emeritus at Columbia University about a thermal relief plan to protect the fishery from periodic thermal stress during hot spells in the summer. Kolesar says a well-planned “pulse” releases built into the next water release management plan can maintain a water temperature target at key locations without impacting water delivery to New York City. Mark Hartle of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Fred Henson of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, who reviewed data compiled by Kolesar, agreed that pulse releases would have mitigated water temperatures spikes during heat waves the past two summers.

• Discussion about what hydraulic fracturing might mean to the region and its impacts on the Upper Delaware River. Paul Rush, Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, said his agency is determined to protect the city’s water supply from fracking. Rush said, “The risks are far too great.” Katy Dunlap of Trout Unlimited said her group does not oppose responsible drilling but opposes fracking in "special places" like the Delaware River Basin and the New York City watershed. FUDR Chairman Dan Plummer added, "FUDR feels the same way and would follow Trout Unlimited's lead on this."

• Kathy Moser, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Alan White, Executive Director of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development discussed the potential for a shift in emphasis by New York State from the Adirondacks to the Catskills. “The Catskills have been historically under-recognized by the state of New York in terms of resource allocation and political attention. We would welcome a new emphasis on the Catskills to boost the already significant economic and environmental contribution to the region and the state,” said White.

The Delaware River Basin Commission Publishes New Online Interactive Maps

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) is pleased to announce the release of two new interactive maps on its web site that allow the public to access select commission docket and permit holder information, as well as certain data from non-tidal Delaware River Basin water quality monitoring locations.

"The creation of these new interactive maps marks the completion of another step in a multi-phase technology upgrade, which is being undertaken to help DRBC become more transparent, efficient, and better able to share electronic information with the public," said DRBC Executive Director Carol R. Collier.

The docket and permit holder information map shows the location of projects having a current approval from DRBC or those currently engaged in the renewal process. When a project is selected on the map, a pop-up menu provides a list of key attributes and a link to view the DRBC approval document. Projects approved since January 1, 2005 are available for display on the map.

The water quality monitoring map provides the user with an image of the selected monitoring site (if available) and a link to view a time-series analysis of the monitored parameters. The currently available water quality data are specific conductance results from six real-time HOBO® monitors deployed in the upper Delaware River Basin and barium and strontium data for samples taken from various locations in the non-tidal watershed.

These maps were created using ESRI ArcGIS Online software. Utilizing this recently released software gives DRBC the ability to create and update the maps in-house at a significant cost savings.

The DRBC was formed by compact in 1961 through legislation signed into law by President John F. Kennedy and the governors of the four basin states with land draining to the Delaware River. The passage of this compact marked the first time in our nation's history that the federal government and a group of states joined together as equal partners in a river basin planning, development, and regulatory agency.

Visit http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/programs/natural/baseline-monitoring.html to access the new interactive maps.

Innovative Floodplain Restoration Project Wins National StormTV Competition

Video Featuring Landis Homes Floodplain Restoration Project featured during WEF’s Stormwater Congress award ceremony

LandStudies, Inc. (LSI), a Lititz based environmental planning and restoration firm, announced today that it won first place in the Water Environment Federation (WEF)’s second annual StormTV Project video competition. This is the same firm that is curently working on the Sands Creek Habitat Restoration Project with Friends of the Upper Delaware River. Sands Creek is a major trout spawning tributary on the West Branch of the Delaware River.

LandStudies received the award in the “for-profit” projects category for their “Landis Homes Restoration” video which highlights an innovative floodplain restoration project. The winning video from LSI was featured during the Stormwater Congress award ceremony at the 86th Annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and conference in Chicago, IL on October 5-7.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF)’s second annual StormTV Project is a competition for videos that feature innovative stormwater programs and projects from around the country with the goal to share creative ways of managing stormwater, improving water quality, and informing the public of current issues related to water quality, stormwater runoff, and management.

WEF collected 75 stormwater videos, amounting to hours of content covering a broad range of stormwater topics from green infrastructure design to youth education programs to stream restoration. Videos were submitted by organizations, government entities, consulting firms, and equipment manufacturers nationwide. Submitted videos were reviewed by twenty judges from the WEF’s stormwater and watershed committees and received scores based on the following criteria: innovation, communication of the message, visual appeal and quality, and content matter and relevance.

The “Landis Homes Restoration” video features Landis Homes Retirement Community’s Manheim Township campus, which is home for 700+ residents living in cottages, apartments, suites, and personal care and healthcare facilities. With stewardship as a guiding principal of the retirement community, the primary goal of this restoration project was to vastly improve stream function and the site’s ecological biodiversity while making efficient use of the land. The 6.5 acre floodplain restoration project completed in spring 2013 was designed and constructed by LandStudies. The restoration included 3,100 linear feet of Kurtz Run and the removal of a sediment filled pond along with the removal of approximately three feet of legacy sediment. The resulting nutrient and sediment load reductions will improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, the project reduces stream bank erosion and promotes infiltration and filtration of runoff resulting in water quality benefits. The project has received widespread recognition for its innovation and ecological benefits.

About Land Studies
Land Studies, Inc. is an environmental planning and restoration firm serving the mid-Atlantic region for over 25 years. They work on the belief that understanding and working with natural systems, instead of artificially controlling them, provides consistently superior, more stable, and longer lasting results. They offer a refreshing approach to conventional site design while balancing stewardship with practicality. Learn more at: www.landstudies.com

Photos of Nature in the Upper Delaware Watershed

Photos of Nature in the Upper Delaware Watershed is a photo contest sponsored by the Upper Delaware Bioblitz. This contest is easy to enter and is open for entries up to May 1, 2104. 

To place your entry just click on this link to their Facebook page, Photos of Nature in the Upper Delaware Watershed, like the page, and post your photo of an Upper Delaware River Valley scene on their timeline. Winners in several categories will be announced at the 2014 BioBlitz. To learn more about these two programs visit their web pages highlighted above.

The BioBlitz was a pretty cool event that took place this summer that documented 1,024 different species of plants, insects and animals during a 24 hour period. Check out their website for the details http://upperdelawarebioblitz.com/

New Your City's Reservoir Release Web Page

New York City has recently added a web page to their Department of Environmental Protection website that gives the current water releases from their reservoirs.  The water release numbers are given in mgd (million gallons per day). Many of us are more familiar with the cfs (cubic feet per second) as it applies, and looks to the rivers of the Delaware River system. The conversion isn't that difficult. 1 mgd = 1.547 cfs. A sharp pencil or a pocket calculator will quickly make the conversion.

Why New York City chooses to give the mgd release rate instead of the cfs rate is anyone's guess considering the water management plan and the US Supreme Court Decree governing the management of the river so often refer to cfs. My guess is mgd looks more impressive and gives the appearance that the city is giving up more water to the four down basin states, and the health of the upper river, than they actually are.

To put it visually, if you had a cube that was 51.1 feet on each side it would hold a million gallons of water. 100 mgd would be 100 of these cubes. Another way to look at it is one millions gallons of water at one foot deep would cover 3.07 acres.

To see the current release rates from NYC reservoirs follow this link: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/drinking_water/release_channel_levels.shtml

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Will Be Looking For a New Executive Director

Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Executive Director Carol R. Collier today announced that she will be retiring on March 12, 2014. The public was informed during the executive director’s report presented at the commission’s business meeting, which was held at the Mount Laurel Campus of Burlington County College.

“I have served as executive director for 15 years and believe that is long enough for the good of the person and the position,” Collier said. “It has truly been an honor to serve the basin community.”

“Throughout my travels, I have witnessed firsthand that DRBC is seen as the model for effective trans-boundary water management around the world,” Collier added.

Ms. Collier was sworn in as the commission’s third executive director on August 31, 1998, becoming the first woman to head an interstate-federal compact agency. The first challenge facing her was a multi-year drought which started very soon after she began her DRBC duties.

Reporting to and carrying out the policy directions of the four basin states and the federal government which comprise the DRBC, Collier managed the commission’s professional staff consisting of 39 full-time employees. During her 15-year tenure, the list of notable accomplishments achieved by the DRBC included the following:

·         Expanded coverage of the commission’s Special Protection Waters (SPW) regulations by permanently adding the 76-mile-long stretch of the Lower Delaware. SPW designation, intended to “Keeping the Clean Water Clean,” now includes the entire non-tidal Delaware River from Hancock, N.Y. south to Trenton, N.J.

·         Led efforts to develop the technical basis for PCB total maximum daily loads (TMDLs or “pollution budgets”) in the tidal Delaware River/Bay along with the implementation strategy to address point (end-of-pipe) and non-point (runoff) sources of PCBs in this 133-mile-long stretch of water. These efforts included the rule establishing innovative pollutant minimization plan (PMP) requirements, which led to the top ten dischargers that once contributed 90% of the point source PCB loadings into the estuary reducing their loadings by 46% since 2005.

·         Completed the Water Resources Plan for the Delaware River Basin in 2004. The “basin plan” is a 30-year goal-based framework that serves as a guide for all governmental and non-governmental stakeholders whose actions affect water resources in the basin.

·         Issued “State of the Basin” reports in 2008 and 2013, which describe current conditions and provide a platform for measuring and reporting future progress.

·         Ten months after the Delaware River Basin Interstate Flood Mitigation Task Force was convened by DRBC staff at the direction of the basin state governors, an action agenda with 45 recommendations for a more proactive, sustainable, and systematic approach to flood damage reduction was presented to the governors in July 2007. The task force was formed following three Delaware River floods that occurred between September 2004 and June 2006.

·         Building upon its previous water conservation program accomplishments, the DRBC in 2009 implemented a new water audit approach to identify and control water loss.

A common thread that ran throughout Collier’s years as executive director is a belief that DRBC be viewed as having an open mind and an open-door policy. She has been dedicated to finding ways to engage stakeholders and other interested persons in basin issues and problem-solving efforts.

“Before I retire in six months, my hope is that the DRBC will be able to complete a number of actions,” Collier said. “These include adoption of the PCB standard and implementation strategy for the Delaware Estuary, progress toward a one discharge permit program, reinstatement of fair share funding from the federal government and New York State, and defining a strategy for natural gas in the basin.”

“It will be most difficult leaving the incredible DRBC staff members,” Collier added. “They are the most competent and dedicated people I have ever worked with.”

Prior to taking the top staff position with DRBC, Collier served as executive director for Pennsylvania’s 21^st Century Environment Commission at the request of Governor Tom Ridge and was regional director of the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection Southeast Region. Collier also worked 19 years with BCM Environmental Engineers, Inc., where she advanced to the position of Vice President of Environmental Planning, Science, and Risk.

Ms. Collier is currently the national president of the American Water Resources Association, a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of water resources management, research, and education.

Information about the search for a new executive director will be posted on the commission’s web site at www.drbc.net as soon as it becomes available.

The DRBC is a federal/interstate government agency responsible for managing the water resources within the 13,539 square-mile Delaware River Basin without regard to political boundaries. The five commission members are the governors of the basin states (Del., N.J., N.Y., and Pa.) and the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ North Atlantic Division, who represents the federal government.

Public Listening Sessions on the Flexible Flow Management Program (FFMP) for the Delaware River

The State of Delaware, the State of New Jersey, the State of New York, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of New York announce two upcoming FFMP Listening Sessions that are intended to solicit feedback on the FFMP from a broad cross section of interested parties. Feedback accepted will be limited to FFMP-related issues only; comments on other topics or programs will not be accepted at these sessions. Specifically, the Decree Parties invite input on the following topics addressed by the FFMP:

1. Flood Mitigation under the FFMP
2. Aquatic Life and Ecosystems under the FFMP
3. Water Supply Obligations and Reliability
4. Recreational Use
5. Other Topics addressed by the FFMP.

The Listening Sessions will be held at two locations (see below) in the Delaware River Basin. The program at each location will consist of a brief overview of the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree, and the roles and responsibilities of the Decree Party Principals, the Delaware River Master, and the Delaware River Basin Commission. Each session will be 80 minutes in length. The venues for the Listening Sessions are as follows:

Upper Basin Loch Sheldrake, NY Tuesday October 1, 2013	Middle Basin Easton, PA Wednesday October 2, 2013
3 p.m.—5 p.m. and 6 p.m.—8 p.m. Sullivan County Community College (SUNY Sullivan) Seelig Theater 112 College Road Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759	3 p.m.—5 p.m. and 6 p.m.—8 p.m. The Nurture Nature Center 518 Northampton Street Easton, Pennsylvania 18042
*There will be a total of four listening sessions -- two at each meeting location. At each location, one session will be in the afternoon and one will be in the early evening.

Individuals who have registered in advance of the Listening Sessions will speak first, in the order of their registration receipt. Individuals or their representatives who wish to speak must do so in person. Written comments may be submitted in person during the Listening Sessions. Additional information on Listening Session format and procedures is posted on the River Master's web site at http://water.usgs.gov/osw/odrm/index.html
Individuals who wish to speak can register by completing the online form posted on the Delaware River Master's web site at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Lrn7yAkG1dkeqmoxq22tUunjE2At5jD26_JBQAHwXTw/viewform

Shehawken Access on the West Branch Repaired and Open

The Shehawken Access on the West Branch of the Delaware river is repaired and open for use.

The access was severely damaged from flooding during June when Shehawken Creek, which runs adjacent to the access, overflowed its banks and took much of the access road and parking area with it. Efforts by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission resulted in the quick opening of the popular access area.

View from the river of repairs being made to Shehawken

During Shehawken's closure, an access at the Route 191 bridge in the Village of Hancock, NY was repaired and put to use.

Licensed Fishing Guides for the Upper Delaware River

Is Your Upper Delaware River Fishing Guide Legit?

When you hire a guide on the Upper Delaware or anywhere else, don't make assumptions, check to see if your guide is licensed.

On the Upper Delaware guides are required to be licensed by up to three entities. On water that is 100% in NY, a NY guide license. On the border water of the West Branch, both NY & PA licenses are needed & on the main river a National Park Service license is required too.

NY State Guide Licenses can be checked here:  http://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/DECLicensedGuide/index.cfm

PA Licensed Guides List: http://fishandboat.com/chboat.htm

National Park Service/Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River: http://www.nps.gov/upde/planyourvisit/fishingguides.htm

Friends of the Upper Delaware River Hire Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) is proud to announce the hiring of Mr. Jeff Skelding as their first Executive Director.

Mr. Skelding comes to FUDR after most recently serving as the director of the Healing Our Waters — Great Lakes Coalition. No stranger to the environmental movement, he has spent decades working in various positions in the National Wildlife Federation and others.

“We are excited to have Jeff on board to help the protection and enhancement of the Upper Delaware community reach the next level,” stated Dr. Peter C. Bousum, Secretary of the Board of FUDR.

Dan Plummer, Board Chairman, added, “The mission of FUDR is to protect, preserve and enhance the ecosystem and cold-water fishery of the Upper Delaware River System and to address any environmental threats to our area for the benefit of local communities, residents and visitors to the region. We see Jeff Skelding as the right man for the challenges we face”

Mr.Skelding summed up his feelings about his new position, “To say I feel fortunate for the opportunity to serve as the first Executive Director for the Friends of the Upper Delaware River would be a tremendous understatement. As an avid fly fisherman and long time conservation professional, combining two of
my life’s passions is more like a dream come true. I have the privilege of working to protect and restore the river where I spent my entire childhood. My experiences growing up on the banks of the Delaware in southeast Pennsylvania played a vital role in shaping my future as a full time conservation professional.. Little did I know I would have a chance to help lead a committed and dedicated organization comprised of people who love this river as much as I do. Comprehensive watershed protection must address a mosaic of often complex economic, social, cultural and ecological considerations. That’s hard work. But with increasing frequency, this integrated approach is producing results across the country that benefit people, communities, wildlife, and water quality. With your help, I look forward to putting this agenda into action.”

Learn more about Friends of the Upper Delaware River by visiting http://fudr.org/

Friends of the Upper Delaware River is a non-profit corporation and the leading organization in working for the cold water ecosystem of the Upper Delaware River System. Our Mission is to protect, preserve and enhance the ecosystem and cold-water fishery of the Upper Delaware River System and to address any environmental threats to our area for the benefit of local communities, residents and visitors to the region.

West Branch Delaware River Access Re-Opened

 This just in from Friends of the Upper Delaware River:

Temporary repairs are complete at Balls Eddy access and it's now open. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has advised to use caution when using this site. This access will be permanently repaired in approximately 4 weeks.
 
The Shehawken Access repair should be completed in approximately 6 weeks.


Thanks,

Jeff Skelding, Executive Director

skelding@fudr.org

We need your help - to become an FUDR member, renew your membership, or make a donation, go to www.fudr.org

Upper Delaware Council Seeks 5K Sponsors

Businesses and individuals interested in becoming sponsors of the Upper Delaware Council’s bi-state “Strides Across the Delaware” 5K Run/Walk to be held on Sept. 28 are asked to pledge their monetary donations, gift bag items, or raffle prizes by Sept. 1st.

The UDC is organizing this professionally-timed 5K event which starts and ends in Equinunk, PA to celebrate the non-profit river conservation organization’s 25th anniversary in 2013.

Participation is only $15 for those signing up by Sept. 15. Register online through a link provided at www.upperdelawarecouncil.org or contact the UDC office at (845) 252-3022 or info@upperdelawarecouncil.org to request a registration form.

The starting gun for “Strides Across the Delaware” will fire at 9 a.m. Sept. 28 on PA State Road 1023 near the Equinunk United Methodist Church. The course crosses the interstate bridge into Lordville, NY for a short loop down the Town of Hancock’s Bouchouxville Road before returning to the finish line.

Commemorative t-shirts and gift bags are guaranteed to the first 100 participants. An awards ceremony will take place immediately after the event to bestow prizes to the top runners and walkers in gender and age categories. The Equinunk Watershed Alliance will provide food and beverages.

The UDC is offering the following incentives for sponsorship levels:

$50 Sponsor – entitled to provide a promotional item, business coupon, or brochure for the participant gift bags;
$100 Sponsor – above benefit, plus a listing on all 5K event publicity materials, including news releases, the www.upperdelawarecouncil.org website, and “The Upper Delaware” newsletter;
$250 Sponsor – all above benefits, plus a business name or individual sponsor listing on the event t-shirt; and
$500 or Higher Sponsor – all above benefits, plus a prominent placement of the business name with an optional logo on the event t-shirt.

Goods and services including print and broadcast advertisements, t-shirt printing, professional photography, portable toilet rentals, engraved awards, a portable public address system, cloth or plastic handle bags, bottled water, fruit, snack items, and raffle prizes are also welcome.

Event sponsors or contributors to date include the Equinunk Watershed Alliance of Equinunk, PA; Joe Hunt & Associates, Inc. of Montrose, PA; Wayne Bank of Honesdale, PA; Café Devine of Callicoon, NY; and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of Moosic, PA.

To arrange donations, please contact UDC 5K Coordinator Travis O’Dell at P.O. Box 192, 211 Bridge St., Narrowsburg, NY 12764, (845) 252-3022 or udctravis@frontier.com.

After Pleas by Conservation Groups, More Cold Water for Upper Delaware

After pleas by sportsmen and conservation groups, the Upper Delaware River got a much-needed pulse of cold water beginning Wednesday morning to refresh the fragile ecosystem during a stretch of above-average temperatures.

The Delaware Watershed Conservation Coalition appealed this week to state conservation agencies in Pennsylvania and New York after daytime water temperatures approached 75 degrees at Lordville, N.Y., endangering aquatic life in the cold water ecosystem of the upper Delaware River.

In response, consultations among the multi-state government agencies involved in Delaware River water management led to a decision to increase the release of cold dam water from 600 to 900 cubic feet per second over a 48-hour period.

“We’re grateful that the governing agencies and key personnel that oversee the river responded to our concerns, particularly Leroy Young at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, who initiated the formal request for more cold water, and Paul Rush at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, who spearheaded the multi-state cooperation necessary for approval,” said Jeff Skelding, executive director of Friends of the Upper Delaware River.

The conservation coalition noted that the reservoirs contained ample supplies of water that could have been released before the hot weather descended on the region.

“The frustrating part is that there is plenty of cold water available, and it should have been released prior to air temperatures reaching 90-plus degrees,” said Lee Hartman of the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. “On Tuesday, the Cannonsville and Pepacton reservoirs were each at 96 percent of capacity, well above average for mid-July.”

This isn’t the first time severely hot weather has threatened the unique cold water ecosystem of the Upper Delaware River. Similar situations have occurred in past summers. “While we’re pleased that the water agencies responded the way they did, this is still a good news-bad news story” said Dan Plummer, chairman of Friends of the Upper Delaware River. “We shouldn’t have to scramble for cold water at the 11th hour every time it gets hot.”

For years, conservation groups have encouraged the water agencies to devise a plan for systematic releases during the inevitable summer stretches when air and water temperatures rise.

"The economic health of our communities and the region is inextricably linked to the quality of this magnificent river resource,” said Ron Urban, president of the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited. “This won't be the last time the river will face the threat of extended periods of hot weather. The long-term solution is a heat relief program with releases tied to temperature triggers and habitat sustainability.”

Volunteers Sought in Delaware River Basin for Stream and River Monitoring

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is actively recruiting citizen scientists to collect biological samples from streams and rivers in the Genesee, Delaware, Hudson, and Mohawk River watersheds as part of the Wadeable Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE) project to assess water quality.

WAVE data are used to augment the work of the DEC Stream Biomonitoring Unit, which samples streams and rivers across the state to create an inventory of stream water quality. Citizen Monitors will provide valuable information to assist in identifying healthy stream sites and flagging sites that potentially have water quality concerns. These data are included in federal and state water quality reports and help to target professional assessments and local restoration efforts where they are most needed.

Trained citizen monitors will visit streams between July and September to collect and identify insects and other small organisms (macroinvertebrates) from the rocks and rubble on the stream bottom, and preserve one example of each organism for identification by the WAVE Coordinator. If six or more of the "Most Wanted" organisms are found, the stream segment is assessed as having no known impacts and fully supporting aquatic life. If mostly "Least Wanted" organisms are found, then the stream segment will be flagged for possible investigation by professionals.

Training sessions are scheduled for July and August at locations in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County (July 15, August 7, August 21), Bainbridge, Chenango County (July 16, August 20), Port Jervis, Orange County (July 17, August 6), Angelica, Allegany County(July 29, August 13), Castile, Wyoming County (July 30, September 5), and Scottsville, Monroe County (August 12, September 4). For more information or to register for a training session, visit the DEC website.

Field & Stream Magazine Recognizes Friends of the Upper Delaware River For River Project

Field & Stream, the world’s leading outdoor magazine, has endorsed a river access project on the West Branch of the Delaware River.

The magazine gave Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) its “Hero for a Day” award in connection with the project to improve public access to the river and create a park.

Last year, a local landowner donated more than 350’ of riverfront property at 24 Laurel Ave. in Deposit to FUDR, a nonprofit conservation group. FUDR has worked to improve habitat and create parking at the site, providing new access to the river for trout fishermen, birdwatchers, and the community.

On Saturday, June 1, volunteers helped clear paths from the newly graveled parking area to the river, install guardrails, and help construct a handicap-accessible platform at the site.

FUDR Chairman Dan Plummer said a number of businesses donated time and work to the project. They include Watson Engineering of Owego, Catskill Region Surveying Services of Fleischmanns, and Wheeler Excavating of Deposit. Kelly Gutshall of Landstudies Inc. of Lititz, Penn., designed the park.

Many volunteers turned out to help, including several Trout Unlimited chapters, Theodore Gordon Flyfishers and staffers from local restaurants. The Koo Koose, a Deposit restaurant owned by Steve Lutz, donated lunch for the volunteers.

FUDR Offers Help, Urges Quick Repairs For Flood-Damaged PA Boat Launches

Hancock, N.Y.—Two busy boat launches on the West Branch of the Delaware River are closed after sustaining heavy damage during flooding in late June, and a river advocacy group is urging government officials to repair and reopen the sites as quickly as possible.

The public access sites on the Pennsylvania side of the river at Shehawken and Balls Eddy were damaged by flooding from recent relentless rains, including as much as 5 inches in some locales during a deluge on June 27 and 28.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission closed the sites due to the damage to both the parking areas and launch ramps. Friends of the Upper Delaware River has asked the agency to make their restoration a priority.

"These sites are critically important for public access and to the local economy,” said Jeff Skelding, executive director of FUDR, a nonprofit conservation group that acts as a river watchdog. “We need these access sites repaired quickly, and FUDR has already offered our assistance to Pennsylvania authorities.”

The access points offer parking for both boaters and wading fishermen. They are used frequently by the many commercial guide services that operate in the area, attracting tourists who frequent local restaurants and motels.

The Balls Eddy access ramp is located off Penn-York Road just north of Starlight, Penn. The Shehawken access is across the river from Hancock at the intersection of Pennsylvania routes 191 and 370. Shehawken is just upstream from the famous Junction Pool, where the West Branch joins the East Branch to form the Main Stem of the Delaware River.

FUDR has assisted in several Delaware River repair projects in recent years, and it is the sponsor of ongoing stream restoration projects near Hancock. 

“These sorts of storms are happening with increasing frequency and intensity,” said Skelding. “The recent damage at Balls Eddy and Shehawken illustrates the importance of protecting and restoring our streams and rivers. Smart repairs to these sites and a preventative approach to river management upstream can mitigate damage in the inevitable future flood events."

Friends of the Upper Delaware River Establish New Riverside Park

Friends of the Upper Delaware River Partners with Deposit, NY
To Establish New Riverside Park

A crew of more than 60 volunteers turned out on June 1 to help create the new Friends of the Upper Delaware River Park on the West Branch in Deposit.

The volunteers, including members of Future Farmers of America from Walton Central School and other students from Sidney, removed debris and deadwood, cleared vegetation and broke trails at the site, which runs along 350 feet of riverfront on Laurel Avenue in the village.

A local landowner who wanted to open the spot up for public enjoyment donated the property to FUDR, a nonprofit conservation group. When completed, the park will include hiking trails, picnic tables, benches and a viewing platform that will provide access for the physically challenged.

FUDR Park will provide a new access point to the river for trout fishermen, birdwatchers and others, said Jeff Skelding, executive director of Friends of the Upper Delaware River.

“River access is desperately needed in the Upper Delaware River system,” Skelding said. “The best way to educate people about the importance of this river is to give them a bird’s eye view of its beauty. The river not only provides a variety of recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, hiking and bird-watching. It also contributes to the economic vitality of Delaware County, attracting tens of thousands visitors each year.”

The volunteers included a number of Deposit residents as well as members of Trout Unlimited , Theodore Gordon Flyfishers and the Wild Trout Flyrodders.

“Special thanks go to Deposit Mayor John O’Connor,” said Dan Plummer, FUDR’s board chairman. “He was the first guy to arrive and the last to leave.”

The riverside transformation attracted the attention of Field & Stream magazine, which selected the Deposit project and Friends of the Upper Delaware River for its “Hero for a Day” conservation program. A film crew from the magazine spent the day documenting the work of the conservation volunteers.

Plummer said a number of local and regional businesses donated materials and services, and others donated lunch for the volunteers. Participating businesses included BC Pizza & More, Butterfields Café and Koo Koose Grille, all of Deposit; the Bluestone Grill of Hancock; Catskill Region Surveying Services of Fleischmanns; Landstudies Inc. of Lititz, Penn.; Schaefer Enterprises of Deposit; Watson Engineering of Owego; Wheeler Excavating of Deposit, and Wist Lumber of Deposit.

“I want to especially recognize Wheeler Excavating,” said Plummer. “Even though Donny Wheeler says he is ‘not feeling 100 percent these days,’ he stepped up to help get the park ready for use. Donny sent his grandson Steve Deinhard to do the heavy lifting this project needed to get off the ground.”

Upper Delaware Council Names 2013 Honorees

The Upper Delaware Council, Inc. (UDC) will honor those that have enhanced the quality of life or protected the resources of the Upper Delaware River Valley at its 25th Annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 28.

Reservations at $27 per person are due by April 19 for the banquet that will take place at The Lackawaxen Inn, 188 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen, PA. Seating is open.

A reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar begins at 3 p.m., during which guests may view a UDC silver anniversary photo retrospective on loop.

A hearty buffet dinner served at 4 p.m. will include roast beef and turkey carving stations, chicken marsala, lemon pepper filet of sole, garlic mussels, pork loin with mushroom gravy, baked penne, meatballs in marinara sauce, sausage & peppers, a variety of potatoes, vegetables, salads, breads, and desserts, including a 25th anniversary cake.

Historian George J. Fluhr of Shohola, PA will offer an address, “UDC: A Quarter-Century of Partnership”, at 5 p.m. prior to the presentation of awards. There will also be special greetings and a souvenir item offered to commemorate the 25-year milestone.

The UDC will honor the following recipients of 10 awards:

Distinguished Service Award – Dr. Peter Kolesar (Yulan, NY) and James A. Serio (Hancock, NY), for their volunteer research and advocacy to develop a protocol for increased coldwater releases to improve the habitat for Upper Delaware River fisheries.

Partnership Award – Water Safety Campaign for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, coordinated by the National Park Service, National Canoe Safety Patrol, and Stuart Communications of Narrowsburg, NY as a multi-faceted initiative started in 2012 to eliminate or reduce river fatalities.

Recreation Achievement Award – Trailkeeper.org and “Take a Hike!” Trails of the Upper Delaware River Valley” projects, for developing new resources to facilitate and promote hiking as a public recreational activity.

Community Service Award – Delaware River Youth Education Program by the Hancock Community Education Foundation, for educating 5th-9th graders on environmental issues that affect natural resources in the Upper Delaware River Valley to foster a conservation ethic.

Cultural Achievement Award – Sullivan County Historical Society and the Sullivan County Division of Public Works’ Department of Parks, Recreation & Beautification, for sponsoring annual commemorations of the Revolutionary War 1779 Battle of Minisink at Sullivan County’s Minisink Battleground Park in Minisink Ford.

Volunteer Award – Jerold Yavarkovsky of Lake Huntington, NY, for selfless service to the Town of Cochecton’s Zoning Board of Appeals, Cochecton Youth Commission, Cochecton Preservation Society, literacy and academic causes, and other good works.

Special Recognition Awards (3) – Susan Beecher of Milford, PA for her outstanding contributions to Pike County, PA as manager/director of the Pike County Conservation District from 1989-2012; Gary Letcher of Ashton, MD, for releasing a revamped, third edition of his indispensable book, “A Paddler’s Guide to the Delaware River”, in February of 2012; and David B. Soete of Honesdale, PA, for his dedication to the Upper Delaware Council as senior resource specialist from 1989-2012 and ongoing photography contributions.

Oaken Gavel Award – Nadia Rajsz, supervisor of the Town of Lumberland, NY, for her leadership and service as Upper Delaware Council chairperson in 2012.

All are welcome. A downloadable reservation form is available at www.upperdelawarecouncil.org.

Those who are unable to attend but would like to support the non-profit UDC’s river conservation efforts and help offset costs of this banquet are encouraged to become sponsors at $25.

Sponsors will be recognized in the banquet program and in the UDC’s Fall/Winter 2013 newsletter issue, “The Upper Delaware”. Please submit a $25 donation by check payable to “UDC” or cash by April 19.

For more information, please contact the Upper Delaware Council at P.O. Box 192, 211 Bridge St., Narrowsburg, NY 12764; phone (845) 252-3022; e-mail info@upperdelawarecouncil.org.

One Bug on the Upper Delaware River

April 26th through 28th, 2013 marks the dates of the 6th Annual One Bug fly fishing tournament put on by the Friends of the Upper Delaware River as a fund raiser to benefit the river system.

To date, this event has funded spawning tributary restoration and several bank stabilization projects on the system. Please come out and have a good time and join with friends to  protect, preserve and enhance the ecosystem and cold-water fishery of the Upper Delaware River System and to address any environmental threats to our area for the benefit of local communities, residents and visitors to the region. 

Check out http://fudr.org/ for more information.

11 REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN

Legislation makes habitat, water quality and flood control improvements

WASHINGTON — A group of 11 bipartisan representatives from Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey today introduced legislation to improve restoration and conservation efforts in the Delaware River Basin. With competitive grants to incentivize public-private partnerships and improved coordination among stakeholders, the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act will improve habitat, water quality and flood control for fish, wildlife and people. 

Despite its estimated $26 billion economic impact on the region annually, Delaware River restoration efforts receive very limited federal resources compared to similar watersheds across the country. The legislation creates the Delaware River Restoration Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and authorizes a competitive grant program and technical assistance to leverage federal resources available to the basin. 

Grant applications that demonstrate collaboration between organizations, universities, and governments will be more likely to receive funding. The federal share of the cost of a project can be no more than 50 percent, incentivizing applicants to seek out significant private investment to match the federal commitment. 

The legislation will not add to the current budget deficit, as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will use its existing budget to implement the provisions of the legislation. 

The following members of Congress signed onto the bill as original co-sponsors: 

      · Representative John Carney (D-DE)

· Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
· Representative Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ)
· Representative Rob Andrews (D-NJ)
· Representative Chris Gibson (R-NY)
· Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ)
· Representative Pat Meehan (R-PA)
· Representative Jon Runyan (R-NJ)
· Representative Allyson Schwartz (D-PA)
· Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA)
· Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA)

“Since our state sits at the mouth of the Delaware River, we are highly invested in the overall health of the basin, which provides our region with an abundance of resources, from drinking water to wildlife,” said Congressman John Carney (D-DE). “Doing what we can to conserve and restore the basin is not just the right thing to do environmentally -- but also economically. This legislation will help government, nonprofit groups, and private industry work cohesively to preserve the vibrancy of the Delaware River Basin for future generations.” 

“Although organizations like the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and the Delaware River Basin Commission are successful in their respective efforts, existing programs have limited resources to fully address the habitat, recreation, and water-related challenges in the entire Basin in a fully coordinated manner,” said Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA). “This legislation will enable the Delaware River Basin to compete for federal support on the same level as the other major watersheds around the country and get all the relevant agencies and organizations working together to keep the river clean.” 

“The Delaware River Basin has a positive economic, environmental and public health impact in South Jersey and communities across the Northeast. Our actions today seek to protect this natural resource and ensure a coordinated strategy for its long-term prosperity. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this critical legislation,” said Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ). 

“The Delaware River Basin is a vital resource for jobs and economic growth in our region and it must be protected,” said Congressman Rob Andrews (D-NJ). “By boosting state, federal and local efforts to enhance our river basin, there will be more demand for recreational use of our waterway, which will attract new economic development and demand for jobs in our region. This is truly a win-win that I am proud to sponsor.” 

“A coordinated strategy for protecting and restoring the Delaware River Basin will bring real and lasting benefits to the Basin's aquatic, bird, and wildlife populations, as well as the more than 15 million people who rely on the watershed for drinking water,” said Kim Beidler, Project Coordinator for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. “The members of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed would like to thank the legislators who are sponsoring this vital piece of legislation that will help secure the future of the Delaware River Basin, from its headwaters in pristine Catskills forests to its mouth at the Delaware Bay, and all of the habitats and landscapes in between.” 

“The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act will protect and restore waterfowl habitat, improve water quality, and enhance recreational opportunities for people who love the outdoors,” said Bernie Marczyk, Director of Conservation Programs for Ducks Unlimited. “Ducks Unlimited looks forward to implementing this legislation by building on our wetland restoration successes that have resulted in the conservation of more than 98,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We will work with our federal, state, local, and non-profit partners to ensure future generations enjoy the valuable natural resources of the Delaware River Basin.” 

“A healthy Delaware River and Bay gives us clean drinking water, as well as fish, oysters and horseshoe crabs that provide tremendous economic value to our region,” says Jennifer Adkins, Executive Director of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, A National Estuary Program. “To keep it healthy, we need smart investments in forests, wetlands, and communities, from headwaters to ocean – that’s what the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act seeks to provide.” 

“Having 210 years of history in Wilmington, Delaware, DuPont is heavily invested in the health of the Delaware Estuary. We are already actively engaged through our 'Clear into the Future' community-based program in the estuary,” said Michael Parr, Senior Government Affairs Manager from DuPont. “The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act will be a big step forward by coordinating existing programs and resources, which will benefit the overall watershed and the Delaware Estuary. DuPont welcomes the opportunity to work with other partners to advance the health of the watershed and the estuary in a coordinated fashion.”

“Philadelphia Water has been a participant of coordinated source water protection efforts in the Schuylkill River; establishing a similar program for the Delaware watershed would be great for protecting water supply and citizens' health,” said Kelly Anderson, Manager of Philadelphia Waters Source Water Protection Program.

Alleviating Thermal Stress on the Upper Delaware

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) will hold the next monthly meeting of its Water Use/Resource Management Committee (WU/RM) on Tuesday, February 19, at 7 p.m. at the UDC office, 211 Bridge St., Narrowsburg, NY.

Dr. Peter Kolesar and Jim Serio will offer a Power Point presentation on “Alleviating Thermal Stress on the Upper Delaware” at the beginning of the meeting.

The agenda will include new and old business, updates on ongoing projects, reports of recent meetings, and notices of upcoming events.

All committee meetings are open to the public. For further information, call the UDC office at (845) 252-3022 or visit www.upperdelawarecouncil.org.

Upper Delaware Council Elects 2013 Officers

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) board elected Damascus Township, PA Representative Jeffrey R. Dexter as its 2013 chairperson at the non-profit organization’s annual meeting held January 3 in Narrowsburg.

A swearing-in ceremony and public reception will take place at the Feb. 7 UDC meeting, at which time Chairperson Dexter; Vice-Chairperson Andrew Boyar, Town of Highland, NY; and Secretary-Treasurer John B. Niflot, Town of Fremont, NY, will take their oaths of office.

Jeff Dexter began his Council service in January 2010 as a first alternate before he assumed the role of Damascus’s UDC representative two years later. He was elected as the UDC’s vice-chair in 2012.

As chairman of the Damascus Township Board of Supervisors on which he has served since 2006, Dexter was influential in the Wayne County municipality’s vote on July 21, 2008 to join the Upper Delaware Council.

The 63-year-old Cochecton, NY native graduated from Narrowsburg Central School in 1967 and earned a 1971 Bachelor’s degree in Resources Management from the College of Forestry at Syracuse University, including one year of study at SUNY Alfred Agriculture and Technical College.

Retired after 33 years working in the Arizona State Parks System, Dexter is the Volunteers-in-Mission Team Leader for disaster recovery projects through the Damascus Methodist Church, the sponsor’s representative to the Northeast Council of the Boy Scouts of America for Troop 122 in Damascus, a member of the Penn State Extension Agricultural Board for Wayne County, is active with the Damascus Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and belongs to numerous local historical societies.

Jeff and his wife, Linda, are the parents of three children, Bethany, Jonathan, and Kari. The couple resides in a log home they built in Damascus.

2013 UDC Vice-chair “Andy” Boyar re-joined the board in January 2010 after becoming his town’s first representative from March 15, 1990 when the Town of Highland joined the Council under his leadership as town supervisor, through the UDC alternate representative positions he held from 1991 to 1993.

Boyar was re-elected as Highland’s town supervisor in 2010 after having previously held that office for 13 years starting in 1981. He is a former chairman of the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors.

In addition to being a member of the UDC’s Water Use/Resource Management Committee, the Eldred resident currently serves as president of the Trout Unlimited Upper Delaware Chapter; trustee and officer for the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum; and is a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers and Ducks Unlimited.

“Jack” Niflot was elected as 2013 UDC secretary-treasurer for his 12th, non-consecutive term. He filled the position from 1997-99 and 2005-2012. Niflot was first appointed to the UDC as an alternate in 1994 and became the town’s representative in 1997.

The Mileses resident has served as a councilman on the Fremont Town Board since 1994.

Niflot is a founder, the current president, and newsletter editor of the Basket Historical Society of the Upper Delaware Valley, which operates a seasonal museum in Long Eddy, and is also secretary-treasurer for the Fremont Center Community Church.

The Upper Delaware Council was established in 1988 under a Cooperative Agreement partnership with the National Park Service to oversee the coordinated implementation of the River Management Plan for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, a component since 1978 of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

For more information on the organization and its activities, visit the Council’s website at
www.upperdelawarecouncil.org or call the Narrowsburg office at (845) 252-3022.