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For Immediate Release
June 23, 2011
Contacts:
Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, Delaware Riverkeeper Network,
215 369 1188 ext 102 (office & cell)
Sue Currier, Executive Director, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, 570 226 3164
Tim Dillingham, Executive Director, American Littoral Society, 732 291 0055
Jennifer Adkins, Executive Director of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, 302 655 4990
Laura Craig, Associate Director of River Restoration, American Rivers, 856 786 9000
Kelly Mooij, Director of Government Relations, New Jersey Audubon, 609 577 1434
Kevin Case, Northeast Program Director, Land Trust Alliance, 518 587 0774
Dan Plummer, Chairman, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, 607 363 7848
Al Sample, President, Pinchot Institute for Conservation 202 797 6582
Delaware River Protection Legislation
Introduced by Federal Lawmakers
Washington, D.C.: Thursday, June 23, 2011, Congressional leaders from the Delaware River region introduced, in both the U.S. House and the Senate, new legislation focused on the protection and restoration of the Delaware River watershed. The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act of 2011 would bolster efforts in the region to coordinate the restoration and enhancement of important river-related habitat, to reduce flood damages, and to improve water quality for the people, fish and wildlife of the region.
Senate cosponsors include: Tom Carper (D-DE), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Robert Casey (D-PA).
House cosponsors include: John Carney (D-DE), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Congressmen Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Charles Dent (R-PA). Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Jon Runyan (R-NJ) and Patrick Meehan (R-PA).
“The Delaware River is the largest drinking water supplier in the MidAtlantic and is the basis of a multi-billion dollar economy that supports our region. When the River’s critical habitats, such as floodplains and wetlands are protected, the River can better protect communities from flood damages. And our River is home to species recognized the world over. The leaders advancing this legislation are ensuring a healthy future for our communities and our children,” says Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
"The Delaware provides drinking water for millions; a great fishery for trout, bass and other game fish; recreational opportunities for canoeists, kayakers and other boaters; world-class scenery; and habitat for iconic creatures like the bald eagle and Atlantic sturgeon. Any river that gives so much to so many is certainly entitled to "river of the year" designation, and deserves all the protection that we can give it." Gregory R. Belcamino, President, Delaware Highlands Conservancy.
“The Delaware River is home to some of our nation’s most valuable natural resources and special places. Protecting the land of the Delaware Basin protects our drinking water, our bay and our world class wildlife resources This legislation provides a critical tool in our efforts to protect, and where necessary, restore those irreplaceable lands. The sponsors show great leadership and vision in moving this legislation forward ” said Tim Dillingham, Executive Director of the American Littoral Society, a coastal conservation organization with a Delaware Bay program.
"As the National Estuary Program, our focus is on keeping the tidal Delaware River and Bay healthy and productive," says Jennifer Adkins, Executive Director of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. "That's becoming more and more difficult without the level of investment and coordination with upper-watershed partners that the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act would provide."
“From the cool, clear headwaters in New York to the bustling Delaware Bayshore fisheries, this River is key to the health and livelihood of so many- people, wildlife and businesses. We applaud the tremendous leadership shown by members of the NJ federal delegation and their continued commitment to protecting this nationally significant River Basin,” said Kelly Mooij, Director of Government Relations for New Jersey Audubon. “It is clear that coordination and planning between the states and various federal agencies will be critical in protecting this great River, now and in the future.”
“The Delaware River basin provides clean drinking water to 15 million people, supports diverse wildlife and economically important fisheries, and provides numerous recreational opportunities. This legislation will provide a critical tool in the coordination of future conservation and restoration activities so that we may continue to enjoy the river’s bounty,” says Laura Craig, Associate Director of River Restoration for American Rivers.
"I don’t believe there has ever been a more thoughtful, insightful proposal to make resources available to help the Upper Delaware River Basin," said Dan Plummer, Chairman of Friends of the Upper Delaware River. FUDR is behind the proposed legislation 100 percent. We believe the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act would fund precisely the sorts of projects that we all have been working on, including stream restoration, economic impact studies, and protecting this near perfect resource from any environmental threats. We need to form new basin-wide partnerships going forward and this bill encourages and supports just that. The Upper Delaware River Basin has lacked a coordinated federal/state/local oversight effort for far to long, even though it is home to more than 8 million people and provides drinking water for close to 15 million. The lack of this coordination leaves the Basin vulnerable, something we just can't allow.
“The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act will help spur a coordinated effort and new partnerships to adopt a basin wide management strategy that would benefit millions of people in four states. As an advocate for local, non-profit land trusts working throughout the Delaware River watershed, we applaud this initiative to secure dedicated funding for conservation and strategic grant making in the region,” said Kevin Case, Northeast Program Director for the Land Trust Alliance.
"The Delaware River Basin provides critical habitat for North America's waterfowl and incredible outdoor opportunities for sportsmen and women in the region," said Bernie Marczyk, Governmental Affairs Representative for Ducks Unlimited. "The bipartisan sponsors of this legislation should be praised for their leadership as they protect a national treasure like the Delaware River Basin. Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 94,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in the Basin states, and this legislation will enable conservation groups to protect and restore many acres for future generations."
“We strongly support the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act”, said Pinchot Institute President, Al Sample "Alongside the diversity of organizations forming the Common Waters Partnership in the upper reaches of the Delaware, we urge more concerted effort to conserve the forests, rivers, and streams that provide enjoyment, jobs, and drinking water to millions of people."
Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture), praised the proposal, saying “it is time the river, our local waterways and the entire basin receive the federal attention and resources to protect water quality, improve public access and ensure flood control.”
The proposed legislation would secure federal resources to encourage, advance and support basin-wide coordination of habitat, water quality and flood damage reduction initiatives. The legislation employs a non-regulatory, voluntary approach to improving conservation and restoration throughout the Delaware River Basin, from the Catskills to the Delaware Bay.
Key elements of the proposed legislation include a program run by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that would develop a strategic investment strategy to efficiently address the highest priorities for conservation and restoration in the Basin, and a competitive grant program that would support locally-driven, on-the-ground projects by non-profits, universities, state and local governments, community organizations and others. The bill would bring additional resources to the entire Basin; the Delaware watershed has historically received comparatively little federal attention despite being home to more than 8 million people and providing drinking water, recreation, and $22 billion in annual economic benefit to nearly 16 million.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Upper Delaware River Fishing Guides
Fishing guides on the Upper Delaware River fall under the juristiction of three and sometimes four government agencies. The first three are the states of New York and Pennsylvania, and the National Park Service. The fourth is the US Coast Guard if the guide uses any type of motorized vessel on the main stem of the Delaware River.
There is no reciprocity for guide licenses between NY and PA, so fishing guides must be licensed by both states whenever they are guiding within the boundry waters. These waters include the Delaware River which is entiely boundry water and also National Park Service Water so add in a National Park Service required authorization. The West Branch is aproximately half border water so both states licenses are required by a guide on this lower section of the West Branch. The East Branch of the Delaware is entirely under NY juristiction so only a NY state guide license is required on that river.
Professioanl guides will not guide or take clients on water they are not licensed for. To help the angling public know what guides are licensed where, each of the three entities, NY, PA & the NPS maintain a website that supplies that information.
New York
Pennsylvania
National Park Service
Because someone is licensed in one juristiction doesn't necessarily mean they are licensed in all. Pennsylvania and the National Park Service have strict insurance requirements. New York doesn't, so it's a good idea to ask for an insurance certificate from a NY only licensed guide to be sure you as a customer would be covered in the event of any injury or property loss.
Sure, it can get a little confusing but try to keep it simple by just remembering that a fishing guide needs to be licensed by each state he is guiding in and the National Park Service on NPS water. When PA is one side of the river and NY the other, both states licenses are required by the guide. If on the main stem of the Delaware, both states and the National Park Service. I guess I could have left out the first three paragraphs and said it that way to begin with.
There is no reciprocity for guide licenses between NY and PA, so fishing guides must be licensed by both states whenever they are guiding within the boundry waters. These waters include the Delaware River which is entiely boundry water and also National Park Service Water so add in a National Park Service required authorization. The West Branch is aproximately half border water so both states licenses are required by a guide on this lower section of the West Branch. The East Branch of the Delaware is entirely under NY juristiction so only a NY state guide license is required on that river.
Professioanl guides will not guide or take clients on water they are not licensed for. To help the angling public know what guides are licensed where, each of the three entities, NY, PA & the NPS maintain a website that supplies that information.
New York
Pennsylvania
National Park Service
Because someone is licensed in one juristiction doesn't necessarily mean they are licensed in all. Pennsylvania and the National Park Service have strict insurance requirements. New York doesn't, so it's a good idea to ask for an insurance certificate from a NY only licensed guide to be sure you as a customer would be covered in the event of any injury or property loss.
Sure, it can get a little confusing but try to keep it simple by just remembering that a fishing guide needs to be licensed by each state he is guiding in and the National Park Service on NPS water. When PA is one side of the river and NY the other, both states licenses are required by the guide. If on the main stem of the Delaware, both states and the National Park Service. I guess I could have left out the first three paragraphs and said it that way to begin with.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Livingston Manor, NY. On Saturday May 28, 2011 The Catskill Fly Fishing
Center and Museum will celebrate its 30th Anniversary and Annual Meeting.
A full day of activities and events will culminate with the annual fund
raising dinner and auction (see below) to be held at Kings Catering,
Livingston Manor, NY.
10:00 AM, The Annual Members Meeting will be held in the Paul Dahlie
Education Building. President Miriam Stone will officiate with a review of
the past year, followed by officer reports and the election of trustees.
Also at 10:00 AM, World Fly Tying Ambassador, Ted Patlen will host a fly
tying demonstration in the museum and will later be joined by Lee Weil as
the guest fly tyer.
1:00 PM- Misako Ishismura, co author of TENKARA, will hold a book signing
in the museum until 2 PM.
The Hardy Bros. Cup bamboo rod casting competition will resume from 1:00 PM
- 4 :00 PM in the lower field. Competitors are required to bring their own
bamboo fly rod with reel lined with a WF or DT Floating fly line and 7.5' or
less leader. This will be the last time to compete before the August 6
competing schedule and award.
5:30 Cocktails and Silent auction begins at Kings
7:00 PM MC Jim Callahan will welcome guests at the 30th Annual Dinner
8:30 Live Auction of 20+ lots. To include: * A special casting lesson for
two with Joan Wulff, * A 1:1 day on the Delaware with Al Cauuci, * A 1:1
afternoon fishing the Potatuck Club Water in CT with Member Keith Fulsher *
Trips for two to Chile or the Restigouche River, * The Catskill Rodmakers
Gathering fly rod, * Fishing for Two on the De Bruce Club Water with
Anthony "Willowemoc" Magardino, * Two nights in the Catskills with dinner,
New equipment, * Original art works, and...see all details at
<http://www.cffcm.net> www.cffcm.net
For more information call 845-439-4810
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Conversation Groups Say They Are Optimistic as Expiration Nears for Delaware Flow Plan
Delaware River conservationists say they are optimistic that the government agencies responsible will take appropriate action as the expiration date draws near for the flawed plan that governs releases from the New York City-owned reservoirs.
The infamous Flexible Flow Management Program - regarded as a disappointment by scientists, river residents and recreational users alike - is due to expire on June 1.
Government officials are now well-aware that the Delaware Watershed Conservation Coalition is supporting an alternative known as the Joint Fishery White Paper, produced last year by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The White Paper proposal would bring more consistent flows from the reservoirs, protecting the river’s habitat against the yo-yo releases common under the expiring flow plan. The White Paper plan would keep more life-sustaining cold water in the rivers during the hot summer months, when it is needed most.
The wet spring this year has provided a lesson in water management, said Dan Plummer, a member of the coalition and board chairman of Friends of the Upper Delaware River.
“We have shown repeatedly there is plenty of water to go around if the resource is managed properly, and this idea is supported by many highly respected conservation groups,” he said. “Members of the watershed coalition have pleaded our case over and over again, and now it’s in the hands of the powers that be.”
So far this spring, reservoirs have had some voids to store most of the excess rainwater, yet spillage from the reservoirs added to conditions that reached very near to flood stages.
Decisions about the expiring water-release plan will be made by the Delaware River Basin Commission, whose members include representatives from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York City.
Plummer and other environmentalists have had a series of meetings in the past month with principals involved in the upcoming water-flow decision, including John Plonski, assistant commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Conservation; John Hines, deputy secretary for water management with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and Paul Rush, deputy commissioner for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
“We have had constructive conversations with a number of people, and a group of us are heading to Washington, D.C., this week to meet on the Hill with many of our senators and representatives to gauge our support for issues connected to the health and safety of the Delaware River and its tributaries,” said Plummer.
He noted that some river advocates have charged that a secret deal has been struck to extend the flawed FFMP for yet another year
“We have been assured that this is not the case,” said Plummer. “We are optimistic that all possibilities are still in play, but all we can do is count on the honesty of our government officials.”
Plummer noted that various conservation groups have invested heavily in the river’s well-being, including vocal opposition to hydrofracking of gas in the Delaware watershed.
Friends of the Upper Delaware River, for example, has been key in helping to protect the river against many environmental threats to the area. The group has dedicated thousands of hours and vast sums of its own money on restoring streams in our area, often in partnership with government agencies that may not have the funds or manpower to get the job done on their own.
Plummer said the coalition groups were allied with the New York City DEP in the effort to prevent unsafe drilling practices in the Delaware watershed.
“I believe that we all want the same thing, from New York City to the Catskills and downstream all the way to Delaware Bay and estuary,” Plummer said. “We all want a healthy Delaware River. It is in the best interest of everyone involved, whether you are river resident, a Manhattan resident, a water bureaucrat or a flyfisherman.”
In April, the Delaware was designated a “Great Water,” joining 18 other waterways nationwide selected for that honor by a national coalition formed to protect waterways of high economic, social and environmental importance.
The America’s Great Waters Coalition, based in Washington, was formed in 2009 to advocate for the restoration and protection of lakes, bays, rivers and marshes that are rich in natural resources and have a significant impact on their surrounding regions.
The Delaware River is the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi, flowing for 330 miles from Hancock, N.Y., to the Delaware Bay, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. More than 15 million people in four states depend on the river’s water for drinking, agricultural and industrial use. The Delaware includes natural wonders - three stretches along its course are included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers program - and important commercial assets.
The infamous Flexible Flow Management Program - regarded as a disappointment by scientists, river residents and recreational users alike - is due to expire on June 1.
Government officials are now well-aware that the Delaware Watershed Conservation Coalition is supporting an alternative known as the Joint Fishery White Paper, produced last year by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The White Paper proposal would bring more consistent flows from the reservoirs, protecting the river’s habitat against the yo-yo releases common under the expiring flow plan. The White Paper plan would keep more life-sustaining cold water in the rivers during the hot summer months, when it is needed most.
The wet spring this year has provided a lesson in water management, said Dan Plummer, a member of the coalition and board chairman of Friends of the Upper Delaware River.
“We have shown repeatedly there is plenty of water to go around if the resource is managed properly, and this idea is supported by many highly respected conservation groups,” he said. “Members of the watershed coalition have pleaded our case over and over again, and now it’s in the hands of the powers that be.”
So far this spring, reservoirs have had some voids to store most of the excess rainwater, yet spillage from the reservoirs added to conditions that reached very near to flood stages.
Decisions about the expiring water-release plan will be made by the Delaware River Basin Commission, whose members include representatives from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York City.
Plummer and other environmentalists have had a series of meetings in the past month with principals involved in the upcoming water-flow decision, including John Plonski, assistant commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Conservation; John Hines, deputy secretary for water management with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and Paul Rush, deputy commissioner for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
“We have had constructive conversations with a number of people, and a group of us are heading to Washington, D.C., this week to meet on the Hill with many of our senators and representatives to gauge our support for issues connected to the health and safety of the Delaware River and its tributaries,” said Plummer.
He noted that some river advocates have charged that a secret deal has been struck to extend the flawed FFMP for yet another year
“We have been assured that this is not the case,” said Plummer. “We are optimistic that all possibilities are still in play, but all we can do is count on the honesty of our government officials.”
Plummer noted that various conservation groups have invested heavily in the river’s well-being, including vocal opposition to hydrofracking of gas in the Delaware watershed.
Friends of the Upper Delaware River, for example, has been key in helping to protect the river against many environmental threats to the area. The group has dedicated thousands of hours and vast sums of its own money on restoring streams in our area, often in partnership with government agencies that may not have the funds or manpower to get the job done on their own.
Plummer said the coalition groups were allied with the New York City DEP in the effort to prevent unsafe drilling practices in the Delaware watershed.
“I believe that we all want the same thing, from New York City to the Catskills and downstream all the way to Delaware Bay and estuary,” Plummer said. “We all want a healthy Delaware River. It is in the best interest of everyone involved, whether you are river resident, a Manhattan resident, a water bureaucrat or a flyfisherman.”
In April, the Delaware was designated a “Great Water,” joining 18 other waterways nationwide selected for that honor by a national coalition formed to protect waterways of high economic, social and environmental importance.
The America’s Great Waters Coalition, based in Washington, was formed in 2009 to advocate for the restoration and protection of lakes, bays, rivers and marshes that are rich in natural resources and have a significant impact on their surrounding regions.
The Delaware River is the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi, flowing for 330 miles from Hancock, N.Y., to the Delaware Bay, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. More than 15 million people in four states depend on the river’s water for drinking, agricultural and industrial use. The Delaware includes natural wonders - three stretches along its course are included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers program - and important commercial assets.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
DRBC meets on May 11, 2011
The Delaware River Basin Commission has posted the Notice of Commission
Meeting and Public Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, May 11, 2011 on the
Commission’s web site at www.drbc.net that may contain a project of interest to you.
May at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum
May is here and is simply the best month to be trout fishing in the
Catskills and visiting the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum(CFFCM).
The Catskills are alive with activities and events for all. Take a
Maycation and take advantage of the discounts by local merchants.
May 7, join the Long Island Fly Rodders to give back to the area and clean the Willowemoc Creek and Beaverkill River. Co opting in the 2011 Stream Clean will be the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Long Island Boy Scouts, and Member of the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce. Clean up begins at 9:00AM, LIFR BBQ at 1PM and fishing immediately after. FFF Professional Casting instructors Floyd Franke and Gail and Paul Gallo will hold a free Casting Clinic from 11AM to 1PM and Classic Trout's JB Martin will demonstrate fly tying in the museum.
May 14, Mike Hogue, Badger Creek Fly Tying owner will be demonstrating his latest creations at the vise and author Joe Perrone, Jr. will be signing his great Catskill Mystery Opening Day.
May 21 & 22, America's premier international fishing tackle crafts event, Woodstick will be held. Visit the Center for a two day gathering of today's finest tackle craftsmen from Europe, Japan, and the USA as they exchange and share creations of classic tackle today. A contingent from Japan will represent their countrymen in this event. Please visit and show your support and concern. In coordination of this great event, The Hardy Cup will be unveiled and attendees will be given the opportunity to compete in the first annual bamboo casting competition from Noon - 4 PM on Saturday, May 21. FFF Professional Casting instructors Floyd Franke and Gail & Paul Gallo will hold a free Casting Clinic from 11 Am to 1PM and Scott Cesari will demonstrate his innovative realistic fly tying in the museum.
May 28, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum will celebrate their 30th Annual Fund Raising Dinner and Auction at King's Catering at 5:30. The day is preceded by the Annual Members Meeting at 10AM; the last opportunity to cast in the Hardy Cup bamboo rod fly casting competition before the final day on August 6, and a great opportunity to see many of the long time pioneers who started the CFFCM in 1981.
Call the CFFCM at 845-439-4810 to make your reservation. Join fellow fly fishers at this dinner to support the CFFCM to continue its work to preserve, protect and promote fly fishing. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is all about fly fishing, and the center of it all. The CFFCM recognizes the Press for keeping fly fishing and outdoors sports alive and well.
For any additional details on the May happenings at the CFFCM call 845-439-4810.
May 7, join the Long Island Fly Rodders to give back to the area and clean the Willowemoc Creek and Beaverkill River. Co opting in the 2011 Stream Clean will be the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Long Island Boy Scouts, and Member of the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce. Clean up begins at 9:00AM, LIFR BBQ at 1PM and fishing immediately after. FFF Professional Casting instructors Floyd Franke and Gail and Paul Gallo will hold a free Casting Clinic from 11AM to 1PM and Classic Trout's JB Martin will demonstrate fly tying in the museum.
May 14, Mike Hogue, Badger Creek Fly Tying owner will be demonstrating his latest creations at the vise and author Joe Perrone, Jr. will be signing his great Catskill Mystery Opening Day.
May 21 & 22, America's premier international fishing tackle crafts event, Woodstick will be held. Visit the Center for a two day gathering of today's finest tackle craftsmen from Europe, Japan, and the USA as they exchange and share creations of classic tackle today. A contingent from Japan will represent their countrymen in this event. Please visit and show your support and concern. In coordination of this great event, The Hardy Cup will be unveiled and attendees will be given the opportunity to compete in the first annual bamboo casting competition from Noon - 4 PM on Saturday, May 21. FFF Professional Casting instructors Floyd Franke and Gail & Paul Gallo will hold a free Casting Clinic from 11 Am to 1PM and Scott Cesari will demonstrate his innovative realistic fly tying in the museum.
May 28, the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum will celebrate their 30th Annual Fund Raising Dinner and Auction at King's Catering at 5:30. The day is preceded by the Annual Members Meeting at 10AM; the last opportunity to cast in the Hardy Cup bamboo rod fly casting competition before the final day on August 6, and a great opportunity to see many of the long time pioneers who started the CFFCM in 1981.
Call the CFFCM at 845-439-4810 to make your reservation. Join fellow fly fishers at this dinner to support the CFFCM to continue its work to preserve, protect and promote fly fishing. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is all about fly fishing, and the center of it all. The CFFCM recognizes the Press for keeping fly fishing and outdoors sports alive and well.
For any additional details on the May happenings at the CFFCM call 845-439-4810.
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