The Delaware River Watershed needs you

We've told you recently about the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, or CDRW (we're a steering committee member and founder), and we're once again inviting groups working up and down the watershed to apply to become members of the coalition.  

Here's another way you can get involved to protect the watershed. The CDRW has just launched working groups led by members and staff based on some key issues that were identified at a watershed-wide forum in fall 2013. Take a look at the list below and see if your watershed group's interests and expertise fit one of these. Then contact us at gibbons (at) pennfuture (dot) org to get involved in this effort. 

Here's short info (full details here) from the Delaware River Watershed Forum's website on each of the work groups:

Federal Funding – The Delaware River Watershed does not receive significant, dedicated federal funding for protection and restoration efforts. Passage of the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (pending in Congress) would bring significant resources to the basin and place the watershed on the national radar screen, but other federal programs also exist that can bring needed funds for protection and restoration. To successfully secure any of these funds requires a coordinated and sustained effort from the watershed community.

Compiling A Delaware Watershed Blueprint – The Delaware River Watershed is home to numerous plans prepared by NGOs, public agencies, and others across the basin. These plans contain a treasure trove of valuable information but are scattered and typically address different resources/regions/issues. 

Fish and Wildlife Habitat– To thrive, wildlife need clean water and healthy habitat. From sturgeon to shad, red knots to bald eagles, and bog turtles to black ducks, the fish and wildlife of the basin are iconic keys to conservation. This workgroup will bring together practitioners, public agencies, and other stakeholders working across the basin to protect and restore habitats and the fish and wildlife populations they support.

Marketing and Messaging  – The Delaware River Watershed is an irreplaceable national resource - full of history, an engine of commerce, and the source of drinking water for 16 million people. But the Delaware does not evoke the type of connection to the resource seen in places like the Chesapeake Bay and suffers for a lack of popular demand for its protection. The watershed is home to an incredible number of successful outreach and educational efforts, but in order to truly be seen for the important resource it is, we need a coordinated effort.

Kate Gibbons is northeastern Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Wilkes-Barre.