EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Making Connections: Roots of Prosperity in New York and ’s Upper Region npca.org OCTOBER 2018

People who live in the Upper Delaware THE FREE-FLOWING RIVER supply. A robust watershed protection say this is a special place. Whether na- One of the last large, undammed rivers program avoids billions in filtration tives, long-time residents, newcomers in the lower 48 states, the Delaware costs while releasing clean water into or part-timers, what they mean by “spe- River flows freely 330 miles along its the river below. As it flows downstream, cial” is remarkably similar. Topping the main stem from Hancock, New York, the Delaware remains among the clean- list? Natural beauty, clean air and water, to the Atlantic Ocean at . est rivers in the country, in no small outdoor recreation, small, friendly com- part due to the Upper Delaware’s rural munities—and the river. Reservoirs impounding the river’s head- landscapes. The river is fed by tributary water streams provide about 60 percent streams protected by forested lands of New York City-area residents’ water and flows through a sparsely populated Communities, Businesses and Organizations Featured in This Report Five-County Upper Delaware River Region: Delaware, Sullivan and Orange (NY) and Wayne and Pike (PA)

IN THE REPORT — NY Upper Delaware River Tailwaters Coalition Upper Delaware Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Scenic Byway BARRYVILLE Upper Delaware Barryville Farmers Market Scenic and Recre- ational River CALLICOON Apple Pond Farm & Renewable Energy Education Center Callicoon Depot Committee Callicoon Farmers Market HANCOCK Destination Hancock Friends of the Upper Delaware River Hancock Partners The Hancock Town Square HURLEYVILLE Center for Discovery Hurleyville Makers Lab/Artisan Studios LIVINGSTON MANOR Wild Roots Farm NARROWSBURG Gorzynski Ornery Farm Union Works PORT JERVIS Port Jervis Watershed Trails

IN THE REPORT — PA HONESDALE HAWLEY BEACH LAKE The Anthill Farm Downtown Hawley Partnership Green Leaf Consulting Services Calkins Creamery/Highland Farm Settlers Hospitality Group BOYDS MILLS The Cooperage Project Wayne-Pike Trails & Waterways Alliance Highlights Foundation Fox Hill Farm IN THE REPORT — NY & PA DAMASCUS Honesdale River Project Delaware Highlands Conservancy Willow Wisp Organic Farm Lackawaxen Food Hub Delaware River Water Trail LACKAWAXEN Sawmill Cycles/NE Wilderness Scenic Wild Delaware River NPS Upper Delaware Visitor Center Stourbridge Project Upper Delaware Council LAKE ARIEL SHOHOLA Upper Delaware Scenic and Lacawac Sanctuary Robinson Saw Mill Works Recreational River region patchworked with farmlands, traditional backbones of the region’s forests and small communities. identity will be part of its future. The caveat? They must operate compat- Residents report natural assets The Upper Delaware supports one of ibly with an emerging economy that are top attractors the country’s best wild trout fisheries. A depends differently on the area’s natural 190 Upper Delaware residents re- reservoir management plan updated in resources and rural landscapes. These sponded to our spring 2018 survey. 20171 provides a strong framework for interviewees identified communities, Top “very important” factors in deci- addressing competing water demands entrepreneurs, business owners, govern- sions to move to, do business in, or in the watershed, although unpredict- ment and civic leaders, and youth who stay in this area. able water releases and temperature are building economic vitality on the 80% spikes threatening the health of this shoulders of these unique assets. cold water fishery are yet to be resolved. 70% ThisMaking Connections report cel- The river is integral to the quality of life ebrates this emerging economy through in this region—a place of recreation for stories from Upper Delaware river com- 60% locals and visitors, and a resource for munities from Hancock to Port Jervis, businesses. Along 73 miles of the river’s and further away in the watershed 50% length, National Park Service staff at where the river’s influence is still felt. the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recre- It introduces some of agricultures’ new 40% ational River and community partners faces and explores how some propose to work in a unique collaboration to man- reinvigorate the region’s forest products 30% age the river corridor and provide recre- industry. And it gives voice to Upper ational access to NPS-managed sites for Delaware residents as they ponder fu- 20% a quarter million visitors annually. ture challenges and opportunities. 10% Within an easy drive of New York City These stories paint a picture of commu- and , the Upper Delaware nities and businesses leading the way to 0 has long attracted summer visitors and a locally driven economy that is rooted seasonal residents. In four of the five in and sustains a remarkable, nationally Small, friendly counties in the region, seasonal and Natural beauty communities significant river, working forests and Clean air & water recreational homes account for about a farms, open spaces and genuine neigh- OutdoorPublic recreation lands & parks 2 third of all housing units. borliness. Together, they are giving rise to a new vision of long-term prosperity A REAL PLACE in the Upper Delaware River region. Part of the Upper Delaware’s appeal is that this is a real place where people live and work. The economy has changed, Recommendations and is changing still. Long-term de- Thinking Forward clines in manufacturing, agriculture, timber and mining mirror U.S. and 1. Update the Upper Delaware River Land and Water Use global trends, as does the rise of sectors Guidelines to meet new challenges. linked to provision of services. Today, 2. Invest in the river’s long-term ecological vitality and compat- government, retail trade, health care ible economic activities including low-impact recreation. and social services account for more than 40 percent of the region’s jobs.3 3. Build and invest in local food systems. Traditional industries like timber and Develop and market a regional brand. wood products manufacturing and 4. agriculture play a small part in the area’s Curate stories, experiences and destinations for visitors. economy, yet are essential to its charac- 5. ter. They exert a powerful influence on Support and use collaborative forums. the area’s natural beauty and rural feel. 6.

THE NEW RESOURCE ECONOMY 7. Pay attention to affordable, high-quality housing. Most community and business leaders interviewed for this report believe these DOWNLOAD THE REPORT www.NPCA.org/upperdelaware