National Park Service Wild & Scenic Rivers Program U.S. Department of the Interior Partnership Rivers News

Lower Delaware River’s designation Welcome inspires local protection efforts to the Partnership If you have only seen the Delaware River through the Rivers window of a car, you might be surprised to learn that this river is a Wild & Scenic River. The river offers a News beautiful background for most of the views from the roads that run alongside, but it does not look very natu­ Welcome to the first ral—much less wild—from an automobile. edition of the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers newsletter. We hope to The view from the river, however, is quite different. introduce you to the Water and trees dominate the landscape. When you are remarkable rivers that bear out on this lovely, quiet river, it is hard to believe that the the name "Partnership," homes, offices and shops of 20 million people are within and to show you how this a few hours drive. The man-made world seems far away. unique community-based conservation program works. The Upper Delaware, consisting of the 78 miles between What exactly is a Hancock, New York, and the Delaware River Water "Partnership" Wild and Gap, entered the Wild & Scenic program in 1978. Soon Scenic River? after, a proposed dam on other free-flowing portions of The National Wild and the river prompted Congress to designate 37 miles along Scenic River System has the Middle Delaware, which flows through the Delaware been around in this coun­ The great fisheries in the Lower Delaware River attract anglers try for the past 30 some Water Gap National Recreation Area and is managed as and support a wide array of wildlife in this heavily populated years, created by an act of area. a unit of the National Park Service. Congress in 1968. The "Wild and Scenic Rivers Some 22 years later, a plan to pump 100 million gallons the national importance of the river and improved com­ Act" calls on the nation to of water a day from the lower reaches of the river munication among the Lower Delaware River communi­ preserve select rivers with spurred the Delaware River Greenway Partnership to ties. The Lower Delaware River study and its designa­ outstanding scenic, recre­ ational, geologic, fish and seek designation for the Lower Delaware as a tion have inspired a number of local efforts to protect wildlife, historic, cultural or Partnership Wild & Scenic River. Congress passed the the natural, historic, scenic and recreational resources other important values in designation in November 2000. that made the river eligible for designation. For instance, free-flowing condition. largely as a result of the Study process, the state acquired Rivers in this national sys­ Wild & Scenic status has raised public consciousness of Hendrick Island, a natural oasis of more than 100 acres tem are protected for the in Solebury Township, and designated several other benefit and enjoyment of present and future genera­ state-owned islands as a Pennsylvania Natural Area. Lower Delaware River tions. 67.3 miles flowing from Lower Mount Partnership Wild and Since designation, a committee has formed to oversee Scenic Rivers are a subset Bethel, Pennsylvania and Harmony, implementation of the goals in the management plan of this national system. New Jersey to Makefield, written by state and local officials, businesses, and citi­ While most of the 160 zens, and the river corridor is alive with activity. The rivers in the National Wild Pennsylvania and Ewing, New Jersey and Scenic Rivers System Designated in 2000 committee and the Greenway Partnership are conduct­ ing a stream corridor restoration (continued on page 3) (continued on page 2)

Partnership Rivers News • Issue 1 White Clay Creek plan focuses on stewardship

Watershed stewardship and education will be two White Clay Creek of the top priorities for the 190 miles flowing from West White Clay Creek Marlborough, Pennsylvania to Watershed Management Newcastle County, Delaware Committee (WMC) as it proceeds with plans to Designated in 2000 implement the designation of the White Clay Creek as ■ posting watershed signs Other projects that WMC a national Wild and Scenic identifying White Clay will begin this year include River. Creek as a national identifying and mapping The White Clay Creek management committee's activities will focus on improving water quality through education and out­ Wild and Scenic River critical wildlife habitat and reach projects. WMC is responsible for ■ working with local developing a comprehen­ assisting the National Park landowners to inform sive recreational trail Welcome to Partnership Service in implementing them of existing con­ guide. Rivers News the Watershed servation easement Continued from page 1 Management Plan adopt­ programs, and The 30 official members ed in September 2001, flow through federal lands such as National Forests or ■ developing a newsletter, of the WMC—comprised National Parks, Partnership rivers flow through private lands during the river’s designa­ and possibly a website. of representatives of all and lands owned by local or state governments. The seven tion process. levels of government, vari­ rivers currently established as Partnership National Wild and In all of these activities the ous interest groups and Scenic Rivers are located in the Northeast, though the pro­ This year the WMC will WMC will seek to educate local residents—will work gram is national and has recently named its first river in the work on several projects cooperatively to accom­ southeast. The established rivers include the Farmington the general public about that seek to improve the (Connecticut), Great Egg Harbor (New Jersey), Maurice and the important historical, plish these projects. In tributaries (New Jersey), Lamprey (New Hampshire), Sudbury, quality of the White Clay geological, and biological most cases, funding from Assabet, and Concord Rivers (Massachusetts), the recently des­ Creek through education features of the White Clay the National Park Service ignated Lower Delaware (New Jersey/Pennsylvania), and White and outreach activities. Creek and ways to help and other sources will pay Clay Creek (Delaware/Pennsylvania). These projects include: protect them. for the projects. Since 1998, Congress has appropriated funds for river man­ agers on each of these seven Partnership rivers. National Park Service staff help communities manage their river-related resources locally by bringing together state, county, and com­ munity representatives to preserve the outstanding and Congress adds Taunton and remarkable values for which the rivers were designated. This is community-based conservation that will ensure these rivers Eightmile Rivers to program will remain outstanding long into the future. The program is branching out to the southeast with the Each of the last two sessions of Congress has authorized new Wild and Scenic River addition of the Wekiva River and two of its tributaries in Studies, the first step in designating rivers for this special recognition and protection. The Central Florida. In October 2000, Congress officially named 67 Park Service's Boston Support Office is managing the initial studies for the Taunton River in miles of the Wekiva River to the program. Now local leaders Southeastern Massachusetts and the Eightmile River in Connecticut. are drafting management plans and working with Park Service The Taunton River Study is well underway and boasts its own web site where the public staff to build local partnerships to protect the crystal clear can learn about the river, the study, and the study participants; check it out at www. waters and natural shorelines of the Wekiva. tauntonriver.org. The Taunton study is the first to use a web site as a major component of With increased funding from Congress, the Park Service will outreach and communication efforts. Visit the site and send us your comments about the be able to build a long-term community partnership on the Taunton and the web site itself. Wekiva and to sustain the important work of preserving the The newest Wild and Scenic River Study is on the Eightmile River in Connecticut. The other outstanding rivers in the Partnership Wild and Scenic Nature Conservancy highlighted the Eightmile in its "Last Great Places" campaign for its Rivers program. remarkable natural qualities. It is a trout fishery of statewide renown, home to endan­ For more information on Partnership Wild and Scenic gered species, and a splendid example of a New England small-town landscape preserved. Rivers, please see our website at www.nps.gov/pwsr. The Eightmile watershed is a tributary of the lower Connecticut River estuary. To learn Charlie Stockman, more about this study, contact Jamie Fosburgh ([email protected]) or Nathan Program Manager Frohling of The Nature Conservancy at [email protected].

2 Partnership Rivers News Lower Delaware to award incentive grants Continued from page 1

project, preparing open space and recreation plans, and developing a landowner stewardship program.

Of particular impor­ tance, the interstate Delaware River Basin Lamprey River group and landowners Commission has formed a committee of water team up to protect river’s scenic qualities quality experts to over­ see a five-year study of Although it flows through coastal New Hampshire towns the water quality in the that have experienced tremendous development over the Lamprey River Lower Delaware. The past five years, the Lamprey River remains a surprisingly 23.5 miles flowing from Epping Commission is also con­ scenic river where evidence of 20th century life is the to Newmarket, New Hampshire sidering awarding exception. To maintain the river’s natural character, the Designated in 1996 “Special Protection citizens’ group responsible for implementing its Lamprey Waters” status to the River Management Plan has made permanent land con­ well as extensive frontage on the river in the hope of pro­ Lower Delaware. This servation its top priority. viding an informal recreational and learning environment status is an important unspoiled, and in perpetuity.” step in providing even In partnership with local communities, land trusts, and more protection to the state agencies, the Lamprey River Advisory Committee has The Lamprey Committee and Town of Lee were able to river’s water quality, worked with nine landowners to protect 755 acres and help the Verrettes realize their long-standing dream. By which is one of the more than 5 miles of frontage on the Lamprey since 1999. purchasing conservation easements, accepting donations, resources for which it Federal funds designated for wetlands protection, the and purchasing land outright, the Lamprey conservation received designation. national estuaries research reserve, and Lamprey River efforts have protected farmland, wetland and river habitats protection have leveraged more than $500,000 in munici­ for the largest populations of regionally rare Blandings and The committee will be pal and private dollars. Wood turtles known to be on the river, and forested ripar­ awarding municipal ian and upland habitats. incentive grants the sum­ To stretch funding and encourage gifts of land and sales at mer of 2002 to encour­ less than fair market value, the Lamprey Committee creat­ age action at the local ed a Landowner Assistance Fund. This Fund covers a level. “The municipal landowner’s out-of-pocket costs for surveys, appraisals, incentive grants program and other land transaction requirements when the is a great way to get the landowner is interested in donating all or some of the municipalities to actively land’s value. The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation participate in imple­ provided start-up funding for this program. To date, menting the River Lamprey River landowners have donated $523,000 of Management Plan” says property value through bargain sales. Jim Amon, chairman of the Management “We knew soon after moving here in 1968 that we wanted Committee “It helps us to keep the property in its natural state, if at all possible, demonstrate why desig­ and to allow others to enjoy it as well,” said landowners nation of the river is a Paul and Fran Verrette. “Our motivation certainly was not Top photo: This farm is protected forever as open space by a con­ good thing." to thwart growth but to preserve a variety of habitats as servation easement from owner Charlie Brady to the town of Lee. This photo: Spring highwater gives boaters a wild ride.

3 Partnership Rivers News School program builds interest in Great Egg Harbor River

Education has been a cen­ terpiece on the Great Egg Great Egg Harbor River Harbor Wild and Scenic 129 miles flowing from Winslow River since the beginning. It Township to Upper Township, was the Great Egg Harbor New Jersey Watershed Association, an educational non-profit Designated in 1992 organization, that sought designation for the Great Egg Harbor River, and it has the N.J. Department of the schools plan to make their continued to provide a Environment for use in program available to all What is the economic value of the clean water, healthy focus on education, out­ assessing streams within fish and wildlife, recreation opportunities and other schools in the county by assets of conserved rivers? reach and advocacy. the Great Egg Harbor sharing their videos over River and Watershed. the Atlantic County Study assesses The Watershed Library's distance learning Association’s latest proj­ The students didn’t stop program via direct T3 economic impact of ect, an adopt-a-stream there, however. They’ve Internet connections. Farmington River program, is bringing turned their program into school children to the a highly successful out­ Student and teacher What is the value of a conserved river? To help water’s edge and raising reach tool by also report­ enthusiasm for the pro­ answer that question, the National Park Service awareness and interest ing their findings and an gram has helped it grow. and American Rivers have selected the Wild and across a broad spectrum evaluation of the Adopt- In 2000, Atlantic County Scenic Farmington River as the focus of a one-year of Atlantic County, New A-Stream program to supported the program study to evaluate whether healthy rivers are good Jersey. With assistance locally elected officials to with a watershed manage­ for the economy as well as for people and wildlife. from the National Park Roger Moore and Christos Siderelis of North gain continued support for ment grant, enabling it to Carolina State University are designing and direct­ Service, the Watershed the program. The students expand into Hamilton ing the study, which will measure the direct and Association established also broadcast their pre­ Township Middle School. indirect economic impacts of the Wild and Scenic the adopt-a-stream pro­ sentations on the local It has been an excellent Farmington River on surrounding communities. The gram for middle- and cable channel, using video awareness tool to educate study will help inform local landowners, business high-schoolers in Egg clips of their field work students, teachers and owners, and decision-makers about the economic Harbor Township and and interviews, to pro­ impacts of protecting the river. It should also serve locally elected officials as a model for communities across the nation that taught teachers how to mote environmental about the importance of want to thoroughly consider the economic value of sample water quality on awareness about the river protecting rivers and river protection. the muddy bottom stream. and the watershed. The streams in their area. Researchers will gather empirical data on how much money recreationists spend along the The Watershed Farmington River corridor during one season, and Association created field how those expenditures directly and indirectly affect the local economy. Dr. Moore will be organ­ workbooks based on the izing surveys of river users over a full river recre­ streamside biosurvey ation season, using both personal interviews and developed by the Izaak mailed questionnaires. The study will also evaluate Walton League of America land values along the river. The results of the sur­ to guide teachers’ lectures vey are expected out later this year. and stream sampling. Together, the Watershed Farmington (West Branch) Association and the teach­ 14 miles flowing from Hartland ers developed guidebooks to Canton, Connecticut for students as well. The Designated in 1994 schools reported their water quality findings to Student studies of water quality have raised awareness about the Great Egg Harbor River.

4 Partnership Rivers News A bridge to the past Preserving history and sense of place along the Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet Rivers

In historic Lincoln, and the newly formed Massachusetts, a River Stewardship Council Partnership river group was ready to take on the has collaborated with state challenge of preserving and local officials to pre­ Lee’s Bridge. The coun­ serve a bridge that is both cil—a forum for protecting a piece of the river’s past the three rivers’ outstand­ and a cherished landmark ing resources—proved an in this rural town. ideal body to address the bridge issue because it Lee’s Bridge, an historic includes representatives relic crossing the Sudbury from the towns of River—which is one leg of Concord and Lincoln, as the Sudbury, Assabet, and well as the Great Concord Wild & Scenic Meadows National River—bore the town’s Wildlife Refuge, which history well, but could not owns land adjacent to the sustain the heavy loads of bridge. modern traffic on a major commuting route outside The Stewardship Council Designation of the Concord-Sudbury-Assabet River system as a Wild & Scenic River provided the perfect committee structure to take action when historic Lee Bridge needed conserving. Boston. Descendants of and the towns asked the John Adams had donated Massachusetts Highway the original bridge to the Department to rebuild the the character of our com­ towns of Concord and original 1912, two-span, munity and maintaining its Sudbury, Assabet, Concord Rivers Lincoln, and Thoreau granite-masonry bridge historical integrity is 29 miles flowing from Framingham something everyone referred to it in his writ­ with historical accuracy. to Billerica, Massachusetts ings. But in October 1999, The highway department wants,” said John Kerr, a 25-by-15-foot hole in the agreed to work closely Lincoln selectman and the Designated in 1999 bridge stopped traffic and and expeditiously with the town’s representative to threatened to eliminate towns and the the River Stewardship the bridge altogether. Stewardship Council to Council. “The Wild and toric integrity; members changes in the highway rebuild the bridge from its Scenic designation lent worked with their town department may throw Fortunately, the Sudbury, original granite strong support to our officials, kept the council roadblocks in the way, but Assabet and Concord stonework. negotiations with the informed, and developed the Council is in a good rivers had achieved Wild highway department. I relationships that helped position to make sure that and Scenic status in June, “This bridge helps define don't know if we would move the project forward. history is repeated when have been as successful Because of the Wild and Lee Bridge is rebuilt. without it." Scenic designation, Park “This bridge helps define the Service staff were able to character of our community and With concerted effort lend their expertise to the maintaining its historical integrity from all involved, the project. is something everyone wants.” highway department expedited public hearings With the project about to and initial planning, and be put out for bid, the —John Kerr, Lincoln selectman completed all its design Stewardship Council is and the town’s representative to the work in less than two staying focused on com­ River Stewardship Council years. The Stewardship pleting the bridge recon­ Council reviewed all struction. Looming state design plans to ensure his­ budget cuts and personnel

5 Partnership Rivers News National Maurice River partners scope sites for Park Service U.S. Department nature center on migratory bird flyway of the Interior

Partnership Rivers News Capitalizing on a 1994 Nature Center Concept Plan, the structures along the river to see if any have the right com­ is published by the Partnership Rivers in the National Park Service and Cumberland County, New bination of location and architecture to house a nature Wild & Scenic Rivers Jersey, are assessing potential sites for a proposed nature center. Program. center along the Maurice Scenic & Recreational River. The

Editor Maurice offers ideal conditions for a nature center, includ­ The idea of a nature center along the lush Maurice River Margaret Watkins ing its role as an important part of the Atlantic flyway for has attracted the attention of the New Jersey Marine migrating birds. It also provides numerous pristine habitats Sciences Consortium and the N.J. Department of Fish, Program Manager Charlie Stockman that support endangered species. The 35.4-mile Maurice Game & Wildlife, creating additional opportunities to River system begins in southern New Jersey and drains the bring new partners into the nature center concept and Contributors Chuck Barscz southwest portion of the Pinelands National Reserve, link­ planning process Jamie Fosburgh ing the Reserve and Delaware River estuary. Paul Kenney Liz Mikulecky Bill Sharp Lee Steppacher Maurice River Mary Vavra 35.4 miles flowing from Millville

Photographers to Delaware Bay, New Jersey James Amon Chuck Barsca Designated in 1993 Julia Blatt, Organization for the Assabet River Paul Kenney Jerry & Marcy Monkman/ EcoPhotography.com The Nature Center would interpret the cultural and natu­ Gregg Vizzi ral resources of the Maurice River and serve as a river White Clay Watershed access point for visitors. The river’s comprehensive man­ Association agement plan, completed by the Park Service and its river Designer partners in January 2001, suggests key ecological themes Kelly Short, Canterbury Communications around which the Nature Center could develop interpre­ tive programs and materials. Comments? Contact: Charlie Stockman National Park Service The Park Service is helping to fund the feasibility study The lush Maurice River is an important stop on the Atlantic flyway 1849 C Street, NW with a $30,000 allocation. The study will assess existing for migrating birds, making it an ideal location for a nature center. Washington, DC 20240

Phone 202-565-1189 Wild & Scenic Rivers—Partnership Program E-mail Charlie_Stockman@ Contact Information nps.gov Farmington River Lamprey River Maurice River Wekiva River Farmington River Lamprey River Advisory Citizens United NPS contact: For more Coordinating Committee Committee www.cumauriceriver.org/ [email protected] information: www.nps.gov/rivers/rivers/ www.lampreyriver.org pages/maurice.html 941-330-0069 www.nps.gov/pwsr farmington/toc.html NPS contact: NPS contact: NPS contact: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 603-226-3240 215-597-5823 EXPERIENCE 860-379-0282 YOUR AMERICA Great Egg Harbor River Lower Delaware River Sudbury, Assabet, and White Clay Creek The National Park The Great Egg Harbor The Delaware River Concord Rivers The White Clay Creek Service cares for the Watershed Association Basin Commission Massachusetts River Team Watershed Association special places saved by www.greategg.org www.state.nj.us/drbc/wild www.state. ma. us/envir/ mercury.ccil.org/~wcwa/ the American people NPS contact: _scenic.htm mwi/suasco.htm NPS contact: so that all may experi­ [email protected] NPS contact: NPS contact: [email protected] ence our heritage. 215-597-9175 [email protected] [email protected] 215-597-6482 215-597-1655 617-223-5225 Helping communities preserve and manage their own rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

6 Partnership Rivers News