The quarterly newsletter about the environment and people of the Upper Delaware River

Volume 15 Number 3 Published by the Upper Delaware Council, Inc. Fall 2002

In This Issue...

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Dedicated In Motorcade Tour Pages 1 and 4

Upper Delaware Profile: Frederick Bartsch, Lackawaxen Page 2

Lenape Nation Signs Treaty; News Briefs From Region Page 3 Joining together to cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of Route 97 as the new "Upper Five-Year Plan Finished; Deiaware Scenic Byway" at the Sept. 21 dedication ceremony in Port Jervis, NY were, pictured UDC's Raft Trip Attracts 174 from the ieft, Orange County Legislator Wayne Decker, Sullivan County Legislature Chairiady Page 5 Leni Binder, U.S. Congressman Ben Gilman, NYS Assemblyman Jake Gunther, and City of Port Jervis Mayor Ross Decker. (Photo by Laurie Ramie) UDC Highlights Activities Pages Highway Goes Byway Superintendent Forney Settles In Page 7 A nearly three-year cooperative effort by nificance of the route, while also outiining local citizens, municipal officials, govern­ the desire to protect its rural character. UDC Awards 12 Technical ment agency representatives, and profes­ The designation opens up new avenues Assistance Grants in 2002 sional consultants to seek New York State for state and federal funding to implement Pages recognition of Route 97 as the "Upper enhancements such as scenic overiooks, Delaware Scenic Byway" culminated with a visitor amenities, and cohesive signage. — — —— — -I day-long traveling celebration from Port It also serves as a marketing tool. The The Upper Delaware , Jen/is to Hancock on September 21, 2002. New York State Scenic Byways Program welcomes submissions and, Dedication festivities followed Governor (www.nybyways.com) recently released a new subscribers (freell j George Pataki's August 6, 2002 signing of free, 32-page brochure that literally puts Send items to Newsletter, the bill adding the roadway that largely par­ the new IJpper Delaware Scenic Byway on Editor Laurie Ramie at the* the map, accompanied by a description. Upper Delaware Council, | allels the 73.4-mile-long Upper Delaware 211 Bridge St., P.O. Box 192, i Scenic and Recreational River to the New Modeled after the August 30, 1939 event Narrowsburg, N.Y. 12764.' York State Scenic Byways System. that celebrated the official opening of Please update our mailing I Route 97, a motorcade with a police escort list by ftlling out the coupon | To seek nomination, the Upper Delaware |0n Page 7. Thank you. j| Scenic Byway Committee prepared an made 11 stops along the byway on a Enhancement Concept which highlights Saturday road tripttwo days shy of autumn- the outstanding scenic, natural, recreation­ Enthusiastic revelers greeted the cara- al, cultural, historic and archeological sig­ Please see "BYWAY" on Page 4

Most land alona the Upper Delaware River Is privately owned. Please be considerate and don't litter or trespass. Thanks! Upper Delaware Profile: Fre6er\ck Bartsch Growing up in Hanover, Germany as the Uppur Delaware Council, Inc. | son of a rivermaster for the Oder, Ems, and. P. O. Box 192, 211 Bridge St. 1 Lippe Rivers, Frederick Bartsch took natu­ Narrowsburg, NY 12764-0192 1 rally to the resource. Telephone: (845) 252-3022 f "1 was always exposed to water, boats, FAX: (845) 252-3359 fishing rods, lures, and worms," the -67-.. year-old says. The Upper Delaware is a free quarteriyi Bartsch's family, frustrated by the politi­ publication of the Upper Delaware cal system in East Germany, emigrated to Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organiza-l the United States in September 1953 when tion compnsed of member govemmentsl Fred was 18 years old. from New York and Pennsylvania directly They settled in New Jersey and Bartsch affected by the River Management Planl went to work for the Intemational Brother­ for the Upper Delaware Scenic and | hood of Electrical Workers before being Recreational River. drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958. He sen/ed as Military Post Engineer at 2002 Officers Fort Richardson in Alaska until 1960, then Chairperson Lewis J. Schmalzle! returned to New Jersey to resume work as Vice-Chairperson Bruce Selneck' a construction superintendent. r Secretary/Treasurer .. Charles Wielandl In 1966, Bartsch started his own compa­ New York Town Representatives ny. General Electrical Contractors, in J Hancock George H. Frosch South Plainfield, NJ, which he operated for Fred Bartsch, Lackawaxen Township, PA Fremont John B Niflot 16 years before selling the business. From the vantage point of his nverfront James Greier, Alternate His"semi-retired" status didn't last long. property, Bartscti has been dismayed to Delaware Harold G Roeder, Jr Bartsch had leased and eventually pur­ experience vandalism, trespass, profanity, Erie J Nystrom, Alternate chased riverfront property in Shohola and some generally rude behavior Cochecton . . .. Larry H. Richardson; John A Reggero, Alternate Township for many years, primarily for tish- . Bartsch believes that commercial boat ing and weekend getaways. Tusten .Charles Wieland Uveries cpuld help greatly in a campaign Richard B Crandall. Alternatei "I came to Pennsylvania in 1955 during aimed at fostering a more respecfful and Highland Lewis Schmalzle the fiood and fell in love with the river val­ courteous attitude by visitors toward , the Allan Schadt, Alternate ley," he says. caretakers of property along the river. Lumberland Nadia Rajsz Bartsch decided to start a construction Appointed as Lackawaxen's UDC 1st John LiGreci, Alternate company in Pike County, which he operat­ alternate in 1998-99, interrupted by some Deerpark Philip D Chase ed until 1993. That year, he began working health problems then resuming in March Melvin Decker, Alternate for Pike County government as mainte­ 2002, Bartsch regulariy attends the UDC's Pennsyivania Township Representatives nance supervisor for the new county jail. Water Use/Resource Management, Oper­ Lackawaxen .... John S McKay Due to contractor problems, Bartsch was ations, and Project Review committee Fred Bartsch, 1st Altemate asked to take over coordination of the $18 ' meetings. Per Hansen, 2nd Alternate million construction project in 1994 and fin­ His first-hand knowledge of the construc­ Shohola .' .. .Bruce Selneck ished the job within a year. . tion trade is especially valuable during dis­ George J Fluhr, 1st Alte/iniitI He is now employed as Director of cussions of new developmerits in the river Steve Dellert, 2nd Alternate Building Services for Pike County, respon­ Westfall Alan Bowers corridor that could impact the resource. State & Regional Members sible for the oversight and physical opera­ "1 am concerned with any encroachment New York .. William Rudge, DEC tions of the 260-acre jail complex. District upon the pristine environment of the river Pennsylvania... Marian Hrubovcak, DCNR Court, and Pike County Senior Center, valley by construction and the loss of David Lamereaux, DEP, Altemate among other facilities. aquifer, which a lot of people take for grant­ Del River Basin Commission Carol Collier Through his role as an alternate repre- ed. Water is one of the prime necessities of Partner sentative to the Upper Delaware Council life. We take it for granted, but it is a limit­ National Park Sen/ice . Mane Rust, Reg Dir for Lackawaxen Township, Greeley resi­ ed resource," he says. David C Forney, UDS&RR, Alternate dent Bartsch is cartying on a tradition of In addition to son Andrew, Fred and his river valley stewardship that he had also wife Ingrid, a homemaker, are the parents instilled in his late son. of ttwo daughters, Sandra Mruczkewycz, Executive Director.. . William E Douglass Andrew Bartsch, who died at the age of manager of Citizen Bank in Hawley, Pa., udcdouolass @ ezaccess net Senior Resource Specialist .. David B. Soete 37 on Januaty 26,1997 after a snowmobile and Sharon. Stuart, employed , by Pike udcsoete®ezaccess net accident, had sen/ed as UDC alternate for County. Sharon's husband, Brian Stuart, is Public Relations/Newsletter Laurie Ramie Shohola Township. - ' chairrnan of the Lackawaxen Towj;;^p'' udcramie®ezaccess net "I'm motivated by his love for the river Board of Supervisors. Their six grandchii- Office Manager Carol Coney and area," Bartsch acknowledges. dren range in age from 2:14. One grand­ udcconev iS ezaccess net He also cares deeply about his town­ son, 10-year-old Christopher,; the-,son' of ship's participation on the UDC, which he Andrew and Kathleen Bartsch, died on July Printing Services T-,pc>< ir.. PC Sjt J07. believes performs a critical function. 18, 2001 after battling brain cancer' '.''. ; . Pemberton. NJ 08068 Tel (609)894-2282 'The preservation of that river is one of Bartscti is. a passionate reader and T4^^ Pnnted in the USA on recycled paper my foremost goals, to maintain it the way 1 enjoys fishing, the outdoors, and spending Copyright 2002, Upper Delaware Council first saw it in 1955," Bartsch says. time in his home mechanical workshop.• FaU 2002 The Upper Delaware Lenapes Laud 'Ancient River of Our People'

The Rising Nation Journey a canoe trip from Hancock, NY to Cape. May, NJ, took place in August to tout a .'Treaty of Renewed Brotherhood" between the Lenape Nation and the Delaware River Greenway Partnership recognizing the Lenapes as'indigenous stewards of the Delaware River. "We are taking this riyer journey as a symbol of our move­ ment toward-Unity,'' Lenape spokesperson Jim Beer said at an Aug; 5 supper and camping layover in Narrowsburg. "This river, for thousands of years, has been a centering spot. Our ancestors celebrated the natural worid. Water was looked at in a vety special way. Water is the beginning of all life. This is the ancient river of our people. When I drove up here for our launch from Hancock, 1 felt like I was driving back to the beginning of tirtie. It was a rekindling. This river has ancient harmonies and you don't have to be Native to feel it." The Lenape are the original inhabitants of southern New York, eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. But over a period of 250 years. Beer noted that many Lenape people were pushed away from their homelands. Support for establishing a cultural center to educate about Lenape customs and revive dialects is part of the treaty. In their language, Lenape means "common people." Lenapes have always thought of themselves as members of a single ethnic group sharing a sense of identity and heritage. Turtle Clan member Beer said his family's history in Bucks County, PA goes back 300 years. His great-great-grand­ mother was a full-blooded Lenape. The father of two lives with his grandmother so that his young boys can be schooled Rising Nation Journey Lenape paddler Jim Beer, at right, accepted the gift in the Lenape culture that he has always embraced. of a new Upper Deiaware Scenic and Recreational River safety poster from . NPS Superintendent Dave Forney during an Aug. 5 pottuck picnic supper at "While i didn't grow up in the traditional ways, the tribe that Lander's Narrowsburg Campground sponsored by the Upper Deiaware I'm part of guides me in my iife. I really feel in my heart that Heritage Alliance. The Equinunk Historical Society had hosted the dozen something of the ancient calls to me," the musician said. participants for lunch. The Deiaware River Greenway Partnership co-spon­ i^or mpre information, visit www.lenapeculture.org.• sored the trip and signed a treaty with the Lenape. (Photo by Laurie Ramie) News Briefs from Around tlie Region erty life jackets may be returned to any River Trash Dwindling NPS or Upper Delaware livery location. At Kittatinny Canoes' 13th Annual "On and Under the Delaware River Cleanup" held July 16-18, organizers were pleased Roebling Bridge Repaired to report finding cleaner conditions. the Federal Highway Administration Some 500 volunteers scouring 70 miles issued a conjtract in September to Traffic of Deiaware River from the Ten Mile River Safety Services, Inc.. of South Plainfield, Access in NY to Dingmans Ferry in PA and NJ for repair and maintenance work at the NJ hauled out 13 tons of garbage and 220 National Park Service's Roebling Bridge. vehicle tires, compared to last year's net of During the fajl months, traffic will be min­ 17.5 tons pf trash and 403 tires. imally affected as workers repaint portions of the metal superstructure and re-point the bridge piers. Construction activity will Courtesy PFDs Donated shut down over the winter. ' Lander's River Trips has donated 50 When work resumes in eariy spring Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) to NPS 2003, replacement of the concrete side­ 'Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational walk panels, bridge deck surface milling, RiVer to implement a new program of pro­ and the addition of a new concrete layer viding courtesy PFDs to visitors who have will require closing the historic Delaware lost or damaged their own. Aqueduct for approximately one month. •; • All vessels, on the^ Upper Delaware are Beginningttwo weeks prior to the closure, UDC Vic^Chairperson Bruce Selneck, repre-,.require d to tiave a readily accessible. electronic message signs will be placed at sentative for Shohola Township, PA, decided Coast Guard-approved PFD for each per­ tiie site to announce the start date. Traffic to dress for the occasion (and laughs) When son aboard- Children'''12 and uhder are will be redirected along Routes 590 and hie-substitiited for Council Chairperson Lew: Schmaizie by presiding over the June 6 UDC required to wear a PFD when boating- 434, using the Barryville-Shohola Bridge. n^eetingi.with.pomp.,(Photo by John B. Niflot) 'Onc e issued, the U-S. government prop- Targeted completion date is May 1, 2003. FaU 2002 ' 3 The Upper Delaware 'BYWAY", continued from Page 1 van in each community. Historic, illustrated booklets to commem­ orate the dedication were distributed to all in attendance. Each participating munici­ pality received a metal sign featuring the new Upper Delaware Scenic Byway logo. Peppy tunes from the Broome Street Traveling All-Stars Band ushered in the eariy morning festivities in Port Jervis as participants enjoyed refreshments. Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Commit­ tee Chair Alan Sorensen and Dedication Abe Lincoln (a.k.a. John Deck) gave his presidential seal of approval to the commemo­ Subcommittee Chair Peter Osborne intro­ rative poster accompanying the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway dedication traveling cel­ duced an impressive dais of dignitaries ebration during the tenth stop at the Basket Historical Society of the Upper Deiaware Valley Museum in Long Eddy. Dedication Event Chair Peter Osborne and 1930s-era cos­ that included: U.S. Congressman Ben tumed "Belle of 97", National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational Gilman; NYS Senator John Bonacic; NYS River Assistant Superintendent Sandra Schultz, bear witness. (Photos by Laurie Ramie) Assemblyman Jake Gunther; Orange County Legislators Melissa Bonacic and Sorensen thanked the 23-member ed in the process and hosted ceremonies. Wayne Decker; Sullivan County Legislator byway committee, three counties, and 10 'Today's dedication of the new Upper Leni Binder; Sullivan County Manager municipalities for supporting a project that Delaware Scenic Byway is truly a step for­ Daniel Briggs; NYS Scenic Byways he believes "will really bring future eco­ ward. This designation is going to provide Advisory Board member and Orange nomic viability to the Upper Delaware." many new visitors to our valley and we County Planning Commissioner David Osborne agreed that the amount of welcome that. It is the most beautiful Church; Sullivan County Visitors Associ­ cooperation exhibited had probably not scenic route that I've traveled on," retiring ation President Roberta Lockwood; City of been seen since the 1930s when Route 97 Congressman Gilnian remarked. Port Jervis Mayor Ross Decker; and the was constructed. Even the Towns of Localized histories of Route 97 were pro­ byway project's consultants, Carol Truppi Fremont and Hancock, which have so far vided along the way by town historians and Tom Shepstone. opted against joining the byway, participat- Norma Schadt (Deerpark), who unveiled a new historic marker for the famous Hawk's Nest; Frank Schwarz (Lumberiand), whose father Walter officiated at the 1939 dedica­ tion; Mary Curtis (Delaware), and John Conway (Highland and Sullivan County). The Cochecton Preservation Society arranged lunch at its site, along with Civil War reenactors and train songs by. Mickey Barnett. President Abe Lincoln and a "Danielle" Boone greeted the motorcade at Basket Historical Society in Long Eddy, as did 98- year-old Anna Bullis, who remarked, "1 can remember 97 when it was a dirt road with horse droppings." New York Department of Transportation Region 8 Scenic Byways Coordinator Michael George noted that the Upper Delaware is "the state's first populist scenic byway in that it was grassroots-initiated. The next step will be establishing an The northern gateway to the Upper Deiaware Scenic Byway starts in the Village of organization to implement the plan.<» Hancock, Delaware County. Participating in the dedication ribbon-cutting on Sept. 21 were, from left to right, Scenic Byway Committee Chair Aian Sorensen, Town of Hancock Look for more photos from the historic Supervisor Samuel Rowe Jr., Village of Hancock Mayor William Ward Jr., and New York Upper Delaware Scenic Byway State Assemblyman Clifford Crouch's District Representative Rodney Decker. Dedication in the Winter issue' FaU 2002 4 The Upper Delaware UDC Plans for Next Five Years' Work at Strategic Workshop To prepare for the development of its fourth Five-Year Operating Program, the Upper Delaware Council convened, a strategic planning workshop on August 10 facilitated by consultant Tom Shepstone. The new plan produced as a result of that effort covers the period of October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2007. It sets forth a detailed management pro­ gram to guide the Council in its mission of carrying out the principles, objectives, and responsibilities contained in the River Management Plan for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River The 10 board and staff members who attended the workshop brainstormed over issues that will likely require the Council's new or heightened attention over the next five years. Participants voted on the list to assign a priority ranking. The top scoring issues were then discussed further to The Upper Deiaware Councii's 14th Annual Family Raft Trip drew 174 individuals to devise strategies to meet each goal. the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreattonal River on August 3, 2002. Last sum­ The top 10 issues were: mer's, outing had attracted 153 guests. The river trip began at Lander's Minisink 1. Seek establishment of a minimum fiow Base near Minisiiik Ford, NY and ended approximately eight miles downstream at target at the Callicoon guage, and a better Lander's Pond Eddy Base. The large turnout included 129 adults and 45 children balance of river flows and releases that will aged 12 and under. Many people of all ages expressed that it was their first ttme to produce less negative impacts for the raft on the Upper Deiaware, thereby fulfiiling the UDC's goai to promote awareness Delaware River Watershed's headwaters. and stewardship of the river through direct contact with the recreational resource. Participants came from as far away as Virginia, the tri-state metropolitan area, and 2. Plan for growth in the river valley by distant parts of New York and Pennsylvania to join the valley residents who took finding ways to accommodate develop­ advantage of the discounted rates and organization provided by the UDC. Lander's ment while protecting large open spaces. River Trips provided the rafts, shuttles, and safety briefings. Pictured above, a raft­ This topic also addresses concerns over ing group from the Waymart-Carbondale, Pa. area that included, from the left, S. ridgetop construction, cell towers, and the Robert Powell, Gail Barna, Grace Deftna, Jane Varcoe, and Marilyn Turner, prepare limitations of zoning. to ftoat under the Shohola-Barryville Bridge. Pictured beiow, a thirsty but watchful 3. Work with the Upper Delaware Scenic doe and fawn on the shoreline didn't let the passing rafters deter them from^cool­ Byway and other initiatives in partnerships ing off on the hot summer day. (Photo above by Laurie Ramie, photo below by David B. Soete) that can benefit the river valley through positive cross-impacts and fulfill tasks from the River Management Plan. 4. Re-examine and refine the UDC's role by assessing its key issues in terms of rel­ ative benefits and costs. 5. Investigate how to address scenic and aesthetic issues in zoning. 6. Ensure non-impairment of the Upper Delaware River corridor resource. 7. Prepare now for the 20-year review of the River Management Plan slated for FY 2006 by devising the process. 8. Determine the feasibility of placing the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River River Management Plan on the Pennsylvania Rivers Consen/ation Reg­ istry to open up new funding' sources. 9. Address UDC funding and long-term staffing needs as the Council enters its'15 year of operation. • to:-Move up the priority of the River Management Plan's'call for developing an Uppei; Delaware Valley Museum.•

FaU 2002 The Upper Delaware UDC Highlights Quarterly Activities Upper, Delaware Council (UDC) activity highlights from late June through mid- September 2002, not mentioned else­ where in this issue, include: FLOWS AND RELEASES - The UDC agreed in principle with a pro­ posal put forth by The Nature Conservancy in cooperation with Trout Unlimited and the Delaware River Foundation entitled, "Ecologically Sustainable Water Manage-^ ment: A Vision to Resolve Delaware Basin Flow Management Issues." In an Aug. 1 letter issued after reviewing the proposal, the UDC wrote, "We believe that it may be difficult to get all of the par­ ties to agree on solutions and that it may be necessaty to revisit the 1954 Supreme Court Decree I at some time in the future. However, the proposed ESWM process, at the very least, will help to bring all the par­ ties together and identity the issues." - Noting that "the operation of the Lake , Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project has the potential to affect fiows from the other reservoirs in the basin," the UDC reviewed the PPL Draft License Application and Environmental Assessment submitted to the Federai Energy Regulatory. A costumed Peter Osborne, executive director of the Minisink Valley Historical Society, deliv­ The UDC noted in a June 27 letter that, ered the keynote address at the 223rd Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Minisink among other recommendations, 'There heid Juiy 21 at Sullivan County's Minisink Battieground Park. Memorial wreaths were laid on needs to be a provision, which should be the monument at right after a military gun salute. Across the river, a similar ceremony took made part of the FERC license, for more place Juiy 22 at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier in Lackawaxen, Pa. (Photo by Laurie Ramie) balanced releases from all the major reser­ the new Upper Delaware Scenic Byway DEC'S Mongaup Access Site, Town of voirs, including the Cannonsville, Pepac­ PRDJECT REVIEWS Lumberiand, and the proposed develop­ ton, Neversink, Lake Wallenpaupack and , Comment letters were recently issued for ment area for the' NPS Mongaup Interpre­ the Mongaup reservoirs, above the the following projects: Shohola-Barryville tive Center, Town of Deerpark. Montague gage to ensure adequate flows Bridge Replacement Project design alter­ - Aug. 13, Second Annual "Day on the to maintain the river ecology, fisheries, and natives (Shohola Township and Town of Delaware" educational forum, .sponsored boating Industries." Highland); reconstruction of the NYS DEC by the Delaware River Foundation. ADVOCACY Narrowsburg Boat Launch (Town of - Aug. 22, Natural 'Strearn. Channel Since Fiscal Year 1997, the federal gov­ Tusten); Lander's River Trips application Design, sponsored by Lacawac Sanctuary ernment has offered no financial support to for state permits to allow mechanized and Wayne Conservation District. the Delaware River Basin Commission, yet brush clearing along a 320-foot section of - Sept. 12, Tour of Calkins Creek projects has remained ai full and active commission river at the Skinner's Falls Campground completed under Pennsylvania Growing member along with the States of New York, (Town of Cochecton); and the approxi­ Greener grant funding, sponsored by mately 146-acre proposed Eagle's Nest Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, Wayne Conservation District. Estates Subdivision (Town of Tusten)- since the DRBC's inception in 1961. PASSAGES SPECIAL MEETINGS The UDC sent a June 27 letter to its NPS Upper Delaware Interpretive Congressional representattves strongly - June 4, Shohola-Barryville Bridge Specialist and Webmaster Paula Valenttne supporting the DRBC's positive work con­ Project public meeting, sponsored by the transferred Aug.. 11 tq Fire Island National tributions ,aijd„inyaluable'partnership role PA Department of Transportation. Seashore as Chief of interpretation. as lawmal^rs'-consider a restoration of fed­ - June 19, Draft Environmental Action PUBLIC OOTREACH eral funding'for the DRBC. Plan for the Upper Delaware Watershed In response to citizen inquiries, the GRANTS meeting, sponsored by the PA Department' Council investigated an incidence .of NYS Senator John J. Bonacic (R-40th of Environmental Protection. ridgetop clear-cutting in the Town of District) has'secured $50,000 in state fundr - July 2, UDC Government Ofticials Highland visible from the river and com­ ing to benefit the UDC's eight New York Liaison Subcommittee meeting with U.S. plaints over the enforcement of the existing members towns for a second round of Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman (R-NY- swimming prohibition by the Pennsylvania beautification, economic development, and '2bth District). Fish and Boat Commission at its Upper' river access projects. - Aug. 6, Conservation Easements semi­ Delaware River accesses this summer. Along with those grants. Sen. Bonacic nar, sponsored by Lacawac Sanctuary. The UDC also staffed an informational, tapped the UDC to administer a $20,000 - Aug. 9, Field visits for interested UDC booth at the 12th Annual Riverfest in grant for improvement projects related to representatives and alternates to the NYS Narrowsburg, NY on July 28.« Fan 2002 The Upper Delaware Superintendent Forney Settles In David C. Forney, a 29-year veteran of the sibilities there? National Park Service (NPS), began his 1 was responsible for establishing an new assignment as Superintendent of the operational park by first developing the Upper Delaware Scenic apd Recreational general nianagement plan and then imple­ .River on July 1, 2002. The UpperDelaware menting the pian to create a functional park inquired about how he was settling iri to the with staff, partnerships, preservation poli­ new position: cies, and budget. The unique situation was What kind of reception have you re­ to create a park from a current, operating ceived in the Upper Delaware River Valley, high school, with nearly all properties with­ both on and off the job? in the park boundary held in private ovyner- 1 vyas received graciously and with a ship and with legislation that prohibited any warm welcome; froni the park employees interference with the operation of the and the community'at large throughout the school or with city ordinances. The job of river valley. My first evening here, 1 was creating the park could not have been pos­ invited to attend the Callicoon Kiwanis sible without generous support from the Club meeting and was' greeted by un­ city, business, school and neighborhood known friends' Asl began'my orientation leaders and local residents. Of course, and meeting park pailriers,* civic and com­ having the President of the United States munity organizations, alj expressed a firm taking a keen interest in this project cer­ "good luck" and it became apparent that tainly did not hurt. valley residents thproughiy enjoy , their ' 'Clearly, the Upper Delaware Scenic and country surroundings, valley charm .-and Recreational River presents some very dif­ Dave Forney, UDS&RR Superintendent ivalley beauty. / ferent management strategies and oppor­ math and science to create an interdiscipli­ You are a Pennsylvania native, but have tunities. In your observation so far, what nary approach to learning. We need to cre­ had a wide geographical array of assign­ are the most compelling, issues facing this ate 'The Delaware as a Classroom" that ments throughout the NPS. Does it feel like unit of the National Park System? will provide opportunities to apply class­ you have come full circle in your career? The most important issue which I think room knowledge to .actuaf' field experi­ Yes, it has. come full circle. 1 began my not orily this unit faces but also the entire ences. The unit's science program, needs career in 1973 at the Delaware Water Gap riyer valley is how we are going to manage to expand to include technology to monitor National Recreation .Area and attended growrth. The scenic and recreational values water quality, locate point source pollution, East Stroudsburg University. Over the last . of the valley have reached the metropolitan prevent water degradation, monitor and ttwo decades, 1 have lived in Maryland, areas and for various reasons, folks are inventory fisheries, and prepare a river val­ West Virginia, Arkansas, Washington D.C, coming to this area to live. The values that ley GIS system that can serve the towns, and Massachusetts., I think, it is one of the drive the economic engine are those same townships, and counties. We need to main­ advantages of working with an organiza­ values of natural and 'scenic beauty and tain and expand our partnerships to tion to provide opportunities to experience recreational use for which the Upper achieve these goals and to preserve the the people and the landscapes of various Delaware was created, and people have scenic value of the Delaware. Vision with­ parts of the countty It's great to be back, decided to live here for generations. How out budget, though, is strictiy basic opera­ though, to one. of the most enjoyable spots do we want this valley to look 25 years tions. We need to be creative to pursue in the state. Hopefully, this will be my last from now? Hbw affordable will laind and financial support from all sources to imple­ move in the National Park Service. homes be for our children? ment priority programs. We understand that your most recent What is your vision for UDS&RR and Lef's talk a little about your horne life. superintendent's position in Little Rock, how do you propose positioning NPS to What do you enjoy in your sparse time? Arkansas held during President Clinton's meet that objective? i've always enjoyed hunting, fishing, tin­ administration in 2000 involved establish­ The Delaware River provides great kering with motors, and Penh State football ing Central High School as a new National opportunities for education. We need to in the fall, i find golf, though, to be a neces­ Historic Site. That must be a great sense of develop curriculum-based educational pro­ sity and how take pleasure in walks along accomplishment. What were your respon­ grams with the regional schools that utilize the Delaware:^ ( New Subscribers and Adidiiiess Changes Welcomed ) y^ If you have friends or colleagues who would be interesteddn receiving our free newsletter, we will be N^ happy to add them to the mailing list. Please also advise'us'''6f ^any address changes to help update our records. Retum this notice to the Upper Delaware Council, P.O. Box 192, Narrowsburg, NY 12764, or call (845) 252-3022. f| New Address: Old Addross: Name Name Addresb Address City/State City/Stato Zip+4 Zip+4 { ] Check here to be removed from our mailing list. FaU 2002 The Upper Delaware Upper Delaware Council Awards 2002 Technical Assistance Grants

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) and maintain a Town of Fremont web site awarded $20,450 in Technical Assistance Since 1988, the UDC has for the public dissemination of information Grants for 12 projects that will further goals awarded $491,291 to its about the town and its history. and. address needs identified in the River Town of Cochecton - $1,250 to print the Management Plan for the Upper Delaware member municipalities to town's zoning map in a GlS-based digital Scenic and Recreational River- help fund 133 projects. format. The reproduced, multi-colored Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) are maps will be able to specifically identify lot . available for research, planning, and stud­ elevated sodium chloride levels observed lines within zoning districts. ies conducted by the UDC's eight member in the groundwater wells serving that area Pike County - $1,100 to compile and New York towns, three Pennsylvania town­ of the hamlet. print an index for the 584-page book, "Pike ships, and the encompassing river corridor Shohola Township - $1,900 to conduct Counfy History," which was authored by counties. a study of groundwater qualify and quanti­ the late Norman Lehde. The Pike Counfy They can provide seed money for a ty. The study will: project future groundwa­ Commissioners subsidized the printing of municipality to embark on a project without ter use in terms of development permitted 2,000 copies in 1987. The book is still used having to dip into local tax dollars. by the zoning ordinance ahd available as a heritage research tool. Wayne County, Pa.'s four townships of land; search literature for information about Town of Lumbertand - $1,000 to devel­ Berlin, Buckingham, Damascus, and groundwater recharge in the area; include op a Town of Lumberland web site to pro­ Manchester would be eligible to participate recommendations for ordinances that the vide citizens with information on town gov­ if the townships joined the UDC. township could consider to protect ground­ ernment and Lumberiand organizations, At its September 5, 2002 meeting, the water quality based on the study findings; and promote the region's historical, cultur­ UDC approved the follovying TAG awards: and improve the township's water conser­ al, and recreational assets. Town of Lumberland - $3,200 to con­ vation and quality protection standards. Town of Fremont - $800 to print 200 duct a survey of historical structures within Town of Delaware - $1,900 to develop a copies of the town's newly revised zoning the river corridor. The project will center on Town of Delaware web site on which to laws. identitying, inventorying, and categorizing post the Town Comprehensive Plan, Land For more information on the UDC's historic homes, churches, and other sites, Use Reguiations, relevant laws and ordi­ Technical Assistance Grants, program, such as the D&H Canal, along the town's nances, meeting minutes, forms, proce­ please contact Senior Resource Specialist section of the Upper Delaware Scenic dures, and announcements. David B. Soete at [email protected] Byway and other roads in a two-mile radius Town of Deerpark - $1,900 to codify all or (845) 252-3022.'«> from the Upper Delaware River. of the town's legislation, a project initiated Town of Highland - $2,400 to codify and in 1974 and then re-started in 1995, but Missing Summer Issue? print the town's recently revised Land Use never completed to the publication phase. Due to a temporary computer problem Regulations and other relevant laws and Shohola Township - $1,500 to update by the UDC newsletter printer's subcon­ ordinances to irnprove public access to the Enhanced-911 Program within the tractor in providing complete address these documents. township by identifying addresses on a labels for the Summer 2002 The Upper Town^of Tusten - $2,200 to conduct a more detailed scale in order to improve Delaware, many readers did not receive drainage survey and develop a stormwater emergency response planning. A new, that issue mailed on July 5. To request a management plan for the "flats" area of local guide and bibliography of resource copy, call (845) 252-3022, fax 252-3359, Narrowsburg. The lack of an adequate materials will be produced. or e-mail [email protected].^ drainage system may have contributed to Town of Fremont - $1,300 to develop /'^.The'Upper Delaware'Co.uncUi'Inc.'.meets^'o^ every inonth at 7:30 p.m. at'the^Tusten-Town Hall; Narrowsburg,'>IY. Three "N.

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FaU 2002 The Upper Delaware