Conservation Groups Use $35 Million to Protect Delaware River Basin Environment

The Delaware River watershed drains an area of 14,119 square miles in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Yesterday, the William Penn Foundation launched a $35 million initiative to protect the watershed's sources.

Over 40 national and regional conservation groups have joined forces to permanently protect more than 30,000 acres and the Delaware River from imminent threats that could affect sources of drinking water. These groups seek to maintain water quality by preventing deforestation as well as the building of energy infrastructure near the waters, and controlling chemical runoffs from farms and storm water runoffs from cities.

The initiative hopes to restore sources of drinking water for major cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Camden, and Wilmington. It includes over 40 restoration projects funded through taxpayer dollars that both state and federal groups plan to be a part of.

"The Delaware River Watershed is a critical resource for communities in New Jersey, New York, and the entire region," said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck, in this William Penn Foundation news release. "Every day, millions of people depend upon the watershed as a source of drinking water, for agricultural uses, and for recreation. Preventing pollution from entering the Delaware River and its watershed is the single most effective strategy to ensure that the watershed is protected."

Half of the money will be distributed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as well as the Open Space Institute. The USFWS will provide funds for restoration projects that include tree planting and courses on how to manage chemical and storm water runoff. The Open Space Institute will allocate their money for acquisitions and easements to protect the land near the river basin from development.

The initiative, which hopes to take action as soon as possible, could potentially serve as a pioneering project for other bodies of water throughout the U.S. that experience similar threats to their livelihood. To read more about the William Penn Foundation and their $35 million initiative, visit this NewsWorks article.