From the Catskill Mountains in New York, the Delaware flows through the valley it carved over millions of years, creating many special geologic features and, in the later centuries, numerous islands. Woodlands still cover most of the islands, the steeply sloping hills and cliffs, and much of the floodplains along both sides of this, the largest free-flowing river in the Northeast. The outstanding scenery along the Lower Delaware is a combination of both dramatic and sublime natural areas and the historic landscape where a multitude of wildlife co-exists with burgeoning population. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the river valley’s natural beauty, long cultural history, and numerous recreational opportunities.

The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) and other programs of the National Park Service have a long history on the Delaware. Its three national park units, the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the Middle Delaware National Scenic River, protect 110 miles of the river in three states through designation into the National Wild and Scenic River System. Conservation and economic development issues, recreational potential, and access to the waters, are a prime concern to residents along the hitherto unprotected stretches of the river. Conservation goes hand in hand with quality of life issues when they focus on the river’s importance in the people’s present and future lives.

The Delaware Greenway Partnership, now made up of more than 150 organizations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, was formed in response to a request for RTCA guidance and assistance in conserving the natural beauty and heritage of the river. . . .The Delaware River Islands project inventoried and determined ownership of 58 islands and made a number of recommendations in its Action Agenda, including additional acquisitions by Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Recently, two islands totaling 128 acres were purchased by Pennsylvania; currently 13 islands of 379 acres are publicly owned and accessible for recreation in the river from Easton PA to Trenton NJ. . . . The Delaware & Lehigh Trail Plan Workbook created by RTCA, covers 182 miles of actual and potential trail in 5 counties and identified ownership, current conditions, and actions needed to complete the 34-segment trail. Acquisition of 39 miles of ROW in Lehigh and Carbon counties was made possible by ISTEA funding and the counties will assume management of the new segments. . . . A third wild and scenic river study on the lower Delaware, initiated in response to local requests and involving more than 100 communities, is nearing completion. Many study activities intertwine with RTCA projects: The Delaware Heritage Trail Concept Plan, a 50-mile loop on both sides of the river from Morrisville PA/Trenton NJ to Palmyra NJ/Tacony bridge in northeastern Philadelphia, is moving into an action plan in which communities are working to re-connect with the river and turn industrial lands into an attractive riverfront trail. A $30,000 PA Coastal Zone Management Program grant is funding a feasibility study for the conversion of a 14.2-acre former Army Depot site on the river to open space/recreation use at the lower end of the Heritage Trail.

There are many opportunities for RTCA conservation and trail projects along the 330-mile river corridor and throughout the watershed, particularly for trails along the estuarine river and for connections to the two national park units. River conservation projects are needed to encourage tributary watershed organizations, protect significant wetlands, and partner in the creation of a Delaware River watershed-wide protection effort.