National Center For Recreation&Conservation; Rivers

Lower Delaware River Designated into the National Wild and Scenic River

New Jersey, Pennsylvania (November 1, 2000) -President Clinton signed legislation designating 67.3 miles of the lower Delaware River and three tributaries, Tinicum, Tohickon and Paunacussing creeks into the National Wild and Scenic River System. The lower Delaware River is the boundary between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It supports a startling variety of plants, ranging from cactus to arctic-alpine plants--as well as shad, sturgeon, and striped bass. The lower Delaware is also rich in cultural history. For example, on Christmas Day in 1776, George Washington crossed the lower Delaware on his way to victory over the British near Trenton. The area also includes 29 national historic districts and eight national historic landmarks. In addition, the lower Delaware River provides close to home recreational opportunities for the 5 million people that live in the Delaware Valley. Designation is based on a river management plan that focuses on local land use control. The National Park Service led the study effort that recommended designation. The study legislation grew out a RTCA project that resulted in the creation of the Delaware River Greenway Partnership. For more information, please contact: Bill Sharp Rivers & Trails Program, Philadelphia, PA, 215-597-1655.

Lee, NH (November 17, 1999)-The Town of Lee, New Hampshire acquired title to two key conservation easements on the 23.5-mile Lamprey Wild and Scenic River that will protect more than 10,000 feet of shoreline and 174 acres of riverfront lands. The first easement, covering 112 acres of the Verrette property, and including the Town's largest undeveloped wetland complex, was conveyed in October. The Verrette property is considered one of the most important wildlife habitat areas on the Lamprey. The easement will also include provisions for a trail and canoe access point. The second easement, conveyed in November, includes 62 acres of the Brady Farm, including almost 8,000ft of shoreline, historically significant remnant bridge abutments, and one of the Town's last working dairy farms. The National Park Service, through its Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, helped build necessary local support, negotiate and write the easements, secure private grant funds, and leverage funding which was raised locally by the Town. The Lamprey River was designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service in 1996. Contact: Jamie Fosburgh, National Park Service, Wild & Scenic Rivers Program, Boston, (617) 223-5191.