Management

The Lower Delaware River Management Plan provides a vision for the future of the river and context for future actions that emphasize local control and home rule. Enacting and defining legislation is covered under Laws and Policies and cooperative ventures with the public are covered under Public Involvement.

The Lower Delaware is a segment of the National Wild and Scenic River System, established by Congress on November 1, 2000 in Public Law 106-418. The designation starts just below Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It includes 65.6 miles of river segments which form the Pennsylvania and New Jersey border, plus named tributaries (the Paunnacussing, Tinicum and Tohickon). The National Park Service is responsible for the long-term protection of the river under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic River was designated as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River. This is a collaborative model in which NPS administers the designation along private, municipal and state lands in partnership with key municipalities, nonprofits, and State agencies. To assist with the protection and preservation of the river, the collaborative Lower Delaware Management Council was established. It is composed of representatives appointed by designated towns and associated nonprofits. The Lower Delaware River Management Plan (August 1997) was developed as a part of the Wild and Scenic River Study, approved by all state and local parties and referenced by Congress as the plan by which the Wild and Scenic River would be managed. The council stewards the responsibility of implementing the Wild and Scenic River management plan.