Dear CDRW Community,
The Coalition is celebrating our 10-year anniversary!
As the trusted voice in Washington D.C. and in each respective state capital throughout the basin, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed leverages its bipartisan strengths to advance sound conservation policy forward.
We couldn’t do it without you
Together, with our 175+ and growing members, CDRW has had collective impacts to its watershed-wide priorities on both state and federal levels. In reflecting upon our inception and legacy ahead, leadership and Coalition staff would like to thank the William Penn Foundation and organizations that have advocated alongside us for the past 10 years. Our cumulative efforts are stronger by working across state-lines and political parties to advance clean water that supports the wildlife, ecosystems and people who rely on it.
A Reflection on Yesterday…A Vision for Tomorrow
In 2012, the Coalition was formed with the mission to obtain national and federal recognition for the Delaware River Watershed. In 2016, Congress affirmed the importance of protecting the natural resources of the watershed when it passed the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act. Since the DRBRP received its first congressional appropriation in FY 2018, the program has supported 123 projects across the watershed by providing $26.6 million in federal grants and leveraging an additional $46 million in non-federal funds. These projects will collectively restore over 20 miles of riparian habitat and 75 miles of stream habitat, conserve and enhance 882 acres of wetland habitat, restore 254 acres of floodplain, improve 22,309 acres of forest habitat and open 4,695 acres for public access. We hope to build on continued success and support the growing demand for projects in FY23 with $15 million for the program which will be supplemented by the infrastructure package.
The Coalition continues to work to successful implementation of this program, as well as lead in other policy issues affecting the watershed, promote watershed-wide planning and collaboration, and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure that all communities share equitably in the benefits of clean water. As a result of the Coalition’s work with partners and stakeholders, we are undoubtedly paving a path toward cleaner waterways, restored habitat, healthier and protected wildlife, added outdoor recreation and access opportunities, and a more inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
Thanks for all you do,
Kelly Knutson, Director, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed