FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2023
Contact: Meagan Schaefer | Meagan.Schaefer@delriverwatershed.org | 609-330-4883
Photos of the event, for use by the press: https://bit.ly/48D58S3
11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum Unites Hundreds of Conservation Advocates, Constituents, and Organizations in Wilmington, DE
Coalition of Over 185 Organizations Reflect on the Protection and Preservation of the Delaware River, Plan for the Future of the Watershed
Wilmington, DE — The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW), supported by the National Wildlife Federation, held its 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum in Wilmington, DE, on Thursday, September 28th and Friday, September 29th. More than 300 watershed advocates attended the event, bringing together organizations and individuals spanning the four Delaware River Watershed states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to collaborate and build capacity for environmental conservation throughout our region.
The Delaware River Watershed provides drinking water to 14.2 million people (about 4% of the U.S. population) across the four basin states. The Annual Forum is a time for people to come together and have critical conversations about recent successes and challenges while looking to the future to see how to better advocate for and protect our natural resources that so many of us rely on.
“The Coalition is proud to host another year of meaningful conversations amongst our region's most dedicated environmental leaders and advocates,” said Kelly Knutson, Director, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. “Now, in our 11th year of convening, the relationship and cooperation between Coalition members has never been stronger, or more necessary. The Delaware River serves some of the biggest cities in the northeast — Philadelphia, New York City, Wilmington, Trenton, and all the communities in between — our commitment to conservation and clean water policy remains steadfast. We look forward to continued collaboration as we work to protect and preserve our beloved watershed for generations to come.”
“For over a decade, in part through its annual Forum, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed has successfully convened partners and aligned energy on the most critical priorities for clean water in the Basin, which has elevated this region on the national stage and contributed to significant policy victories,” said Stuart Clarke, Watershed Protection Program Director, William Penn Foundation. “This work is especially important as we confront key 21st century challenges of climate change and equitable sustainability. We are proud to partner with the Coalition once again to increase our impact together.”
Water quality challenges in the region are multifaceted, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to combat pollution effectively. Achieving our clean water objectives hinges on the collaboration of governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and diverse communities.This year’s forum focused on how to mobilize around these important issues and policies that impact the watershed to ensure a healthy river and surrounding basin for future generations. Particularly, the Forum provided a backdrop that fostered diversity in collaboration and partnership as a means to attain our shared clean water goals.
“EPA greatly appreciates the work of the Coalition and forums like this which bring together so much talent and passion focused on environmental conservation on the Delaware River,” said Cathy Libertz, the EPA Region 3 Water Division Director. “These efforts directly align with EPA’s mission of protection of human health and the environment including significant activity related to the protection and restoration of the Delaware River. In particular, at this time of massive Federal investments in water infrastructure, EPA looks forward to maximizing the impact of these investments by working with the Coalition and its members to identify potential regional efficiencies and opportunities for leveraging.”
“The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed has been an essential partner in advancing conservation in the region. While over $55 million in federal investments have contributed to remarkable progress toward shared conservation goals, there is still much to be done to ensure that all communities have equal access to nature. That's why the focus is increasingly on investing in projects that work with communities to provide access to natural spaces and the associated benefits. It is necessary to engage all residents of the watershed in environmental stewardship that is fair, inclusive, and reflects their needs," said Christina Ryder, Delaware River Watershed Program Manager, Science Applications, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). "USFWS commends CDRW for orchestrating a successful 11th Annual Forum, a pivotal event that nurtures essential collaboration in environmental conservation. The Delaware River is not only a fundamental source of drinking water for millions of people, but it also provides important habitat for distinct fish and wildlife species, while also providing essential access to nature. We applaud the Coalition's commitment to conservation and look forward to continued collaboration for a more sustainable future for the Delaware River."
Additional topics included current on-the-ground conservation and restoration projects within the watershed; addressing infrastructure and stormwater challenges in the basin; federal programs that fund conservation and restoration projects; tackling plastic pollution; and addressing forever chemicals — aka perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our waterways.
“Reaching a sustainable and equitable One Water future is only possible through strong, cross-sector partnerships and community engagement," said Mami Hara, CEO of the US Water Alliance. "At this time of great investment in our water infrastructure, it will take an integrated and inclusive approach to water management, rooted in water equity, to reach our shared water quality goals. The Delaware River Watershed Forum set us up for future success, bringing together leaders from across the water sector for meaningful discussions about how to tackle our most pressing challenges. The US Water Alliance looks forward to continued collaboration in this vital watershed.”
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The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed was formed in 2012 to protect and restore the land and waters in the Delaware River Basin. We amplify the collective power of over 185 member organizations and other stakeholders as we advocate for a healthy and protected watershed with an inclusive, unified voice. The Coalition convenes member and non-member organizations, builds capacity, coordinates communications, and advances policy at the federal and state levels. For more information, please visit www.delriverwatershed.org.