At a time when it’s so important to be connected, despite not being able to be social in person, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) is continuing to work to connect the watershed through roadside signage! In conjunction with State Lead organizations, CDRW is advancing “Entering the Delaware River Watershed” signs to be erected along major roadways that intersect with the watershed’s boundaries in four states.

Looking for a way to escape your house and reduce your screen time? The increasing the effects of COVID-19 have resulted in large scale travel restriction, forcing many people in the United States to stay at home and practice social distancing, including those in the Delaware River Watershed. Cancellations of large events, and the closing of schools and many businesses have many people dealing with the new reality of restricted activity. The number of places in which we can travel to has lessened significantly, but one thing that we can still do is go outside and enjoy the great outdoors!

Getting used to this “new normal” yet? There are a lot of dos and don’ts I’m sure we can all recite by now. Wash your hands frequently. Don’t touch your face. Flatten the curve. Don’t hoard groceries. Speaking of groceries, it’s time for some real talk about reusable bags. We can continue to reduce our plastic waste by reusing our cloth and polypropylene shopping bags during these challenging times.

On March 10th 2020, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and member organizations journeyed down to the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C for the Coalition’s annual Delaware River Watershed Hill Day. We met with every Member of Congress that represents the Delaware River Watershed states (32 offices total). We had 22 member organizations attend and about 40 attendees. The Hill closed 2 days after our Hill Day due to concerns over coronavirus – we just made it! We thanked Members of Congress for supporting federal clean water funding and protection as well as advocating for our 2020 policy priorities some of which include; the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Clean Water Funding and the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.

We can’t have a healthy Delaware River Watershed if the four states that comprise the watershed aren’t making wise choices for the environment. Every year the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed supports state-level clean water policies and funding in the four watershed states of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. By utilizing our State Outreach Lead Initiative, we expand our reach to every statehouse, which is important because bills and policies that will impact water quality, wildlife habitat, and environmental issues occur on a state level, not just federally. Our State Lead organizations identify critical policies that will determine the future of our watershed and then they drive legislative strategy on these identified priorities, building capacity and leading statewide efforts.

The Delaware River Means contest brings people together around enjoyment and experience of the river, and provides the chance to win great outdoor-themed prizes! The season’s contest kicked off on Labor Day 2019 and prompted entrants to share a picture of how the Delaware River means “life” to them. To increase the odds of winning, this year there was two ways to win: secure the judge’s vote or secure the popular vote on the Delaware River Means Life contest website.

In response to the introduction of the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act on February 11th by U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed - a network of over 150 nonprofits located throughout NY, NJ, PA, and DE - has prepared the following statement from Director Sandra Meola.

In response to the finalization of the rolling back of key portions of the 2015 Waters of the Unites States Rule or the "Clean Water Rule," the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed has prepared the following statement:
 “The Administration’s cutbacks on the environmental protections afforded by the Waters of the United States Rule is the worst in the Clean Water Act’s history. Many streams, rivers, and approximately half of the nation’s wetlands will be left federally unprotected.