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Delaware River
No landscape captures our natural resources’ potential for recreational opportunities, historical significance, ecological strength and high-quality economic development quite like the Delaware River.
In Pennsylvania, the Delaware River, which is the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi, stretches more than 90 miles from the northern tip of Bucks County to Trenton, New Jersey and down the eastern border of Philadelphia and Delaware Counties. The River and its tributaries stream through three counties, twenty-four municipalities and twenty-one watersheds and sub-areas.
Inextricably woven into our nation’s history since Washington’s famous crossing during the Revolutionary War, the Delaware River today provides vital drinking water for our families, ports for key industries, and recreational opportunities for countless boating, fishing, hiking, bird-watching, photography and cross country skiing enthusiasts.
The River and the marshes, pastures and forests that surround it also offer important habitats for an array of plants, amphibians, fish, and migratory waterfowl. More than 250 bird species alone, including the bald eagle, orchard oriole and great blue heron, have been recorded at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.
WE NEED TO ACT
The Delaware River sits at a confluence of threats to its vitality. Only 10% of the undeveloped acreage is protected, leaving it vulnerable to development pressure from nearby population centers. Meanwhile, lax zoning that permits industrial use contributes to a proliferation of “backyard” industries that damage and reduce public access to this natural treasure.
FACTS & FIGURES
Total Acres: 29,000
High Value Acres: 17,000
Developed Acres: 9,000
Protected Acres: 2,000
Additional Protected Acres Goal: 9,000
Data current as of July 2006
RESOURCE FEATURES
- Drinking water for the City of Philadelphia Bucks, Delaware, Philadelphia and surrounding communities
- Rich tidal tributaries and marsh habitats
- Access to interconnected regional trails
SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS
TREASURES
MUNICIPALITIES (all or part)
Bensalem, Bridgeton, Bristol Boro, Bristol Twp, Durham, Falls, Lower Makefield, Morrisville, New Hope, Nockamixon, Plumstead, Riegelsville, Solebury, Tinicum, Tulleytown, Upper Makefield, Yardley, Chester City, Eddystone, Marcus Hook, Ridley, Tinicum, Trainer, Philadelphia.
WATERSHEDS/SUB-AREAS
Aquetong Creek, Brock Creek, Chester Creek, Cooks Creek, Darby Creek, Frankford Creek, Gallows Run, Houghs Creek, Jericho Creek, Marcus Hook Creek, Martins Creek, Mill Creek, Neshaminy Creek, Paunnacussing Creek, Pennypack Creek, Pidock Creek,
Poquessing Creek, Ridley Creek, Schuylkill River, Tinicum Creek, Tohickon Creek
GROWING LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN THE AREA
Bucks County Waterfront Advisory Committee; Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Commission; Delaware Riverkeeper Network; Pennsylvania Environmental Council; Delaware River City Corporation; Delaware River Greenway Partnership; Municipal Planning Commissions for Bucks, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties; Northeast Riverfront Task Force; Partnership for the Delaware Estuary; Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership; Friends of the Pennypack; Fairmount Park Commission; Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation
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