About one-fifth of the Delaware River watershed lies within New York State, mostly in Delaware and Sullivan counties. More than 50% of the daily water supply needs of New York City and surrounding counties comes from three large reservoirs located in the upper Delaware River watershed.
New York's Upper Delaware River is one of New York State's outdoor recreational gems. From paddling to hiking to fishing to hunting, this region of the state relies heavily on ecotourism to support its local economies. These industries also contribute to the state's economy, generating $3.5 billion annually.
While the Upper Delaware River watershed is relatively healthy and clean, there are increasing threats to this ecosystem, including accelerated erosion and sedimentation of local streams, development pressures, climate change, invasive species, and flooding. Despite the ecological value of this region, until recently it has received little attention from the state in terms of investments in watershed restoration and protection.
In 2022, for the first time, the Upper Delaware River was awarded $300,000 in a dedicated funding line through the Environmental Protection Fund. If you believe in the value of this region and want to see it receive more conservation and watershed protection resources in the future, demonstrate this by requesting that Governor Hochul continue this state funding.
I support the need for New York State to recognize the value of the Upper Delaware River region by investing in its long-term protection and restoration. Please continue to support the Upper Delaware River region with a dedicated funding line in the Environmental Protection Fund of no less than $300,000.
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Organized by:
New York League of Conservation Voters
Friends of the Upper Delaware River
Orange County Land Trust
Delaware Highlands Conservancy
Trust for Public Land