Upper Delaware River Cold Water Ecosystem Suffers Another Blow

The inability of key decision makers to effectively communicate leaves UDR high and dry

For the second time in just over a month, the Upper Delaware River experienced an ecological shock treatment of enormous proportion when expansive areas of riverbed were dewatered virtually overnight. In a 14 hour period, the water release from the Cannonsville Reservoir went from over 900 cfs to less than 200cfs. Wildly erratic river flows can cripple the recreational economy of the UDR region and the biological integrity of this sensitive and magnificent river system.

Why did this happen? Because the 5 key decision makers (NYC, NYS, PA, NJ, DE) failed to effectively communicate on a very feasible solution that would cause no harm to any of the parties. The technical ability to gradually throttle back on water releases to better mimic natural river conditions is completely possible. It’s the politics that gets in the way and all parties are guilty. This sad story has been repeated dozens and dozens of times over the decades. While the sub-plot can be different with each event, the storyline is essentially the same and so is the outcome. Entrenched positions (“you don’t get yours if we don’t get ours”) and parochial needs trump any collaborative solution aimed at the greater good. And more often than not, the Upper Delaware River becomes ground zero for the most harmful impacts of these intractable positions.

Watersheds need to be managed with the entire system in mind. When one party holds hostage over all others to protect their individual needs, it is inevitable that the entire river system will suffer. And the sad part is, in a reasonably water rich part of the country (this is not California just yet folks), there is enough water to go around almost all of the time.

If this story strikes a chord with you, please consider attending one of the very few meetings where your voice can be heard before key decision makers. Come to the DRBC Regulated Flow Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, December 3rd from 10AM-2PM at the Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Living Center in Hawley, PA. This is your opportunity to tell the authorities it’s time to get solution oriented and shed the selfish and harmful positioning that is so damaging to the river we all love. We hope to see you there!

For more Information contact FUDR:
Jeff Skelding: skelding@fudr.org
Sherri Resti: sherri@fudr.org

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