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White Clay Receives
Wild and Scenic River Designation
White Clay Creek has become Delaware's first federally protected
Wild and Scenic River. Congress passed legislation in October of 2000 designating
the White Clay Creek as a Wild and Scenic River. This designation is the culmination of
efforts begun in 1991.
The White Clay Creek watershed is one of only a few relatively intact,
unspoiled and ecologically functioning river systems remaining in the highly
congested and developed corridor linking Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with
Newark Delaware. The watershed drains 69,000 acres in southeast Pennsylvania
and northwest Delaware. Some 95,000 people live within its boundaries.
This bill means that the river receives permanent protection from federally
licensed or assisted water resource projects (dams, diversions,
channelization, etc.) that would have a direct and adverse effect on its
free-flowing condition or outstanding remarkable resources.
It does not mean that existing infrastructure cannot be expanded to
accommodate carefully planned residential, commercial and industrial growth.
New Castle County is actively seeking solutions to water shortage problems,
and this bill does not limit options that are in the best interests of the
citizens of Delaware. The legislation does not open private lands to public
access. It does not replace the authority of state, county and municipal
governments to regulate land use in the watershed. There are no federal
lands within the watershed, and the bill does not authorize federal funds to
be used to purchase land. It simply prohibits federal funds from being used
to interfere with the free-flowing nature of the river or its unique
resources.
Dorothy Miller and Judith Shuler served as co-chairs of the study task force.
Charles Barscz, Jr. of the National Park Service was the principal planner
and project manager representing the National Park Service.
Congratulations to all those individuals, environmental groups, local
governments and communities in the watershed who worked together to preserve
the White Clay Creek as a unique, free flowing river.
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Last modified on October 25, 2000.
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