Coalition Updates
4th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum – Registration is now open!
We hope all our members will join us in Blue Bell, PA on September 19-20th for our this year’s Forum. This year's event will include several site visits hosted by local Coalition members like Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, Valley Creek Restoration Partnership, and Valley Forge Chapter of Trout Unlimited! This is a great way to not only learn about efforts throughout the watershed and plan for future successes, but also to meet other members of the Coalition. Also, back by popular demand are free 1-on-1 organizational counseling sessions with CDRW member River Network. Register today - early bird rates available through August 19th!
Delaware River Basin Conservation Act - With approval from the Senate Environment and Public Works committee earlier this summer, we are closer than ever to seeing a dedicated federal program to support planning and conservation projects in the Delaware River Watershed! Help us raise awareness by writing a letter to the editor to your local newspaper. If you’re interested, please contact madeline.emde@njaudubon.org.
Clean Water Thank Yous - Earlier this month, we asked Coalition members to reach out to Congress to stop harmful policy riders being added to in the Interior Appropriations bill, including one to block the Clean Water Rule. While the bill did pass, there were several clean water champions who voted to remove these destructive policy riders and notable votes that who we wanted to highlight. Watershed members to thank for voting to protect the Clean Water Rule are: Representatives Boyle, Brady, Carney, Cartwright, Fitzpatrick, LoBiondo, Maloney, Norcross, Smith, and Watson Coleman. Also a BIG thank you to Reps. Fitzpatrick, LoBiondo, and Smith for voting against party lines on this and to Rep. Cartwright for cosponsoring an the amendment to help defend the Clean Water Act. Share our tweets help say thanks!
Member News
Welcome to our newest member - Henryville Conservation Club!
Check out CDRW’s latest blog on NJ's open space victory and benefits for local watershed's like the Musconetcong River! Guest post is written by Bill Leavens, a local advocate, kayaker, and member of the Musconetcong Watershed Association's Board of Directors.
Last Wednesday, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the William Penn Foundation jointly announced a third-year round of funding for the Delaware River Restoration Fund projects showing continued investment in the Delaware River Watershed and providing support for the work of many of our members.
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is seeking abstracts for 2017 Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit (January 22-25 in Cape May, New Jersey). This year’s theme will be Reflecting on Progress, Charting the Future. More information on the conference and how to submit an abstract can be found here. Abstracts are due July 29, 2016.
Upcoming Events
- July 27, 28, & Aug. 11: Estuary Management Plan Listening Sessions hosted by Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
- July 28, 3pm: Coalition PA Member Call
- August 10, 6pm: Learn about the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan at the Healthy Ocean Workshop and Q&A session
- August 15 & 16, 6pm: First of 6 public hearings on the recently released draft Environmental Impact Statement for the PennEast Pipeline (45-day comment period through Sept 12)
- August 6: Check out a one-day exhibit “Schuylkill Perspectives” that looks at the nature and beauty around us (just a block from the Schuylkill River Trail!)
Jobs/Internships
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) currently has openings a Senior Watersheds Coordinator and a Watershed Planning Specialist (Wilmington, DE). Applicants are encouraged apply by July 31, 2016. For more information, click here.
- The Senior Watershed Coordinator will play a leadership role in strategic planning, working with partners and providing guidance to staff in order to advance a shared vision of clean water and a healthy environment for the Delaware Estuary region
- The Watershed Planning Specialist will help to plan, coordinate, implement and manage creative projects that engage partners and/or the public in improving water quality and community resilience in and around the Delaware Estuary.
New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (NJLCV) is looking to hire a Communications Director, who will help devise and implement media strategies and increase media presence statewide to promote conservation. For information on how to apply and additional opportunities, visit their jobs page.
New Jersey Future seeks a State Policy Manager to manage the organization’s state policy campaign work, including the 2017 gubernatorial campaign platform. Topics will include transit and water infrastructure, downtown redevelopment, resiliency to natural hazards and equitable approaches to development. For information on how to apply and additional opportunities, visit their jobs page.
Natural Lands Trust is seeking a Land Protection Project Manager to join the NLT Land Protection team of the Conservation Services Department. This position will primarily engage in land and easement acquisitions. For the full job description, click here.
The EPA Region 3 is offering volunteer internships in Philadelphia to college students. Students will have the opportunity to learn about various Federal careers and will gain scientific and technical work experience. The deadline for applications is August 2nd. For more information, click here.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently joined with Department of Labor & Industry, other state officials, and the Student Conservation Association to launch the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps at Gifford State Park, near Lewisberry, York County; the PA Outdoor Corps is offering paid work experience, job training, and educational opportunities for young people who complete recreation and conservation projects on Pennsylvania public lands. Initial site locations are in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, and Johnstown. For more information, click here.