Roadside Signage in Delaware Highlights the Importance of the Delaware River Watershed
On September 18, Governor Carney, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, and the Delaware Nature Society gathered to celebrate new signage marking the boundaries of the Delaware River Watershed. The six signs placed on major roads throughout the state of Delaware highlights a watershed that encompasses 3/4 of the state’s population. Delaware is the second state, after New York, to place roadside signage denoting the watershed boundaries.
“Millions of people in our region depend on the Delaware River Basin for clean drinking water, and we should protect this resource for future generations. The watershed also remains vitally important for outdoor recreation and economic development for communities in Delaware and beyond. We will continue to work with states in our region that rely on the Delaware River Watershed to properly manage this valuable resource,” said Governor John Carney, Chair of the Delaware River Basin Commission.
The Delaware River Watershed provides drinking water to over 13 million people, including over 725,000 people in Delaware who receive water for drinking and household use. Well-known tributaries to the Delaware include the Brandywine River, the Christina River, White Clay Creek, and Red Clay Creek.
“We’re appreciative of Governor Carney, DelDOT, and all of our partners who were part of this collaborative signage process. By bringing awareness of the watershed to residents and visitors, we are creating opportunities for educating and activating people to be stewards of our natural resources,” stated Kelly Knutson, State Policy Manager, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. “Our goal with the Delaware River Watershed signage project is to foster a sense of place and deeper connection to others living within our four-state watershed. Delaware now joins New York in erecting roadside signage. We will continue on with this watershed-wide project in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in a collaborative cross-state manner.”
The Delaware River Watershed encompasses four states, beginning in the Catskill mountains of southeastern New York and flowing downstream past rural, suburban, and urban areas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The Delaware portion of the watershed occupies 965 square miles and is home to over 643,000 people; that is half of Delaware’s land area and around 74% of the state’s population.
“Water is the lifeblood of this our state. Delaware Nature Society is so pleased to celebrate the Delaware River Watershed,” added Anne Harper, Executive Director, Delaware Nature Society. “This is more than just about sign placement, it's a long overdue recognition of what this watershed means to our residents, wildlife, and economy. I'd like to thank Governor Carney and DelDOT for placing these signs to spread the word on the importance of the watershed.”
The Delaware River Watershed also supports a community of wildlife such as migrating red knots, river otters, and blue herons. The watershed promotes a healthy economy in all four states through recreation, tourism, trade, and more. Regionally it powers a $20 million economy and supports 529,366 direct and indirect jobs. The signs will help to foster a sense of place and deeper connection to others living within the four-state watershed. The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed will continue to work with partners to pursue watershed signage in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.