The Role of Coalitions in Propelling Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Work Forward

By Mariah Davis (Choose Clean Water) and Ellen Underwood (Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed).

Coalitions, collaboratives, and networks play an integral role in promoting new ideas, building connections, and exploring new avenues for support. As the only national nonprofit whose sole purpose is to connect and strengthen the nationwide network of local water protectors, River Network has used our role to educate ourselves and groups across the network on topics such as equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)*. We are not alone in this work; our partners Choose Clean Water (CCW) and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) have created resources, priorities, and welcoming, safe environments in which to discuss these topics.

The DRBC: Making Connections to the Delaware River for 60 Years

By Kate Schmidt, Communications Specialist for the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC)

We’re all in this together.

While this phrase certainly has taken on new meaning recently, I wonder if President Kennedy was thinking something similar 60 years ago when he hosted the four Basin state governors and others in the White House for a ceremonial signing of the Delaware River Basin Compact on November 2, 1961. The Compact, which created the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), granted broad basin management authorities to the Commission, including the establishment of water quality standards and regulation of discharges.

House Passes Infrastructure Bill: Includes $26 Million for Delaware River Watershed Restoration Efforts

(TRENTON, NJ) - In a win-win for conservation and bi-partisan collaboration, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, in a 228 by 206 vote.

The bill includes $26 million of supplemental funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP) administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over five years - an additional $5.2 million annually. The funding supports on-the-ground restoration projects and new and existing jobs across the 4-state watershed (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware) through the DRBRP.

Ducks Unlimited, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Tour John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

(Philadelphia, PA) October 27, 2021 – Ducks Unlimited was joined by others in the conservation community to tour John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and celebrate the tidal marsh habitat restoration project, funded by the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund. The tour followed on the heels of the successful 9th Annual Del-AWARE River Watershed Forum, hosted by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. The project is an important step in the ongoing work to reduce flooding in local underserved communities, enhance and expand recreational opportunities for kayaking and fishing and increase public access for environmental education of diverse audiences.

CDRW Hosts the 9th Annual Del-AWARE River Watershed Forum

CDRW Hosts the 9th Annual Del-AWARE River Watershed Forum

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, led by New Jersey Audubon and in partnership with National Wildlife Federation, held its 9th Annual Del-AWARE River Watershed Forum from September 29th-October 1st, 2021. The three-day hybrid event featured 24 virtual sessions, a virtual networking event, an in-person networking event, and field trips across the Watershed. Three hundred attendees from throughout the Delaware River Basin states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware were brought together to learn and connect.

Introducing Our New Policy Intern, Erin Bennett

Hello!

My name is Erin Bennett, and I am thrilled to be joining the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed as the Policy Intern. Growing up outside of Wilmington, DE I always had an appreciation for the water, whether I was along the bank of the Brandywine River or down south at Rehoboth Beach. My appreciation of water and wildlife grew as I learned more about environmental issues in Delaware and led to my pursuit of a career in water resources.

Honoring the Original Stewards of the Land: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day - a day that serves to dispel the whitewashed stories of our country and properly honor and celebrate the culture and histories of this land’s indigenous people.

And it doesn’t stop there – today serves as an opportunity to invigorate or reinvigorate our commitment to consistently prioritize the inclusion of indigenous needs and voices in our work. As organizations and people serving and residing in the Delaware River Watershed, we are deeply connected to the value of this land and waters. Which is why it is critical to ensure this connection is whole, that it includes the original people of this land, an understanding of the history, and incorporates ongoing, authentic commitments to action.

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