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estuary newsNewsletter of the Delaware Estuary Program

Volume 10 / Issue 1Fall 1999

WATERSHED-WIDE CONFERENCE CULMINATESFLOWING TOWARD THE FUTURE PROCESS

The “Flowing Toward the Future” process began with a series of work-shops this past April and May. They were designed to help build ashared vision for the future of the Delaware River Basin, which drainsportions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. Infor-mation and insights flowing from the workshops were used to developa “21st Century Visions and Directions” report.

The Governors’ Summit, held on September29, 1999, at the New Jersey State Aquarium,was the second step in the process. Its goalwas to highlight basinwide planning efforts andto reaffirm the commitment by the four states,key agencies, and organizations to continuework to protect the w aters of the basin.

In the resolution signed at the Summit, the gov-ernors challenged the basin community to playan active role in drawing up the visionary blue-print for the watershed’s future. They also calledfor the Delaware River Basin Commission(DRBC) to develop a new comprehensive wa-ter resources plan for the basin and to estab-lish a DRBC watershed advisory council. The governors also askedfor status reports of goals and indicators in order to track progress.

At the Summit, each of the basin states presented a “Flowing Towardthe Future” award to recognize a person or persons who had madesignificant efforts to benefit the Delaware River Basin. The awardwinners included Peg and Hal Haskin (New Jersey); John C. Bryson(Delaware); Ruth M. Jones (Pennsylvania); and Raymond M.Christensen (New York).

The afternoon session included a panel discussion featuring NewJersey Department of Environment Protection Commissioner Rob-ert C. Shinn, Jr., Pennsylvania DRBC Commissioner Irene Brooks,Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Con-trol Secretary Nicholas A. DiPasquale, EPA Region II AdministratorJeanne Fox, EPA Region III Administrator Michael McCabe, and NPSNortheast Regional Director Marie Rust.

The day concluded with the “Experience the Estuary” Reception &Silent Auction, hosted by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.More than 100 local businesses and artists donated estuary-relateditems to the event.

For more information about the “Flowing Toward The Future” Gover-nors’ Summit, access the Delaware River Basin Commission’s web-site www.state.nj.us/drbc/summit.htm or contact Forsyth Kineon,Delaware Estuary Program Coordinator, at (609) 883-9500 x 217.Her e-mail address is fkineon@ drbc.state.nj.us.

The final “Flowing Toward the Future” event is a watershed-wideconference to be held November 15 - 17, 1999, at the Adams MarkHotel in Philadelphia. This conference will build upon the first twoevents and, by focusing on consensus building, will help to establishdirections and models for cooperative action that will sustain the river,

its tributaries, and its watersheds into the nextcentury and beyond.

The goals of the conference are to educateparticipants about the current state of the wa-tershed, to showcase innovative strategies andexamples of effective watershed programs, andto foster public and private partnerships.

The first day of the conference will include achoice of 11 day-long training seminars andfield trips. The second day will feature“state of the basin” information with keynotespeakers, plenary sessions, and workshopson watershed management and sustainability.The final day will be dedicated to showcasingmodel solutions and success stories,

plus workshops aimed at propelling implementation of specificsuggestions.

Registration is required. For more information or to register,access the conference's websites at www.delep.org orwww.heritageconservancy.org. You may also call the conferencehotline at (215) 345-7020 ext. 122.

PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES 2000MINIGRANTS

Since 1991, the Delaware Estuary Program has awarded 60minigrants, totaling approximately $205,000, and averaging$3,900 each. Since 1997, the Partnership has been administer-ing the minigrant program. These minigrants, of up to $5,000each, have helped to increase public awareness of the estuaryand participation in projects to protect it through local initiativesthat address environmental problems in the region. The goal ofthe 2000 minigrant program is to promote activities that advancethe implementation of the actions recommended by theDelaware Estuary Management Plan.

To obtain the 2000 Delaware Estuary Minigrant Request ForProposals and/or a copy of the Program’s Management Plan,call the Partnership at 1-800-445-4935. The deadline forsubmitting proposals is Friday, December 17, 1999.

Editors NoteTo Dredge or Not to Dredge . . .

We have received many calls from ourreaders wanting to know where thingsstand with the dredging of the Dela-ware River. To address this controver-sial project, we invited two organiza-tions with differing views on the issueto write articles for inclusion in Estu-ary News. These articles can be foundon pages 3 and 5. The opinions ex-pressed are those of the authors andthe organizations they represent.

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Estuary events

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DELAWARE ESTUARY EVENTS

Cape May Ferry SpecialFoot Passenger ExcursionThrough Fall 1999Lewes Ferry TerminalLewes, DelawareDepart on any ferry sailing from Lewes, Delaware and once youarrive in Cape May, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts will takeyou on a guided, 30-minute trolley tour of Cape May’s HistoricDistrict. For foot passenger tour information, call the LewesTerminal at (302) 644-6030 or the Cape May Terminal at(609) 889-7200, or access www.cape may-lewesferry.com.

Continuing through September 30, 2000Exhibit: “Life of a Sailor: A Collector’s Vision”Independence Seaport Museum, Penn’s Landing211 S. Columbus Boulevard & Walnut StreetPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaExpect to see items from life aboard ship from the mid-18thcentury to the early 20th century, including logbooks, journals,tattoo designs, carvings, and scrimshaw. For more information,call (215) 925-5439.

Growing NativeOngoingPennypack Ecological Trust2955 Edge Hill RoadHuntingdon Valley, PennsylvaniaIf you have a green thumb and you are interested in helping thePennypack Ecological Trust propagate, plant, and sell nativewildflowers, consider this volunteer opportunity. Under theauspices of the Pennypack Senior Environment Corps, the Trustis organizing a group of dedicated volunteers who will collectseeds of plants native to the area. For more information, callBrad Nyholm at (215) 657-0830.

Delaware Valley Regional Planning CommissionPublic WorkshopMonday, November 15, 1999, 6 pm - 8:30 pmBurlington Meeting House340 High StreetBurlington, New JerseyThis free public workshop, sponsored by the Delaware ValleyRegional Planning Commission (DVRPC), will help developHorizons 2025, a long-range land use and transportation plan,which updates and extends the Direction 2020 Plan. Pre-registration is required. A light dinner will be provided. A link tothe full invitation and background about the Plan is available atwww.dvrpc.org/2025/invite.htm. For more information or to makereservations, call DVRPC’s Public Affairs Office at (215) 238-2871,or e-mail jjenson@dvrpc.org or csnyder@dvrpc.org.

Delaware River Watershed-Wide Conference!“Flowing Toward the Future: 21st Century Decisionsfor the Delaware River and Its Watersheds”November 15 - 17, 1999Adam’s Mark HotelPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaThis will be the first ever basin-wide conference for theDelaware River watershed. The conference is the culminationof a four-part process to establish a unified vision and sense ofdirection for all watershed stakeholders and to begin developinga framework to enhance whole-basin watershed planning andmanagement and developing sustainable and livable communi-ties. Early check-in, registration, and the opening reception forthis conference is Monday, November 15, 1999. For moreinformation or for a full brochure, contact Russ Johnson,Heritage Conservancy, rjohnson@heritage conservancy.org,or call the conference hotline at (215) 345-7020 x 122.

Interagency Wetland Training: Winter Plant IdentificationDecember 6 - 8, 1999Eastern Neck Wildlife RefugeEastern Neck Island, MarylandThis free course, structured with classroom lecture and fieldpractice, covers topics relating to winter plant identification foruse in on-site wetland ID and delineation. Heavy emphasis isplaced on the use of botanical manuals and features.Wetland functions and values will also be discussed. For moreinformation, contact Ralph Spagnolo at (215) 814-2718.

New Year Marsh PartySaturday, January 8, 2000, 1 pm - 4 pmSt. Jones Center for Estuarine Studies818 Kitts Hummock RoadDover, DelawareJoin the St. Jones Reserve staff for an afternoon of storytelling,games and crafts to celebrate the New Year. Enjoy a beautifulwinter walk through the estuary. Dress appropriately. All agesare welcome. Pre-registration is due by Wednesday, January 5.For more information or to register, call (302) 739-3436.

2000 Annual Parks and Recreation Conference of Delaware“Changing Tides for Changing Times”February 1 - 2, 2000Ruddertown Conference CenterDewey Beach, DelawareSponsored by the Delaware Recreation and Parks Society, thisconference will focus on the importance of recreation for youthand teens. Nationally acclaimed speaker, Charles Jordon,Director of Parks and Recreation for Portland, Oregon, willdeliver the keynote address and propose alternatives to crime,drugs, and delinquency for children through recreational andafter-school programs. A dual theme for the conference will beresource carrying capacity with several workshop sessionsdevoted to the science of balancing resource stewardship with awide range of recreational opportunities. For more information,call Kyle Gulbronson at (302) 739-5285.

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DELAWARE RIVER MAIN CHANNEL DEEPENING PROJECTBY EDWARD VOIGT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT, ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Research at the ReserveWednesdays, February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2000, 7 pm - 8:30 pmSt. Jones Center for Estuarine Studies818 Kitts Hummock RoadDover, DelawareHere is an opportunity for adults to learn what the St. JonesCenter for Estuarine Studies is all about. Through this interac-tive seminar series, you can experience the research and otheractivities that go on at the Reserve. February 2 - DelawareCoastal Management Program; February 9 - St. JonesReserve’s Education Program; February 16 - Pfiesteria;and February 23 - Horseshoe Crabs and Shorebirds. Lightrefreshments will be served at the conclusion of each session.For more information, call (302) 739-3436.

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Volunteer Party and Potluck DinnerSaturday, February 5, 2000, 4 pm - 6 pmSt. Jones Center for Estuarine Studies818 Kitts Hummock RoadDover, DelawareIf you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the St. JonesReserve, join the staff for a tour of the Reserve and new Centerfor Estuarine Studies building. Expectations and plans for avolunteer program will be discussed. Bring your favoritecovered dish and the staff will provide hot dogs, hamburgersand drinks. Pre-register by January 28. For more informationor to register, call (302) 739-3436.

Deepening the Delaware is both economically and environ-mentally sound.

Why does the Delaware River need to be deepened?

Since the last deepening to 40 feet (during World War II),ships have become bigger and the needs of the portcommunity have grown accordingly. As a result, the shippingchannel needs to be modernized for improved efficiency andcost-competitiveness. In light of this, the port community,represented by the Delaware River Port Authority, askedthe Corps in the 1980s to study modifying the 103-mileDelaware River Federal Navigation Channel.

In 1992, Congress authorized design and construction of aproject to deepen the channel from 40 to 45 feet fromPhiladelphia and Camden to the Atlantic Ocean. The Corpswill dredge 33 million cubic yards from the channel over fouryears, then 6 million every year to maintain the new depth.The $311 million project could start as early as mid-2000,pending an agreement with the non-federal sponsor, theDelaware River Port Authority, for its $100 million share.

Based on benefits to the nation as a whole (excluding local,regional or company-specific factors), the Corps identifiedannual transportation savings of $40 million for a projectbenefit-cost ratio of 1.4. The savings come from moreefficient vessel loading, reduced lightering in the DelawareBay, and attraction of more efficient container and drybulk vessels.

Will the dredging stir up toxins that will contaminatedrinking water and kill fish and aquatic life?

No. In close coordination with the Environmental ProtectionAgency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National MarineFisheries Service and the states of Delaware, New Jerseyand Pennsylvania, the Corps has spent more than $7 million

on environmental assessment with all tests conducted byindependent, EPA-certified labs.

The tests included chemical and biological analysis ofsediments at the new 45-foot depth, both in the mainchannel (including bends) and in feeder berths used by theport community, showing no levels of concern according toapplicable federal or state standards. These same environ-mental agencies have concurred with the Corps’ findings ofno significant impact, and all three states have approved thedeepening project as consistent with their coastal zonemanagement programs.

The EPA stated it “continues to believe that there will be noadverse impacts associated with the disposal of sedimentsgenerated by the project.” The Fish and Wildlife Serviceadded, “Results of chemical analyses provided within thebiological assessment indicated that contaminant loads inthe sediments tested are low.”

What will the Corps do with the dredged material?

The mix of silt, clay, sand and gravel from upriver will bepumped to existing federal sites in New Jersey and Dela-ware and to additional sites in New Jersey that wereselected from an extensive screening process. Each site iscontained by an underlying clay layer, and an independentU.S. Geological Survey study confirmed no significantgroundwater impact due to this project. Sand removedfrom the Delaware Bay will be placed at “beneficial use”sites at Kelly Island, DE, and Egg Island Point, NJ (wetlandrestoration and protection) and along Delaware’s baycoastline (beachfill).

For more detailed information on these issues, see thePhiladelphia District’s Delaware River Main ChannelDeepening Project web page at www.nap.usace.army.mil/cenap-pl/drmc.htm.

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Estuary Excursions

TAYLOR WILDLIFE PRESERVECinnaminson, NJ

The Taylor Wildlife Preserve, located about 15 miles up theDelaware River from Center City Philadelphia, lies in the heartof a present-day organic fruit and vegetable farm. The farmlandwas first settled in 1720 by Joshua and Rebecca Wright,Quakers who came to this country from England to escapereligious persecution. About 100 years after settling here, onegeneration of Wrights had two daughters between whom theydivided the original 1000 acre farm. One of the daughtersmarried Edward Taylor. In the 1950s about half of the then-remaining Taylor farm was sold, reducing the farm to its presentsize of 130 acres.

The farm at Wright’s point has been in continuous operationsince Joshua and Rebecca Wright purchased it from WilliamPenn and has the distinction of being the last operating farm onthe Delaware River between Camden and Trenton.

The Taylor Wildlife Preserve was created in 1975 when 31members of the Taylor family gave a conservation easement on89 acres of their land to the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust.The property remains in Taylor ownership to “use and maintainthe easement premises for open space and conservationpurposes”. A 1.5 mile loop trail for walkers to enjoy the Pre-serve has been made possible by an open space management

Common Map Turtle - Graptemys geographica

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grant for benches and bridges and by a “watchable wildlife”grant to provide some signs and trail maintenance.

The Preserve, located at 3 Taylors Lane in Cinnaminson, NewJersey, is open daily to the public from sunrise to sunset. Comeprepared to fish in the Delaware River from the bank a fewhundred yards from the beginning of the trail or to observe thebirds, plants, insects, and animals found along the trail’s way.For information about Friends of the Taylor Wildlife Preserve,call Hal Taylor at (609) 829-7034, or e-mail ftwp@riverfarm.org.

“The common mapturtle’s distribution inthe Northeast consistsof scattered colonies,including one in theDelaware River,” writeauthors Roger Conantand Joseph T. Collins inReptiles and Amphib-ians - Eastern/CentralNorth America (1998 Peterson Field Guides). Its discovery bynaturalist Ray Miller on commercial land bordering the John HeinzWildlife Refuge in Pennsylvania was recentlybrought to thePartnership for the Delaware Estuary's attention.

How can you identify this species? The common map turtlegets its name from the map it carries on its back. The lightmarkings resemble an intricate system of canals or waterwayslaid out on a chart. Its shell is moderately low with suggestionsof knobs on its keel. Look for a longitudinal yellow spot behindits eye, which is especially visible on the male. Females have ashell length of 18 - 27.3 cm compared to a male’s shell length of9 - 15.9 cm. The female has a considerably enlarged head andan obscured pattern. The young have a pronounced keel ontheir upper shell and a pattern of dark lines on their lower shellthat borders the seams between their plates. Adults have plainplastrons or lower shells.

The common map turtle prefers large bodies of water —rivers rather than creeks and lakes rather than ponds. It is aconfirmed but wary basker and slow to retreat into hibernation.It mainly eats snails and crayfish.

This article was adapted from Reptiles and Amphibians byRoger Conant and Joseph T. Collins.

Editors noteIt was brought to our attention that it appeared we had usedthe wrong picture to illustrate a summer flounder with our last“Species Specific” story. Upon inspection, we realized that theoriginal graphic, from FISHES OF THE GULF OF MAINE byBigelow and Schroeder, had been reversed during imageprocessing, confusing anyone who tried to identify the speciesby its left-eyed characteristic.

According to Bigelow and Schroeder, the summer flounderlies on the bottom on its right side with its eyes on its left sideand its abdomen on its left edge. OUR summer flounder, amirror image of itself, was shown laying on the bottom on itsleft side with its eyes on its right side and its abdomen on itsright edge.

We thank our observant reader who questioned our fluke.

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DUMP THE DELAWARE DEEPENING

BY MAYA VAN ROSSUM, DELAWARE RIVERKEEPERS

spoils mounting up to 75 feet high. There will be little opportu-nity for pristine wildlife refuges.

The deepening project threatens New Jersey’s recoveringoyster populations with a moving salt line that can bring with itpredators such as MSX and dermo, and with sediment whichwill cover oyster seed beds smothering spat, preventing thesetting of spat, and/or smothering viable oyster populations.

Other threats glossed over by the Corps include: threats to theRiver’s federally endangered short-nosed sturgeon; salt waterintrusion to drinking water supplies; blasting that could threatendrinking water aquifers; and impacts to wetlands and wildlife.

Economically the project also doesn’t make sense.

According to the Corps, over 80% of the benefit from theDeepening Project will accrue to six oil facilities — loweringoperating costs, thereby increasing their profit margin. None ofthe oil companies are being asked to contribute anything to thetaxpayer funded project. Worse, none of the oil companieshave committed to spending the $20 to $50 million they wouldhave to spend to deepen their private channels and berths inorder to take advantage of the project. One oil company is onrecord saying “they see no advantage to a 45 foot deepening attheir facility at this time and the tanker berths will remain ‘as is’.”

The DRPA claims the dredging is needed to keep the DelawareRiver ports competitive with other East Coast ports by accom-modating new deep draft ships. The truth is these ships need atleast a 50-foot channel. Forty-five simply won’t do it. Andaccording to consultants hired by the DRPA for a 1996 study,the new mega container ships will choose only one East Coasthub port — one with special new multi-million-dollar piers andrail terminals. Philadelphia/Camden — 100 miles up river fromthe sea — is not in the running for many reasons having nothingto do with the channel.

According to DRPA’s own consultants, at 40 feet the Delawareports “can accommodate the majority of the existing and newly-constructed container ships that are in service today and for theforeseeable future.” These consultants go on to state, “[T]hegrowing importance of feeder ports is a role that is emerging forthe ports of Philadelphia and Camden. The vessels that arebecoming available for the feeder trade require less than 40foot draft.”

To learn how you can get involved or to join the Alliance toDump the Delaware Deepening, contact the DelawareRiverkeeper, Maya van Rossum at 215-369-1188.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”) andthe Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) are proposing todeepen the Delaware River’s shipping channel from 40 to 45feet for 102 miles from Philadelphia/Camden to the sea. The$300 million project poses serious threats to the Delaware Riversystem including the human, aquatic and wildlife communities itsupports. In addition, it will not have the economic benefits theCorps is claiming.

The Deepening Project poses a number of environmentalthreats to drinking water, aquatic species, wildlife and threats oftoxic contamination. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network inpartnership with the Sierra Club (New Jersey and DelawareChapters), Delaware Wildlands and 20 other civic, environmen-tal and health organizations from throughout the region havejoined forces as the Alliance to Dump the Delaware Deepeningin order to challenge this project and raise awareness about theenvironmental impacts and economic losses it represents.

The Deepening Project poses a serious threat to ourenvironment and communities.

Independent review has shown that the Corps’ data maskedtoxic “hot spots” which will be hit by the project. Muck pulledfrom the River bottom will go to 8 existing and 4 newdisposal sites along the River, most in NJ, subjecting somecommunities to 75-foot-high dredge spoil piles. Two currentlyused dredge spoil disposal facilities already discharge copper,cadmium, lead, zinc, PCBs and DDX to the River. The corpshas failed to consider the toxic impacts to wildlife that willinevitably visit the disposal areas.

Plans to import dredge spoils from outside the region (fromareas like New York where spoils are highly toxic) and dumpingthem along the Delaware to help pay for the project appear tocontinue moving forward despite DRPA claims to the contrary.And the Corps continues to refuse to study the toxic impacts ofdeepening private side channels which must also be dredgedfor the project to be useful.

Confined disposal facilities may threaten drinking water supplieswith toxic contamination. According to scientists, toxins from theconfined disposal facilities may leach through the soil, pollutinggroundwater supplies below. Further study is needed to confirmthe existence of this risk — studies the Corps will not beundertaking before the project goes forward.

Representations by the Corps that confined disposal facilitieswill quickly become pristine wildlife areas are unsubstantiated.The Corps plans to use the disposal facilities for at least 50years, disturbing and redisturbing them every three years with

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TIDINGS: News from around the region

“Flowing Toward TheFuture” WorkshopResults on DRBCWeb-site

The results of the ten“Flowing Toward TheFuture” workshops havebeen posted on theDelaware River BasinCommission’s web-siteat www.state.nj.us/drbc/drbc.htm.

Kevin Donnelly Named DNREC’s Director ofWater Resources

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and EnvironmentalControl Secretary Nicholas A. DiPasquale named Kevin C.Donnelly as the new director of the Division of Water Resourceseffective September 16, 1999.

Donnelly has served as an environmental program administra-tor in DNREC’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation since1991. In that capacity, he administered the Delaware NonpointSource Management Program under the Clean Water Act andthe Sediment and Stormwater Management Program. Donnellyreplaces Sergio Huerta, who returned to his position asadministrator of the Department’s environmental laboratory afterserving as acting director for the past several months.

New Jersey Conservation Magazine and Media Outreach

Receive a complimentary copy of the New Jersey ConservationFoundation’s (NJCFs) magazine, recently named the nation’sbest for non-profits of its size, by sending your address to NJCF.The Foundation’s staff includes more than a dozen of the state’smost prominent experts on land conservation-related issues. Ifyou are a reporter and need a quote about open space, statewideor regional planning, flora or fauna habitat, farmland preservation,urban parks, the Highlands, the Pine Barrens, the DelawareBayshore, greenway planning, GIS or other conservation issues,call NJCF’s Director of Communications, David Yaskulka, at(908) 234-1225, or e-mail davidy@ njconservation.org.

Wetlands Web Talk

Wetlands Web Talk is a new web-site by the League of WomenVoters Fund to encourage local environmental protection. Itcontains valuable information on finding partners, identifyingneeds, fundraising, community outreach, and an overview ofwetlands education projects by local Leagues across the country.The web-site address is www.lwv.org/webwalk/index.html.

WWW.BVA-RCVA.ORG

The Brandywine Valley and Red Clay Valley Associationsannounce the launch of a new joint web-site. The front pagelinks directly to sub-pages for each watershed. It also containsquick links to events. For more information, contact Robert G.Struble Jr. at (610) 793-1090, or e-mail water@bva-rcva.org.

Delaware River Channels

The mission of Delaware River Channels, a bi-weekly electronicnewsletter from the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, aprogram of Heritage Conservancy, is to promote the exchange ofinformation and to encourage a dialog among the numerousgroups working to improve the Delaware River Watershed. It isthe place for sharing news, success stories, opinions, analysis,project information, event listings, job opportunities and questions.

For more information, call Russ Johnson, Director, DelawareRiver Watershed Initiative, Heritage Conservancy, at(215) 345-7020 x107. To subscribe to the Delaware RiverChannels distribution list or to post news items, send an e-mailto rjohnson@heritage conservancy.org. For nationwide rivernews, subscribe to American Rivers “River Currents On-line”by sending an e-mail to jlowe@amrivers.org.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

An agreement was made on June 2, 1999 between the USDAand Delaware to implement the Conservation Reserve En-hancement Program. This program makes available nearly $10million in State and Federal funds available as incentive andcost share payment to farmers for installing water qualityimprovement practices such as buffer strips that help filternutrients from runoff of agricultural lands. For more information,contact the Delaware Farm Service Agency at (302) 678-2547.

“Volunteering for the Coast”

NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) has produced a“Volunteering for the Coast” web-site that showcases coastalvolunteer opportunities and highlights model volunteer pro-grams. The web-site address is http://volunteer.nos.noaa.gov/.If you have developed any written materials to support yourvolunteer program, such as training curricula, volunteerinterview questions, vision statements and guiding principles, or“how to” lists that you would be willing to share, send a copy toAimee David, SC Sea Grant Intern, NOAA Coastal ServicesCenter, 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405-2413 or fax (843) 740-1313, and it will be included in the web-site. Your organization will be fully credited. For more informa-tion, call (843) 740-1246, or e-mail adavid@csc.noaa.gov.

Governor Ridge Releases $2.18 Million for Flat Rock Dam

Governor Tom Ridge recently released $2.18 million in capitalbudget funds for the design and construction of a fish ladder onthe Schuylkill River at Flat Rock Dam between Philadelphia andMontgomery Counties. The Flat Rock Dam project is the criticaldomino to opening additional spawning habitat to fish speciesthroughout the Schuylkill River. “The construction of this fishladder will mean fish such as shad, striped bass and otherspecies will be able to migrate even further up the SchuylkillRiver. It’s another step in opening up this waterway to historicmigratory species,” said Robert Yowell, Pennsylvania Departmentof Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Deputy Secretaryfor Water Management. For more information on the project,contact Community Relations Coordinator John Gerdelmann at(610) 832-6228, or e-mail gerdelmann.john@dep.state. pa.us.

Page 7fall 1999

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Delaware Bay Oyster Transplant Project Begins

New Jersey fisheries officials are transplanting 75,000 bushelsof Delaware Bay oysters in hopes of boosting a century-oldindustry, according to an Associated Press Earth Watch article.Commercial oyster harvests have slowly increased in recentyears after parasites and other problems forced a decline datingto the 1950s. Now the New Jersey Department of Environmen-tal Protection is promoting an effort to move healthy babyoysters, known as “spat,” thriving in the upper bay to seed bedsin the saltier lower bay, where they can grow to market size.

“This summer’s drought may deal the oysters a setbackbecause higher salt levels inching northward can carry moreparasites to the upper oyster beds,” said Susan Ford, a re-search professor at Rutgers University’s Haskin ShellfishResearch Laboratory in Bivalve. “But the surviving shellfish willbreed hardier offspring,” Ford said.

Western Atlantic Shorebird Association Web Sitewww.vex.net/~hopscotc/shorebirds/

WASA is a partnership of researchers, wildlife managers,government people and concerned naturalists dedicated to thestudy and conservation of shorebirds and their habitats. It wasformed in September, 1998, after a meeting of experts fromFederal, State and non-profit organizations concluded that,while there were numerous efforts underway to research andmonitor shorebirds and to manage human impacts on theirhabitat, there was a lot of data but little information. WASA’saim is to facilitate and integrate monitoring and research effortsin a meaningful way that can be used for management pur-poses. WASA is funded and run jointly by the National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National EstuarineResearch Reserves (NERRS) Program, and the United StatesFish and Wildlife Service. The web-site address for this initiativeis www.vex.net/ ~hopscotc/shorebirds/.

Ecological Research & Development Group (ERDG)

The Ecological Research & Development Group, a 501 (c) 3non-profit organization from Milton, Delaware, has been anactive participant in the development of oil and chemical spillcontingency plans for the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays.However, their most exciting contribution and one with farreaching implications was conducted recently at theRegional Response Team meeting for Federal Region III (RRTIII), according to Glenn Gauvry, President of ERDG.

The RRT III is made up of representatives from West Virginia,Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, the Common-wealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and 16 federal depart-ments and agencies. It is co-chaired by the Chief of theRemoval Branch from the EPA and the Chief, Marine SafetyDivision, of the US Coast Guard. During the 3-day session,ERDG made several presentations to various workgroups andultimately to the executive committee on the value of theregional horseshoe crab population. In attendance wasGregory Hogue from the Department of the Interior Regions IIIand IV.

ERDG recommended that the global biomedical and pharma-ceutical value of the horseshoe crab be factored into theregion’s social and economic assessment. This would provide amore accurate indicator of the resource value and the need forcontingency planning to protect or mitigate damage from apetroleum or chemical discharge during spawning season. Formore information, contact Glenn Gauvry at (302) 684-3373, ore-mail ERDG@dmv.com.

Stroud Water ResearchCenter BecomesAn Independent Not-For-Profit

On April 22, 1999, theTrustees of the Academyof Natural Sciencesauthorized the StroudWater Research Centerto become an indepen-dent not-for-profitcorporation. Nurtured bythe Academy for almost33 years, the StroudCenter has evolved from

a small rural outpost above the Stroud family’s garage into amajor research and education facility with a full-time staff of 23,an annual budget approaching $2 million, a world-wide reputa-tion for scientific excellence, and a rural outpost of its own inCosta Rica.

The mission of the Stroud Water Research Center is to advanceknowledge of stream and river ecosystems through interdiscipli-nary research; to develop and communicate new ecologicalideas; to provide solutions for water resource problems world-wide; and to promote public understanding of freshwaterecology through education programs, conservation leadership,and professional service. For more information, accessStroud’s web-site at www.stroudcenter.org.

Ocean Facts Sheets

Ocean Facts Sheets, produced by EPA’s Marine PollutionControl Branch, provide general information on the compo-nents, functions and impacts to coastal watersheds. Alsoincluded are tips on how you can help protect your coastalwatershed. Topics include:

Your Coastal Watershed (Doc # EPA 842-F-98-006); NearshoreWaters and Your Coastal Watershed (Doc # EPA 842-F-98-007);Coral Reefs and Your Coastal Watershed (Doc # EPA 842-F-98-008); Estuaries and Your Coastal Watershed (Doc # EPA 842-F098-009); The Beach and Your Coastal Watershed (Doc # EPA842-F-98-010).

To request a free printed copy, call (800) 490-9198, or downloadthe fact sheets from the internet at www.ea.gov/owow.oceans/factsheets/index.html.

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Livable Communities - A Tools and Resources Kit

Livable Communities - http://tis.eh.doe.gov/livablecommunity/index2.html - is an electronic source of federal expertise to helpyou and your neighbors ensure a high quality of life and astrong local economy. Livable Communities streamlinesinformation on federal grant and technical assistance programs,provides examples of how to use these programs to achieveyour goals, and contact information for key individuals.

Boater Voter Coalition Wins Buoy Marks at Dredge Harbor

The Boater Voter Coalition (BVC) won approval from NewJersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)Navigation Aids Department in Toms River to install at least fourfinger type channel buoys to guide boaters from the mainchannel past the dangerous shoal area to Dredge Harbor’s nowake zone. Over the past years, a shoaling tidal island hasdeveloped at the entrance to Dredge Harbor in Delran, NewJersey, in part due to the intake water pipe south of the en-trance, which creates violent eddy currents at flood tide and siltdeposits from the Rancocas Creek at ebb tide.

In addition, it was agreed to extend the no wake area with anadditional buoy to help control erosion and improve safety. TheBVC will maintain the placement of the entrance buoys untilother arrangements can be made. If anyone knows of otherareas where a danger exists, call Jerry Donofrio, BVC Chair, at(609) 877-2561. For information on boating in New Jersey andPennyslvania, access BVC’s web-site at boatervoter @public.usa.com.

Grants Open: Wetland Conservation Programs

U.S. Fish and Wildlife, together with the North AmericanWetlands Conservation Council Grant, are accepting proposalsuntil Friday, December 3, 1999, for wetland conservationprojects. For more information, contact Dr. Keith A. Morehouseat (703) 358-1784.

Ecological Impacts and Evaluation Criteria For The Use ofStructures In Marsh Management Report

In addition to providing a summary of the state of thescience on the ecological consequences of struc-tural marsh management (SSM) from a nationalperspective, this report recommends a numberof scientific/technical criteria that shouldbe used to evaluate proposed SMMprojects, highlights priority monitor-ing and research issues, anddiscusses SMM issues that arerelevant in various regions ofthe country. Refer to EPA-SAB-EPEC-98-003, January,1998, when ordering thisdocument or accessingwww.epa.gov/sab.

Watershed AwarenessSigns

This fall, people drivingthrough New Jersey willlearn what watershed theyare driving through whenthey see five-foot by five-foot brown and white signsdepicting a heron in flightwith a cityscape to the leftand suburbia with trees tothe right that alerts them tothe watershed they areentering. These watershedawareness signs mark the

boundaries of New Jersey’s watershed management areas aspart of a statewide campaign to increase public awarenessabout watersheds and the need to protect water quality.

The Department’s initiative, to place watershed awarenesssigns at the boundaries of the 20 watershed managementareas, can be transferred and used on a regional or local level.The sign logo is available for use by local governments andother organizations through the New Jersey Department ofEnvironmental Protection Division of Watershed Management.

The Department has compiled a how-to guide, complete withtools and resources needed to coordinate a watershed aware-ness sign program for county and municipal roads. It plans toutilize the sign design with other educational initiatives, including astatewide watershed awareness campaign. The sign’s logo andits slogan are also available for use. To receive the guide and thewatershed sign logo (on disk or hard copy), call Colleen Gould at(609) 633-1179, or e-mail cgould@dep.state.nj.us.

Additional Public Comment Period on theProposed TMDL Rule

In response to requests from a variety of stakeholders, EPA hasagreed to extend the public comment period on the proposedTotal Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) rules by 60 days. Thecomment period will now end on December 22, 1999. To viewthe rules, see WaterNews from August 19, 1999, or accesswww.epa.gov/owow/tmdl.

24 Great Rail-Trails of New Jersey: The Essential OutdoorGuide to The Garden State’s Best Multi-use RecreationalTrails Built on Abandoned Railroad Grades

Great Rail-Trails by Craig Della Penna lists and describes inexacting detail 24 linear parks in New Jersey that were createdfrom abandoned railroads. Each chapter tells how to get there,who to contact for local information, how long each trail is, andwhat kind of surface is encountered, as well as allowed uses.There is additional information on local bike shops, the closestbed & breakfasts, as well as a detailed odometer-basedmileage guide describing over 150 miles of trails and localpoints of interest along the way. Find it at your favorite book-store, or call New England Cartographics at (413) 549-4124.

Page 9fall 1999

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

It’s time to start thinking about the 2000 Delaware EstuaryTeacher Education Institute, a week-long residential summerprogram for K-12 public and private school classroom teachersto be held in July, 2000. Is your school in a county within theDelaware Estuary? Then call the Partnership for the DelawareEstuary Program at 1-800-445-4935 for an application.

FIELD TRIPPLANNING

Cape May-Lewes FerryTake your class on a field tripto the Cape May-Lewes FerryTerminal and join them as theylearn about the people andoperations of the ferries aswell as the marine life of theDelaware Bay. The DelawareRiver and Bay Authority’s(DRBAs) School OutreachProgram encompasses aninteractive field trip of ferryfacilities, an instructionalvideo, and an exciting sessionwith a Ferry InformationSpecialist. Crew members,including the Captain, joinyour class to answer ques-tions. Your students willreceive a study guide, RandMcNally book about the Bay,and a ‘First Time Sailor’certificate that commemoratestheir visit. Sign up on-line at

http://www.capemay-lewesferry.com/school_ outreach.html ,or call (609) 889-7255 for Cape May terminal tours or (302) 644-6018 for Lewes terminal tours. Schedule at least two weeks inadvance for a great, educational visit.

Isles, Inc.

Isles, Inc. is a non-profit community-development organizatonwith a mission to foster self-sufficient families in sustainablecommunities through programs such as environmental educa-tion, community gardening, affordable housing, environmentalhealth, community outreach, and job training. Based in Trenton,New Jersey, the organization offers educational programs,which include The Mighty Delaware, People and the Assunpink,The Delaware and Raritan Canal: Past, Present and Future andmore! In addition,Isles environmentaleducation field tripsmeet the New JerseyState Department ofEducation corecurriculum standards.For more informationand to register, callIsles at (609) 393-5656 x 19 or x 15.

Biden EnvironmentalTraining Center

Thinking ahead to Springand need an environmen-tal education overnightfacility? Consider theBiden EnvironmentalTraining Center, which sitsatop Hamburger Hill inCape Henlopen State Parkin Lewes, Delaware. TheCenter features a broadview of the Atlantic Oceanand the sand dunes thatmake up the park.

The facility may be reserved for events which have the purposeof improving the quality of life in Delaware through environmen-tal education, charitable, social, or cultural activities, as well ascorporate training sessions, meetings, and conferences. Itoffers three large multi-purpose conference rooms, a smallconference room/lounge, a dining room, and overnight accom-modations for 55 people.

Reservations for the Biden Center may be made on a first-come, first-serve basis, year-round, by calling Donna Wilson,Facility Manager, at (302) 644-5005.

RESOURCE MATERIALS

The Songbird Connection

“The Songbird Connection” is a K-12 curriculum packageavailable from the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Itoffers teachers a way to make the connections between Northand Central American forest habitats of migratory songbirdsusing lessons designed and tested by teachers. The packageincludes five components: 3 posters, 25 bird and habitatflashcards, a video, 16 lessons and a teacher’s guide.

Teachers who use “The Songbird Connection” find it useful tohave baseball-size versions of the bird flashcards so that eachstudent can be given a picture of the bird that they representduring classroom activities. Since the smaller versions are notincluded in the original package, teachers can use the web-sitewww.eirc.org/birds.html as a way to reproduce them. Thepages can be downloaded then printed on a color printer,laminated, and cut apart to make multiple copies of the smallercards.

The cost of the entire package is $50 plus $3 tax plus $7postage/handling. Packages must be ordered directly from theNew Jersey Conservation Foundation. They can be contactedat info@njconservation.org.

Delaware Bay Shorebirds - Nancy Carol Willis

This poster is part of a campaign to help Delawareans [andothers] appreciate the magnitude of the annual spring stopoverof millions of migrating shorebirds through the Delaware Bay,

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the role of horseshoe crabs and efforts to make sure theecological balance is preserved. For more information, or toobtain this piece as a brochure, contact DNREC’s Informationand Education Office at (302) 739-4506.

The Robins in Your Backyard - Nancy Carol Willis

This 32-page hardcover book, published by Birdsong Books in1998, is now available at your local bookstore for $15.95. Thebook describes the activities that occur during a breeding season,including how robins establish a nesting territory, court a mate,build a nest, and raise and protect their young. The illustrationsare exceptional. The suggested reading level is ages 4 - 8.

WEB-SITES

Water

http://water.usgs.gov/dropletThe U.S. Geological Survey’s Water Science for Schools web-site is designed for all students, ages 9-90, who want to learnabout the many aspects of water. Topics include water basics;earth’s water; special topics, such as acid rain; water use; aninteractive activity center; and a photo gallery.

Bugs!

www.seanet.com/~leska and http://imc.lisd.k12.mi.us/msc1/invert/inverts.htmlBoth web-sites offer macroinvertebrate descriptions anddrawings specifically aimed at volunteer monitors. Volunteergroups are welcome to “steal” these materials for use in theirown manuals and brochures. The Field Guide to FreshwaterInvertebrates, prepared by Leska S. Fore and illustrated byAnnabel Wildrick is at www.seanet.com/~leska. Drawings canbe downloaded in GIF format and opened in a word processingor drawing program. Visit the second site for more bugs.

Butterfly Gardening

www.wow.pages.com/nga/edu/NGA-EDUG.HTMThis is the National Gardening Association’s web-site. Itincludes on-line application forms for Youth Garden Grants.

www.butterflyworld.com/campaign.htmlButterfly World’s BRING BACK THE BUTTERFLIES campaignis a North American effort to help people bring large numbers ofbutterflies back to our landscape. It is a call for people acrossthe Continental United States and Canada to build smallgardens in an effort to reverse the on-going destruction ofbutterfly habitat.

www.butterflyworld.com/region7.htmlVisit this address for Butterfly World’s Regional Guide toButterfly Gardening. Note: we live in region 7.

www.monarchwatch.org/Monarch Watch, created by the University of Kansas’s Depart-ment of Entomology and the University of Minnesota’s Depart-ment of Ecology, is dedicated to education, conservation, andresearch. It includes information about monarch butterflybiology, rearing, migration and tagging, conservation, researchprojects, articles and bibliographies, butterfly gardening,milkweed in the classroom, and more.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wildseed/Wildflowers in Bloom is a cooperative project between WildseedFarms and the Texas Horticulture Program. This page couldeasily serve as an online field guide with its lavish images,distribution range map, and growing information.

www.mgfx.com/butterfly/The Butterfly Web-site includes butterfly gardening, farming,ecology and education, Rick Mikula’s “Spread Your Wings andFly” seminar, The Nature Store, and more.

Resource Center

www.eirc.org/tour.htmlThe Educational Information and Resource Center (EIRC) islocated in Sewell, NJ. It is a public agency specializing ineducation-related programs and services for parents, schools,communities and nonprofit organizations throughout NewJersey. Programs also reach into more than 36 states and 8foreign countries. The EIRC is open on Mondays and Thurs-days from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; on Tuesdays and Wednesdaysfrom 9:00 am - 8:00 pm; and on Fridays from 9:00 am - 5:00pm. For more information, call (609) 582-7000, or accesswww.eirc.org/tour.html.

Virtual Libraries

http://ericir.syr.eduMore than 700 lesson plans are available in the EducationalResources Information Center’s (ERIC’s) virtual library. Lessonplans are evaluated on the basis of organization, educationalobjectives, content, strategies, activities, absence of stereo-types, suitability of materials, and completeness. Plans arecontinually updated. Take advantage of the wonderful interfacefor ERIC searching.

http://discoveryschool.com/schrockguideKathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators offers a wealth ofresources in all major subject areas, in-service resources,web evaluation tools, and search engines for kids.

“YO!!! NO DUMPING!”Are you a teacher in the City of Philadelphia and in needof an Earth Day 2000 activity for your class? Considerstormdrain stenciling, an environmental project designedto educate students about stormwater runoff pollutionprevention and its role in the urban water cycle. Call thePartnership for the Delaware Estuary at 1-800-445-4935for more information about the stenciling program.

Check outthese websitesto Learnmore aboutthe Delawareestuary:

www.delep.orgwww.udel.edu/pde

Page 11fall 1999

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Memories fromthe Summer 1999Delaware EstuaryTeacher EducationInstitute

July 19 - 23, 1999

For information about the2000 Institute, call Lisa Woolat 1-800-445-4935

students Page○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Teen Naturalists (12 - 16 year olds)Preview Meeting for Parents and ParticipantsThursday, January 20, 2000, 7:00 pmAshland Nature CenterJunction of Brackenville and Barley Mill RoadsNear Hockessin, DelawareThe Teen Naturalists, a club for teens who have a stronginterest in nature and adventure, will begin in January. The clubmeets one day/month for environmentally-oriented field tripsand excursions including canoeing, hiking, and nature adven-ture, and one extended wilderness trip. Participants willcomplete an independent nature project and learn fromprofessionals in the environmental field. Delaware NatureSociety members only. The cost is $50/year. Scholarships areavailable. For more information, call Joe Sebastiani, SchoolProgram Coordinator, at (302) 239-2334 x 22.

Fly Fishing (12 - 16 year olds)Ashland Nature CenterJunction of Brackenville and Barley Mill RoadsNear Hockessin, DelawareThis new program combines the excitement of fly fishing withthe understanding of aquatic ecology and conservation. Thesix-session program will cover care and selection of equipment,identification of fish and their aquatic insect prey, safety, fishingethics and fly tying techniques as well as two freshwater flycasting excursions and a trip to a fish hatchery to studybreeding techniques. Delaware Nature Society members only.See more details in the upcoming issue of Estuary News.

Page 12 Volume 10 / Issue 1

Estuary News

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.1009 Philadelphia PikeWilmington, DE 19809

Address Correction Requested

US PostageNon-Profit Org

PAIDWilmington, DEPermit #1885

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The Estuary News encourages reprinting of its articles in other publications. Estuary News is published quarterly bythe Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc., under an assistance agreement (CE-993985-01-0) with the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The purpose of this newsletter is to provide an open, informative dialogue onissues related to the Delaware Estuary Program. The viewpoints expressed here do not necessarily represent theviews of the Partnership or EPA, nor does mention of names, commercial products or causes constitute endorsementor recommendation for use. For information about the Delaware Estuary Program, call 1-800-445-4935.

WHO IS THE PARTNERSHIP?The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc., is a private, non-profitorganization established in 1996. The Partnership promotes the estuaryas a regional resource through public outreach and education.

To find out how you can become a member, call the Partnership at1-800-445-4935, or visit our new website at www.udel.edu/PDE.

Printed on recycled paper

Send a Free GiftSubscriptionWhy not give a friend or relativea subscription to Estuary News ?It’s a great gift idea - and it’s free!

Name ____________________________________________________

Affiliation __________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ______________________________________________

Telephone: ___________________ E-mail ______________________

Send to: Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, 1009 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.Kathy Klein, Executive Director1009 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809Tel: (302) 793-1701 / (800) 445-4935Fax: (302) 793-1666E-mail: partners@udel.edu

DELEP Program CoordinatorForsyth KineonTel: (609) 883-9500 ext.217 / Fax: (609) 883-9522E-mail: fkineon@drbc.state.nj.us

Environmental Protection AgencyIrene Purdy, EPA Region IITel: (212) 637-3845 / Fax: (212) 637-3889E-mail: PURDY.IRENE@epamail.epa.gov

Catherine Libertz, EPA Region IIITel: (215) 566-2737 / Fax: (215) 566-2782E-mail: LIBERTZ.CATHERINE@epamail.epa.gov

PennsylvaniaNancy CrickmanDepartment of Environmental ProtectionTel: (610) 823-6100 / Fax: (610) 823-6133E-mail: crickman.nancy@al.dep.state.pa

DelawareJohn KennelDepartment of Natural Resourcesand Environmental ControlTel: (302) 739-5726 / Fax: (302) 739-3491E-mail: jkennel@state.de.us

New JerseyMichael McAllisterDepartment of Environmental ProtectionTel: (609) 292-0502 / Fax: (609) 292-4608E-mail: MMCALLIS@dep.state.nj.us

Delaware River Basin CommissionDavid P. PollisonTel: (609) 883-9500 x225 / Fax: (609) 883-9522E-mail: pollison@drbc.state.nj.us

EditorsKathy Klein, Partnership for the Delaware EstuaryCarol McCormack, Consultant

Layout & DesignNancy A. Dubin

Delaware EstuaryProgram