Written by Silas Chamberlin

DCNR annually names a “River of the Year.”  In 2007, the Lehigh River took top honors.  This year, the Delaware River tops the list.  Check out the DCNR press release below:

The people have spoken: the Delaware River is Pennsylvania’s River of the Year for 2011.

Chosen for the first time through a public vote, the Delaware bested five other candidates in an online contest that saw more than 10,000 ballots cast from across the state. The Delaware received 2,520 votes.

“The Delaware River is the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi and is steeped in history, diverse in resources, and is vital to protect,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John Quigley said. “Its waters serve the needs of more than 15 million people from four different states, including more than 5 million Pennsylvanians. It boasts the largest freshwater port in the world, as well as threatened and endangered species, and a thriving tourism industry.

“A goal of the River of the Year designation is to raise awareness of the river and its conservation needs. The public voting format used to nominate and select the River of the Year for the first time this year certainly generated local enthusiasm for conservation and recognition of the importance of our waterways,” Quigley said.

The five other finalists were: Clarion River, Conewango Creek, Kiskiminetas River, Pine Creek, and the Stonycreek River.

DCNR and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, or POWR, administer the River of the Year program. Local organizations submit nominations.

“Although we could only have one winner, each of the waterways that were nominated is special and important in its own way,” Quigley said. “Congratulations to all the local groups who nominated their rivers, and rallied support for them not only for this vote, but through all of their activities and advocacy.”

POWR helps train and organize local watershed associations, as well as the groups who lead a dozen sojourns on rivers around the state each year.

“The Delaware River is simply an incredible resource — not just for Pennsylvania, but for the nation as a whole,” said POWR Executive Director Jon Meade. “To honor it with the River of the Year award reflects the importance of preservation to those who live near it and experience it every day.”

There are a number of organizations that work in partnership to support conservation and recreation activities along the Delaware, including: the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC); Delaware Canal State Park; National Canoe Safety Patrol; National Park Service; and Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition.

These groups will organize several events throughout the year, including the 17^th annual Sojourn paddling trip, a symposium, photo contest and river legacy fundraiser. The eight-day sojourn will include educational programs, and give paddlers a chance to experience the Delaware River to encourage greater understanding of the river and stewardship needs.

“On behalf of the steering committee and all our partners, I would like to thank everyone who voted for the Delaware. Having the Delaware be Pennsylvania’s 2011 River of the Year is truly an honor, especially since it is the people’s choice and with this the DRBC’s 50^th Anniversary year,” said Kate O’Hara, co-coordinator of the Delaware Sojourn Steering Committee. “This designation will not only showcase the Delaware and all it has to offer, but also highlight the numerous organizations, agencies, and individual volunteers who work together to protect and enhance the river for future generations.”

Pennsylvania’s River of the Year has been presented annually since 1983.

To learn more about DCNR’s Rivers Program, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/rivers.

Written By Silas Chamberlin

On September 24^th, exactly four months after closing for extensive repair, cleaning and painting, Morrisville’s Calhoun Street Bridge once again welcomed nearly 18,000 daily vehicles crossing the Delaware River between Morrisville, PA and Trenton, NJ.  Not only does the bridge link two important Delaware River cities, but it will also serve as the Pennsylvania-New Jersey gateway for the the East Coast Greenway–a proposed 3,000-mile corridor between Maine and Key West.

The 126-year old wrought iron bridge, built by the Phoenix Bridge Company in 1826, and the oldest bridge owned and operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, is posted on the National Register of Historic Places.  Once a privately owned toll-bridge, the Calhoun Street Bridge was purchased by the Commission for $250,000 and freed of tolls in 1928.

Local officials dedicate the rehabbed Calhoun St. Bridge.

In addition to cleaning and painting, repairs or replacements were made to the floor system, iron truss, substructure and approach roadways.  New “period” lighting fixtures were installed as well as 3 coats of “antique bronze” colored paint.  Local officials and dignitaries joined members of the Commission at a re-dedication ceremony on October 12^th .  The repair and renovation should eliminate the need for bridge closures for nearly 15 years.

Okay, Trentonians… err, Trentonites!  Your easy access to the D&L Trail has been restored, now get out there!

Written by Geri Delevich, Up River Productions

New Hope is a small, scenic river town nestled along the Delaware River in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Located just an hour or two away from Philadelphia, New York City, and most parts of New Jersey, it offers an enchanting escape from the fast-paced routines of daily life.

Since the early 1900s, New Hope has attracted a following of artists from all walks of life. Painters, sculptors, writers, actors, and musicians have come to this picturesque place to soak up the beauty of the surrounding countryside and to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded colleagues. Today, New Hope combines the historic charms and creative atmosphere of bygone days with an edgy, eclectic, and playful style.

“Quaint” and “Quirky” are two words often used to describe this town. Yes, New Hope is still known as a haven for artists, but it is also a paradise for shoppers, a showcase for antiques dealers, a hangout for food lovers, a romantic hideaway for couples, a fun-filled destination for families, a gathering place for entertainers, a hot spot for ghost hunters, a home for the famed Bucks County Playhouse, and a landmark village filled with numerous historic sites. Within just one square mile, New Hope offers you all of these amazing things.

Perhaps the one quality that has made New Hope such an outstanding community throughout its history is the fact that it has always been a place where differences (whether they be racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, or sexual orientation) are not just tolerated–they are embraced and celebrated. William Penn founded Pennsylvania over three centuries ago based on the Quaker beliefs of equality, social justice, peaceful co-existence, and brotherly love. He would be proud to know that New Hope has become a shining example of a community committed to those same values. Through good times and bad times and the inevitable challenges that all communities face, the town has been held together by a core conviction that all people should be respected for who they are as individuals. This culture of openness, acceptance, and diversity has allowed New Hope to prosper and thrive.

This vision of advancing the ideals of respect and unity resulted in the creation of Up River Productions, Inc. and the Embraceable You Project. It is a three-fold endeavor that includes a documentary film, a music compact disc, and a book. The purpose of this entire project is quite simple: to demonstrate how this community exemplifies HOPE, not as a dream or an aspiration, but as a reality. It is our wish that you, too, will find room in your heart to welcome and nurture this same spirit of inclusiveness and togetherness.

The natural beauty of this charming river town is only surpassed by the beauty of its people who have embraced differences in individuals throughout its history. Watch the Embraceable You Trailer to catch a glimpse of this award winning documentary and the quaint, progressive village situated on the banks of the Delaware River. To learn more about the Embraceable You Project and the Bring ELLEN to New Hope campaign visit Up River Productions.

Once you embrace hope–anything is possible.

By Debby Colgan (Morrisville Environmental Advisory Council) and Donna Boone (Landmark Towns Coordinator)

On September 22, during the autumnal equinox a group of interested citizens, government officials and volunteers, joined the Morrisville Environmental Advisory Council to celebrate and dedicate the Morrisville Riverfront Preserve.

Morrisville Borough, located along the Delaware River in lower Bucks County, is developing 8.8 acres along the riverfront as a naturalized riparian preserve. The Morrisville Riverfront Preserve is situated at the uppermost tidal area of the Delaware River, just below the “Falls of Trenton,” and the Special Protection Waters of the northern section.

Members of the community gather to dedicate the Morrisville Riverfront Preserve.

Work on the project began in January 2010 which led to the re-zoning of the land by Borough Council to Natural Lands and Community Service Districts and approval by the Bucks County Open Space Program for funds to support the project.

The Preserve will be a quiet piece of nature for fishers, birders, walkers and paddlers. Riverfront restoration will improve air, water and land quality, as well as provide improved floodplain function and flood protection. The Preserve will provide the opportunity for public education on the value of natural waterfront habitats.

The new preserve will help protect and improve the Delaware River.

Morrisville is partnering with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, who will provide assistance in developing restoration strategies that will ensure a successful and sustainable project.

The site is currently overgrown with Japanese knotweed, which prevents public access in the summer and has overtaken the native species that contribute to the biodiversity of its habitat.

Morrisville Borough is undertaking Phase 1 of the project which includes eradication of Japanese knotweed and other invasive species, and the prioritization and identification of plantings and planting sites. Phase 1 is expected to last 12 – 18 months.

The first herbicide application is scheduled for September 2010 and will be repeated in Fall 2011.

By Donna Boone, Landmark Towns Coordinator

As summer winds down, the Landmark Towns of Bucks County welcome Autumn with a full calendar of fairs, festival and fun events for the entire family. The boroughs of Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope and Yardley, invite you to share in some of Bucks County’s great bounty of artisans, entertainers, and vendors.

September kicks off in Morrisville with the annual Labor Day Auto Show and Mayor’s Picnic. Visit Williamson Park on North Delmorr Avenue from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for an afternoon filled with music, vendors, games and a car show organized by the Delaware Valley Road Runners Car Club.

The New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival always draws a crowd to this great canal town.

Bring your own lawn chair or blanket on September 18th and enjoy the sounds of musical guests Earl “Speedo” Carroll and the Cadillacs (see video below), Larry Chance & The Earls, The Original Orlons and The Tymes at the annual Bristol Borough Doo Wop in the Park.

The weekend of September 25th and 26th is host to two outstanding fall festivals, Yardley Borough’s Harvest Day, and New Hope Borough’s Fine Arts and Crafts Festival.  Artists and crafters show their wares on Afton Avenue and throughout Buttonwood Park for the 41st Annual Yardley Harvest Day. From 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM enjoy the musical entertainment and food vendors while perusing the handmade crafts.  The 17th Annual New Hope Fine Arts & Crafts Festival brings an amazing display from over 150 artists on Saturday the 25th from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday the 26th from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This prestigious event features the work of premier artists and craftspeople.

The Yardley Harvest Festival features arts & crafts vendors, food, entertainment, and more.

While visiting these fairs and festivals, make sure to check out the local merchants and restaurants as well. Many offer specials and discounts during the events. For more information on fairs, festivals and fun in the Landmark Towns, visit our website, www.landmarktowns.com.