The Rivers And Their Ecology

What rivers benefit from an Adaptive Release Policy?

The Delaware River – The West and East Branches join in Hancock, New York to create the Delaware River, which then flows 330 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, is recognized as the longest undammed stretch of river in the East. Flowing 330 miles from Hancock, New York to the Delaware Bay, the Big "D" is cherished by tens of thousands of who enjoy its peaceful setting and wildlife, canoe its "eddies", and fish for its trophy wild trout, shad and striped bass.

Because of its recovering water quality and its open access to the ocean, the Delaware River is one of the few large rivers rivers in the Eastern United States to sustain a healthy American Shad population.

The upper river system that includes the West Branch Delaware, East Branch Delaware, main stem Delaware downstream to Callicoon, and the Neversink River, is home to a wild trout population unparalleled in the East. A 1998 economic study determined that fishing on Upper Delaware River generated nearly $30 million in local economic activity.

The upper 73 miles of the Delaware River is designated a National Scenic & Recreational River www.nps.gov/upde and is managed by the National Park Service. It receives 300,000 visitors a year. Delaware Water Gap, a national park, www.nps.gov/dewa is situated further downstream on the "Middle Delaware" and attracts over 5 million visitors annually.

Main Stem | West Branch | East Branch | Neversink | Protected Species