Delaware Riverkeeper Network

DRN has Newton Creek's back...

We expected an ordinary point-to-point tour along the creek with the typical cause-and-effect explanations about existing conditions and issues - but what we got was much more interesting and relevant.

Our two DRN guides, Fred Stine and John Nystedt, are a treasure trove of insights about the interplay between stream history, existing conditions, municipal oversight, and possible solutions. We all had a great discussion.

Although Newton Creek contributes only a small trickle to the Delaware watershed, it’s health is an important feature to this community. I'm glad that the DRN has its back. Thanks!

I have worked with this not for profit for ten years on critical river related issues and they have been a valuable partner in preventing the destruction of one of our greatest tourism assets, the Delaware River. They helped prevent a power line project from being built on the shore of the river with 190 foot high towers, which would have ruined the view shed of the river. They also support getting NYC kids outdoors and on the river in annual trips every year. The people that I have worked with are passionate, professional, and extremely capable including the Riverkeeper. They are also a supporter of the Delaware River Sojourn. I have found the organization to be well run and responsible in the use of their resources. Over all the Delaware Riverkeeper Network is a great organization.

I have been a supporter of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network for years, and count the organization as one of the inspirations to form my own group in south Jersey - The Watchdogs of the Watersheds. I have learned so much from them, and am so grateful for all their hard work and dedication that has done so much to make the Delaware River and its tributaries cleaner and safer. Thank goodness there are people like those at the DRN, who are vocal advocates for the river, and who back up their advocacy with science and positive action.

I've lived along the Delaware River for 58 years. I have first-hand knowledge of the positive impact the Delaware Riverkeeper organization has had on improving the River's environmental landscape. I endorse their mission, team and resources to protect the River, watershed, habitat and private properties adjacent to the River. Keep up the great work!

When I think about the Delaware River and it's tributaries,
and how awesome and magnificent
it must have been when our predecessors sailed up the Delaware"s
flourished, pristine arteriel in ships of wood, and clothened sail
when I think the about the return of the ancient sturgeon,
and sullen Indian spirts still
alights these earthened banks
and of willowing funa's bend to river kisses
and the sun lit joy of my grand children
in a rower's boat
clean wisps of river spray
bobing on mighty Delawares shoulders
I thank you keeper's of the river
your hearts are deep
and you are large...
Terry A. Willians
President, Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition

I can't commend the Delaware RiverKeeper Network enough for their passionate, professional, educational and amazing eforts in our community. My community and I have the utmost respect for their commitment to conserving our natural resources for generations to come. I am a better citizen because of their example. Thank you!

Proudly stating my name, Annie Hirschler

I am very appreciative of all the great work the Delaware Riverkeeper Network does to address stormwater management issues, protect the environment and the community. I am grateful for the Delaware Riverkeeper's professionalism and strong commitment to such important issues.

This organization does a great job holding different government agencies and private entities accountable by watch-dogging, submitting professional and expert comments, and through its litigation effots. Few other organizations provide a comparable level of sophistication and quality with regard to its advocacy educational programs as does the Delaware Riverkeeper Network. Ultimately, this organization does an excellent job of leveling the playing field for the general public by providing them with a strong reliable voice.

Nobody else fights as reliably and effectively for Eastern PA environmental issues. This is a group with a clear moral compass, they stick to their principles, work strategically, and they win against overwhelming odds. The leader has fantastic energy, an inspiration. Their 990 tells the story, nobody is getting rich, but they are regularly getting results.

I am a longtime supporter of DRN, have volunteered many hours, and serve on the Board. I know how hard staff works, how prudent DRN is with money, and how they wring every last bit out of every available resource.

The Delaware Riverkeeper and DRN Staff are highly motivated, extremely effective and engage the community to work for the betterment of the entire Delaware River watershed.

We should all be extremely thankful for the care and oversight of the Delaware Riverkeeper. It is an organization that works very hard to protect and preserve our fragile environment. It is not an easy job to monitor the activities of those that hold profit and expedience above our water quality, but the Riverkeeper is relentless in that goal. I am proud to be a supporter.

I personally live in southern New Jersey, and I'm always so happy to see the DRN Staff and volunteers have such a strong presence at many of our local events. I first came in contact with them at a Green Event in Haddon Township. Their knowledgeable staff is not only very friendly, but they have a way of connecting with every person living in watershed communities. They are the only advocacy organization working throughout the entire watershed - from NY to DE. Keep up the good work!

Since its inception in 1988, Delaware Riverkeeper has been the main advocate for the river that so many of us depend on for our drinking water and our recreation. Working for peanuts, the professionals who direct its projects and activities could make a lot more money in the private sector. We are incredibly lucky to have this organization that speaks for the river in so powerful a way - in a way that as individuals we could never achieve.

In addition to the paid staff, DR attracts large numbers of dedicated volunteers who support its mission. That is surely the earmark of a fine non-profit. As a scientist, I salute the quality of their research and work. We need more organizations like this!

I can personally attest to the fact that the Delaware Riverkeeper representative that we are working with works tirelessly, and seemingly 24/7, to help us with our stormwater management issues here in Radnor township. The Del Riverkeepers are professional and fill a great need in the community. We cannot do without them.

I am an earth scientist living in the Delaware River basin. I have been following the Delaware Riverkeeper Network for a few years and recently started supporting them because I have been so impressed with the scope of their endeavors and successes they show in protecting the river and educating the communities and citizens dependent on it. We are so often our own worst enemies, and few people or organizations are so steadfast at thinking about the interests of the natural systems we all depend on. The DRK has extremely knowledgeable, hardworking and friendly staff, yet they are also strong in what they have set out to do. They think about the river basin as a whole, yet they work on many local issues that affect us in our small communities. Taken together, these individual tributaries are all important to the health of the river, river ecosystems, and people who use the river. Our family recommends that you support this creative and stellar organization.

When governmental agencies fail to protect streams from degradation and PenDot destroys bridges and infrastructure, it is the Delaware River keeper who is a watchdog and advocate for precious resources. We deeply appreciate their effort on behalf of the environment and local communities.

Grateful

There are many positive things to say about the Delaware River Keeper and its members. Right now I am experiencing its activity here in my community, Tinicum Township, where preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of the Delaware River Basin communities is so valued. The DRK and staff are active right here in the Tinicum Creek watershed--the Headquarters Rd.-Sheephole Rd. Bridge Project; in which land use and development along a major tributary in an historical district is the parallel issue.
The DRK and staff have joined the community and helped marshal and bring voice as a "Consulting Party". They've brought in expert witnesses that have shed light on how proceeding with PA DOT plans for the replacement of the historic bridge structure is not consistent with regional transportation and planning nor with the National Wild & Scenic River designation. They retained a civil engineering firm that gave testimony on bridge restoration engineering which indicated it should not be necessary to replace the bridge nor encroach further on the stream. They have facilitated live links for experts at remote locations to take part in Section 106 meetings. They have retained legal councilors observe the proceedings that will enable the DRK network, and the community, assurance that proceedings are conducted according to NEPA and Section 4(f) protocol.
What mainly impresses me though is that the DRK and staff have worked in concert with our community in the best interest of preserving the local exceptional value tributary to Delaware River and to what it means to this community. They have worked those interested and active in preserving the Delaware River as a cultural and environmental resource.

Maya van Rossum... as leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network... is the premier advocate for our water resources in the Delaware River basin.

There is no stronger advocate for environmental protection generally and for water quality in particular in the Mid-Atlantic. The Delaware River Keeper is a fearless advocate not only for the Delaware but all its tributaries in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. She is a vocal but prudent defender who, after all other reasonable options have been exhausted, will not hesitate to litigate to protect the environment. The DRN staff and volunteers are committed and knowledgeable people who have done more to educate the general public and elected and appointed officials about the opportunities and needs for improving and protecting the river. The DRK and DRN were the leaders of the Save Petty's Island Coalition and many other cross-organization initiatives.

My wife and I contribute and will continue to contribute more to DRN than any other environmental group and thank them for their efforts.

This is an incredible organization that I am honored to be a part of. They have a professional, dedicated and knowledgeable staff who really care about what they do.

Gathers a great deal of grant money and sees only a tiny percentage of it bring about projects, the rest goes to staff especially it's lead. Spends a great deal of time seeking favorable press coverage of staff but does an extremely poor job educating the public. Uses 'front' emails and media to hide conflicts of interest. Manipulates poor or uneducated members of the public to oppose projects or programs by misrepresenting facts.