Help Protect A Species From Extinction

Delaware Riverkeeper Network and a coalition of conservation groups urge you to write a letter to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) by July 18, 2008.  Rather than put in place a moratorium on the bait harvest of horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay as a group of international experts have called for and defended using all available science, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is once again planning to pass a rule that would allow continued bait harvesting of horseshoe crabs.  This action jeopardizes the very survival of a Delaware Bay shorebird species, the red knot rufa.  The ASMFC is accepting public comments by July 18, 2008 so please write your letter today and ask a friend or neighbor to do the same. 

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Pollution Dischargers Working to Strip Delaware River of Critical Protections

We need you to write the Delaware River Basin Commission, the head of your state Environmental Agency and your Governor to urge them to vote for Special Protection Waters Designation of the Lower Delaware River at their July meeting.

Because of its clean water and lush beauty the Lower Delaware River was designated a Wild and Scenic River by Congress in the year 2000. The number one goal of this designation was to protect the quality of the River's clean waters. The best way to achieve this goal is to designate the Lower Delaware a Special Protection Waters, something that must be done by the Delaware River Basin Commission and the Governors of the four states.

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PA Flood Prevention Should Focus on Floodplain Restoration and Nonstructural Solutions

Governor Rendell is asking citizens to write him and their elected representatives to express support for a new Flood Prevention Program.  The Delaware Riverkeeper urges you to write the Governor and your elected representatives to ensure that any new funding of flood prevention will provide the greatest level of protection to flood victims as well as benefit the rest of our communities dependent upon healthy rivers and streams for drinking water, recreation, a healthy economy and good quality of life. 

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Shad at Low Levels in Delaware -- Your Information Needed to Help

According to a new Public Information Document released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission American Shad populations are at an all time low. In response the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is seeking your input

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Stop Preserved Farm from Destroying its Resources

Soil that nature takes thousands of years to make is being wantonly destroyed by a commercial horticultural operation known as Garden State Growers or Quaker Valley Farms in Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, NJ. The State Agricultural Development Committee decided in February that the wanton cut and fill, compaction and soil destruction was in violation of its Deed of Easement.

The farm is preserved under the Farmland Preservation Program and is governed by a conservation easement, which is supposed to protect the land (Quakertown soils, Class A, top in state). The horticulture business was in the process of expanding its operations by removing (excavating to approxmiately 15 feet) and compacting the natural soils on about 30 acres of the preserved farm where hoop houses or greenhouses were being installed. The preserved property is about 120 acres and the business's entire holdings stretch out over 200 acres and include greenhouses, hoop houses, plastic mulch, other structures and farmhand residences.  The operation is ostensibly protected under the Right to Farm Act.

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A Victory for Horseshoe Crabs and Shorebirds in New Jersey

After a large out-pouring of concerned citizen calls and emails to NJ Senators, the NJ Senate listened and passed the horseshoe crab harvest moratorium (S1331) by an overwhelming 39-0 vote on Monday, March 17th and on March 25th, joined by the Delaware Riverkeeper and other environmental groups who pushed the legislation, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed the legislation into law.  This is a great victory for the horseshoe crabs and birds that arrive to shore in May and June along our Jersey beaches and your support was critical!

This legislation follows efforts to combat an unwise decision made by the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council to continue harvesting crabs this spring despite input from conservation groups, citizens, scientists, and NJ DEP to continue the moratorium on crab harvesting until crab and shorebird numbers reach sustainable and healthy populations.  

On February 28th, after testimony from the Delaware Riverkeeper and other conservation groups, the New Jersey Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted 5-0 to forward the Horseshoe Crab harvest moratorium for vote by the full Assembly. The Committee members include Assemblymen Doug Fisher, Nelson Albano, John Amadeo, Marcia Karrow, and L. Harvey Smith.  DRN and other conservation groups asked for your help to contact assembly members and senators and you responded!

As a result on March 10,2008, the NJ Senate Environment Committee followed suit and voted in favor of the horseshoe crab moratorium legislation and it was passed out of the Senate Envrionment Committee by a vote of 6-0.  The full Assembly then pushed through the legislation and on Monday, March 17th, Senators overwhelmingly made the legislation a done deal by a unanimous vote.  The Governor made it a done deal on March 25th with his signing.   Horseshoe crabs and shorebirds soon to arrive along Jersey beaches will have a better chance to recover thanks to your efforts.  Thank you!

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Special Protection Waters Designation Needed for the Lower Delaware River

The Delaware River from the Water Gap to Washington Crossing is under consideratin for permanent protection as a Special Protection Waters.  This designation is critical to protect the river from damaging development and pollution. Please get active to secure Special Protection Waters designation for the Lower Delaware River.

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