The Senate on Wednesday night passed Senator Coons’ White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic River Expansion Act, S.393, which would add nine miles of White Clay Creek and its tributaries in Delaware and Pennsylvania to an existing Wild and Scenic River designation. This legislation, which is cosponsored by Senators Carper and Casey, will ensure that White Clay Creek continues to be protected as an important resource for Delaware. Legislation like this is part of the Senator’s ongoing effort to preserve and protect important national resources in Delaware.
In 1968, Congress passed the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in order to protect free-flowing rivers with great cultural, recreational, historic, and scenic values. In 2000, Congress designated the majority of White Clay Creek and its tributaries as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Senator Coons’ legislation would increase the total number of protected miles of White Clay Creek and its tributaries to 199, adding the 1.6-mile stretch of Lamborn Run in Delaware and 7.4-miles of stream in Pennsylvania’s New Garden Township. This will help provide more comprehensive protection and preservation for the entire White Clay Creek watershed, an important resource for both Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Home to 33 species of mammals, 21 species of fish including brown and rainbow trout, twenty-seven species of reptiles and amphibians, and over ninety species of birds, the White Clay Creek watershed is an important habitat for Delaware’s wildlife. The protected land also provides recreational opportunities for hikers, cyclists, birders, and hunters.
Growing up, Chris spent a lot of time in White Clay Creek watershed and understands its importance to nearby communities. Years ago, his grandmother donated some of her land along the banks of White Clay Creek to help preserve it. Chris is proud to be a leader of this important legislation that further protects White Clay Creek and its tributaries in a way that does not require spending a single dollar of taxpayer money.
The bill must still be passed in the House of Representatives before it can become law.