For immediate release January 20, 2012
On West Branch in Deposit, N.Y., Good Turn Leads to River View
By Dan Plummer
One good turn leads to another. That’s the nice life lesson I’ve learned from a recent incident involving our rivers. Please allow me to tell you the story.
I serve as board chairman of Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR), a non-profit organization that looks after the welfare of the river system. A little more than a year ago, I got a call from John O’Connor, mayor of Deposit, N.Y. He was looking for a little help.
:Click here to read full story
E.P.A. Links Tainted Water in Wyoming to Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas
DENVER — Chemicals used to hydraulically fracture rocks in drilling for natural gas in a remote valley in central Wyoming are the likely cause of contaminated local water supplies, federal regulators said Thursday.
The draft report, after a three-year study by the Environmental Protection Agency, represents a new scientific and political skirmish line over whether fracking, as it is more commonly known, poses a threat in the dozens of places around the nation where it is now being used to extract previously unreachable energy resources locked within rock.
Coalition Letter Requesting Withdrawal of the RD SGEIS Submitted to Governor Cuomo
Last year we asked you to sign on to a Coalition Letter which requested that Governor Andrew Cuomo withdraw the RD SGEIS (Revised Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement. Whew!). Thanks to all of you that signed the letter now has more than 10,500 signatories with many of the signatures coming from FUDR members and Friends!!!
The latest coalition letter is excruciatingly detailed. Read it and you will become a walking encyclopedia of RD SGEIS shortcomings. The short version is this: The SGEIS is already hopelessly outdated and does not take sufficiently into account what we have painfully learned from our neighbors to the south. The best science is only beginning to come in now. New York’s precious environment and wildlife cannot afford to become the latest outdoor experimental laboratory for the oil and gas industry. The environmental review process needs to begin anew.
I know we are all busy this time of year, but if you are looking to give a gift to Mother Nature, please look at and sign the letter to Governor Cuomo. A personal call, email, or hand written letter to Governor Cuomo would also really help with the big push that needs to happen now as well.
We are making a huge difference and need to continue to do so. Industry never seems to sleep and we must hold the line to continue the prevention of unsafe drilling practices from occurring in NY as we have done these past three years. The pressure is still on, and as we have seen, “desperate times bring desperate measures.”
Although most of us have put our rods away for the season, we must now pick up our pens and protect what we all love and hold so dear. We’re still looking to add more and more signatories, so make your comments known and please feel free to forward this request to as many folks as you can, the fight is not over.
Thanks for helping to protect the Delaware!
Email Governor Cuomo: http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php
Call Governor Cuomo:
Albany: 518-474-8390
New York City: 212-681-4580
Binghamton: 607-721-8367
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovernorAndrewCuomo?sk=wall
Twitter: @NYGovCuomo
NYDEC Commissioner Martens: DRBC Regulations Create Confusion
DEC Commissioner Joe Martens says he thinks New York will likely vote against the regulations on hydrofracking that the Delaware River Basin Commission released earlier this week, though he says the DEC is still reviewing the proposal.
:Read full story
DRBC Publishes Revised Draft of Article 7 (revised draft regulations)
On November 21, 2011, the Commission will consider adoption of Article 7 of DRBC’s Water Quality Regulations to protect the water resources of the Delaware River Basin during the construction and operation of natural gas development projects. Go to http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/notice_naturalgas-draftregs.htm for more info.
‘North Meets South’ At River Celebration On the West Branch
The West Branch Angler & Resort will host a river celebration featuring two top-notch musical acts on Sunday, Aug. 21.
The featured bands are the Alvarado Road Show, a Nashville-based country trio making its first appearance in New York that weekend, and the Blues Maneuver, the horn-driven Catskills R&B band that has been a regional favorite for more than a decade.
The event, “North Meets South on the West Branch,” is sponsored by Friends of the Upper Delaware River. It will be held from 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission is free and open to everyone. Donations will be taken to cover the cost of the bands and to support FUDR’s ongoing work to protect the Upper Delaware River system. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
For Immediate Release, July 27, 2011
For more information: Dan Plummer, catskilldan@mac.com; 607-363-7848
As Heat Wave Threatened Fishery, Conservation Groups and Policymakers Teamed to Cool the Upper Delaware
Cooperation between conservation groups and government policymakers helped stave off a water temperature crisis on the Upper Delaware River during last week’s heat wave.
As air temperatures spiked to nearly 100 degrees in the region on July 22, water temperatures at Lordville, NY, reached 78 degrees and were expected to continue to climb.
Delaware River Protection Legislation Introduced by Federal Lawmakers
Washington, D.C.: Thursday, June 23, 2011: Congressional leaders from the Delaware
River region introduced, in both the U.S. House and the Senate, new legislation focused on the
protection and restoration of the Delaware River watershed. The Delaware River Basin
Conservation Act of 2011 would bolster efforts in the region to coordinate the restoration and
enhancement of important river-related habitat, to reduce flood damages, and to improve water
quality for the people, fish and wildlife of the region.
Please Show Your Support of the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act
Hello Friends,
I hope everyone is enjoying the start of a great Memorial Day weekend. So often I receive emails and phone calls asking how you can help FUDR with what we all feel is important work in saving and enhancing our amazing natural resources here in the Upper Delaware River Basin. Last year I sent you information on the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act and encouraged you to write letters of support at that time. Your efforts have paid off and we are much closer in getting this great bill closer to the finish line. :Read more…
DE River Basin Conservation Act of 2011
Delaware RBCA
Conversation Groups Say They Are Optimistic as Expiration Nears for Delaware Flow Plan
Delaware River conservationists say they are optimistic that the government agencies responsible will take appropriate action as the expiration date draws near for the flawed plan that governs releases from the New York City-owned reservoirs.
The infamous Flexible Flow Management Program – regarded as a disappointment by scientists, river residents and recreational users alike – is due to expire on June 1.
Government officials are now well-aware that the Delaware Watershed Conservation Coalition is supporting an alternative known as the Joint Fishery White Paper, produced last year by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. :Read full press release
Attention All One Buggers:
Thanks to all of you that attended and contributed to our most successful One Bug™ to date. Though conditions were beyond tough with near flood levels days before the event, you all rallied and carried on the tradition and spirit of the One Bug™, with some of you actually catching some really nice fish!
I couldn’t be happier with the enthusiasm and understanding that was displayed by all of you through the event and I am so lucky to call many of you my friends. I feel it’s safe to say that the Delaware River System has a much better chance of surviving and improving due to all your efforts and support, and for that FUDR thanks you all.
We put a lot of time and effort into the One Bug™ because you deserve a special weekend for all you do to help FUDR throughout the year. Due to your continued interest and support for our area we are making a true positive difference, and if we lost the support of any one of you, I’m sure we would slip back a step.
I look forward to working with you all the rest of the year and always look forward to your questions and thoughts.
Please enjoy Dennis Cabarle’s (password:FUDR@2011) great photos capturing the ongoing spirit and optimism that the One Bug™ 2011 has provided us again with this year, there are certainly no shortage of smiles in Mr. Cabarle’s photos!
All the best,
Your friend,
Troutboy
One Bug 2011 Results:
Teams:
1st Place: The Bannack Boys – Tim Foster, Art Bartholomew
2nd Place: Lords of the Delaware – Ken O’Connor, Steve Mongiardo, Bob Rodeheaver
3rd Place (Tie): Team Eagles – Pete Bousum, John Bousum and Team Landstudies – Mark Gutshall, Dennis Auker
Guides:
Top Guide: Bruce Miller
2nd Place Guide*: Steve Taggart
3rd Place Guide*: John Endreson
*2nd & 3rd Place Guides were not announced at the event in error – both will receive trophies
1st Annual Squirrel Award: Colin Archer
Individuals:
1st Place: Art Bartholomew
2nd Place: Tim Foster
3rd Place: John Bousum
Biggest Fish:
Tim Foster – 22″ Brown Trout
Conservation Groups Plan Earth Day Rally For ‘Sensible’ Delaware River Water Plan
A coalition of conservation groups will hold an Earth Day rally in the Catskills on Friday, April 22, in support of a sensible alternative to the upper Delaware River reservoir water-release plan that has had disastrous environmental consequences.
Delaware River Designated as National ‘Great Water’ – Designation highlights the river’s national significance
The Delaware River has been designated a “Great Water,” joining 18 other waterways nationwide selected for that honor by a national coalition formed to protect waterways of high economic, social and environmental importance.
American Rivers: ‘It’s Time to Tell Regulators to Protect the Delaware River’
The day of regulatory reckoning has come for America’s Most Endangered River of 2010, the Upper Delaware. American Rivers is going to ask DRBC to protect the Delaware River and delay issuing these regulations until a thorough scientific study has been completed. To join them and take action, :click here
SCTU 21st Annual Conservation Banquet is Saturday, April 9
Click here for more information on the Stanley Cooper Sr. Chapter of TU’s Annual Banquet
Conservationists and Water Release
For the first time ever, a coalition of key conservation groups has formed to speak with one voice on behalf of the Delaware Watershed. We are uniting behind a proposal that would replace the flawed plan that now governs water releases from New York City-owned reservoirs: the infamous Flexible Flow Management Program (FFMP), due to expire (finally and mercifully) on June 1.
Upper Delaware Council Announces Honorees For Awards Ceremony on April 17 – FUDR Will Receive the Community Service Award
The Upper Delaware Council, Inc. (UDC) will honor individuals, organizations, and projects that have enhanced the quality of life or protected the resources of the Upper Delaware River Valley at its 23rd Annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 17, in Beach Lake, PA. The Community Service Award will be given to Friends of the Upper Delaware River, Inc., for advocacy to protect the Upper Delaware River fishery and to support stream restoration work in the Town of Hancock, NY.
:Read Full Press Release and Honoree List
World Fishing Network Ultimate Fishing Contest
The World Fishing Network is again holding its Ultimate Fishing own Contest with a first prize of $25,000, 2nd prize of $5,000 and a $2,500 3rd prize.
We’ve nominated Hancock, NY since it’s the town at the center of the Upper Delaware cold water fishery. Winning would greatly benefit the Village of Hancock in providing funding for fisheries and conservation.
To make your nomination simply click on this link: www.wfnfishingtown.com/town/hancock-ny
Save the Date! 2011 4th Annual One Bug – April 29, 30, and May 1!
:click here for entry form
:click here for information on Friday Night Dinner and Auction
Calling All One Buggers!
The Catskill Mountains may be frosted with snow and the Delaware River icy cold, but we’re making plans to fish.
The fourth-annual One Bug™ fundraiser is fewer than 100 days away. The event will be held on the weekend of April 29, 30 and May 1 and will again be headquartered at the famous Old Capital Theatre, 170 Front St. in Hancock, N.Y. As always, the weekend will begin with a reception, banquet and auction on Friday night at the decked-out theatre, followed by two days of team fishing led by the country’s best guides.
:read full story
Pennsylvanians Choose the Delaware as 2011 River of the Year!
Harrisburg – 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. :Read full release
The Delaware River Needs Your Vote!
While the Lackawaxen River completes its tenure as Pennsylvania’s 2010 River of the Year, the Delaware River is poised to wrest the title/mantle for 2011. Nominated for this recognition by the Delaware River Sojourn Steering Committee and Delaware River Basin Commission, the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi is one of six finalists for the designation. :read full story and vote for the Delaware River
DRBC Eases Proposed Natural Gas Drilling Curbs
Regulators charged with protecting the watershed for New York City and the Philadelphia region today backed off from their toughest restrictions on Marcellus Shale drilling, but still proposed measures stricter than existing rules in nearby areas. :read full story
N.Y. Assembly Approves Fracking Moratorium
The New York State Assembly voted 93 to 43 Monday night to place a temporary moratorium on a controversial type of natural gas exploration that combines hydraulic fracturing with horizontal drilling. The goal is to give the state more time to address safety and environmental concerns :read full article
Friends Helping Friends
It’s the Thanksgiving season, and I would like to say thanks to a few individuals and groups that got together on short notice to get something done that needed immediate attention :read more
Let the Water Flow
New York City – accused of hoarding Delaware River water – has a new tool that could send more of the liquid wealth downstream to places including Philadelphia
:click here to read full article
House Majority Leader Todd Eachus Supports FUDR
Eachus supports the efforts of the Friends of the Upper Delaware River and encourages the DRBC to reevaluate its current protocols and develop a rational, environmentally sound water release plan.
2010 Crisis Alert No. 4:
‘Reckless’ Watercrats Endanger Delaware Trout As West Branch Flow Is Cut 90 Percent Overnight
Photos by Lee Hartman and Ben Rinker
Native Alaskans Become Fly Fishing Guides
Summer 2010 Crisis Alert No. 3
FUDR Membership Drive
Hot Water Conditions Display Fatal Flaws in Delaware River Water Release Plan
Unprecedented warm water temperatures on the upper Delaware River this summer prove that the current river management plan does not work and must be revised.
Orvis names Joe DeMaldaris Top Fly Fishing Guide for 2010
Crisis Alert: On First Day of Summer, Delaware River Trout are at Peril
:click here to read full press release
American Rivers Announces America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ of 2010 -Upper Delaware River is Number 1 on the List
:Congressman Maurice Hinchey Makes Announcement in Narrowsburg, NY
FUDR asks for Five Minutes to Support the Delaware Basin Act
:The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act would provide $5,000,000 – read more…
One Bug 2010 Press Release
:click here to read all about it
FUDR Endorses NY/PA “White Paper” on Delaware River Tailwaters Ecosystem
:click here to read full press release
FUDR holds public meeting on April 5 updating the community on the restoration of flood-ravaged Sands and Cadosia creeks in Delaware County, N.Y.
:click here to read full press release
FUDR’s Stream Restoration Project
The first stage in a massive stream restoration project, a FUDR funded study recently completed by LandStudies Inc., lays out plans for the total rehabilitation of Sands and Cadosia Creeks in the Town of Hancock. This project will benefit habitat for the fishery, mitigate flooding for inhabitants of the watershed, and serve as a pilot program for streams throughout the region.
:click here to watch Part 1 of our stream restoration project
:click here to watch Part 2 of our stream restoration project
Deeter: The Upper Delaware River is the Best All-Around Fly Fishing River in the U.S.A.
:click here to read all about it - Fly Talk from Field and Stream
Isonychia
::click here to read Al Caucci’s Isonychia article published in FlyFisherman.com
PAFB AND NYDEC White Paper Released
The long awaited white paper has been released defining a new and improved release schedule from NYC owned reservoirs. Though FUDR views this as a true step in the right direction and is thankful for all the hard work from both organizations, there is still work to be done. Stay tuned……
::click here to download the white paper
Gas Drilling in Marcellus
Driller’s caught red handed and admit to illegal dumping of 200,000 gallons of brine water in abandoned well.
On December 23, New York City “called on the DEC to rescind
the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (dSGEIS)
that was released on September 30, 2009 because it does not adequately
address the risks of drilling in the New York City watershed, which
supplies drinking water for nine million New Yorkers.”
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection also released a Final Impact Assessment Report which contains evidence that shows that Hydrofracturing in the Marcellus Shale not only is a threat to NYC drinking water, but due to the nature of the shale and our region’s geology, also threatens water in the entire Empire State.
Here is the full press release.
Even where regulations exist, enforcement is lacking.
Please help us in getting a moratorium on the :: while we still can by visiting:
http://www.toxicstargeting.com/MarcellusShale/coalition_letter
and
http://www.toxicstargeting.com/MarcellusShale/contact_gov
Things are heating up as New York Department of Environmental Conservation holds public comment meetings in Loch Sheldrake, NYC, Chenango Bridge, and Corning. Ithaca holds its own meeting.
A good article outlining a range of issues related to gas drilling can be found here.
Records show New York DEC is not perfect.
More bad news from PA. And even more.
::click here to Watch a Video:: 
Marcellus Shale is radioactive.
Chesapeake Energy decides not to drill in the NYC watershed.
Chesapeake blowout.
Thirsty cows take a drink.
New Release Program Proposed to Stop Flawed FFMP From Harming Upper Delaware River and Endangering Downstream Communities
Hancock, NY — Friends of the Upper Delaware River called today for major changes to the schedule of releases from the New York City reservoirs. “The City’s practice of hoarding water creates unnecessarily full reservoirs, deprives the river of flows needed to sustain the fishery and cold water ecosystem, and creates a dangerous flood risk potential all the way downstream to Trenton,”
::click here for More Details::
ONE BUG™ BRINGS FISHERMEN, POLITICIANS AND LOCALS TOGETHER
IN HANCOCK, N.Y. !!
Friends of the Upper Delaware River held their 2nd annual One Bug™ fly fishing fundraiser in Hancock, N.Y over the last weekend in April. The 3-day event, designed to create public awareness of the challenges to the Upper Delaware River system, was again a winner for FUDR.
::click here for More Details::
Proposed Releases from New York City Delaware River Basin Reservoirs for 2009-10
::click here for More Details::
Recent USGS Graphs
::click here for More Details::
Funding for Operation and Maintenance of Flood Gauges in the City Water Supply
On behalf of the ten conservancy organizations that have joined in signing this letter, we are requesting that you reconsider and reverse a decision made by your agency to discontinue funding for the operation and maintenance of 26 stream gauges located in the area from the City draws most of it potable water supply.