[Nj_federation_alert] Delaware Habitat Shortchanged?

[ap.maurosr at verizon.net]

Congrats to Rick Axt (TU President NJ & NJOA Council member), Ken Undercoffer and Ron Urban of Trout Unlimited for their commentary in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Thanks for the education!

Ant 

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/pa/20080507_Shortchanging_the_river_s_habitat.html?adString=inq.news/pa;!category=pa;&randomOrd=050708072235

Shortchanging the river's habitat
Reservoir releases into the Delaware need to be adjusted.

The Delaware River, which flows for hundreds of miles through Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, is home to many fish and wildlife species. American shad, for example, travel hundreds of miles each spring from the Atlantic Ocean up the Delaware River, where they spawn. The river remains one of the only East Coast river ecosystems that boast a healthy, self-sustaining shad population.

For decades, there have been many fights to improve the way the Delaware River is managed and how water is released from New York State reservoirs that provide drinking water to New York City's five million residents. The river is the life-blood of tourism for many in the states along the river. It is also the source of fear for those who have seen and experienced the river's powerful floods. 

Conservationists have long witnessed the environmental damage caused by mismanagement of the Delaware River. In September 2007, a new plan for the river and its three reservoirs was adopted, setting a new course for the river's management. The rules of this plan allow for releases of water from its reservoirs into the Delaware River depending on the reservoir capacity and the season of the year. While the fundamental structure of this plan is a step forward for all stakeholders, it continues to shortchange the river, its fish and wildlife and the communities that depend on it.

The amount and timing of these reservoir releases continue to be detrimental to the river and its aquatic life. Last month, a surge of water flowed from the Catskill's Cannonsville reservoir into the West Branch of the Delaware River in New York State. Last week, it was cut down to just a trickle, 5 percent of what it was just days before. Even though the reservoirs were almost completely full, the rules dictated this dramatic reduction in the amount of water released into the river. 

When this happens, the river and its tributaries get smaller - and when levels drop and the river changes in size, fish and wildlife habitat is greatly compromised. 

For the river's water level to be cut during springtime is particularly damaging to the overall health of the Delaware's vibrant ecosystem. Spring is a critical time for spawning fish, hatching insects and birds. Turning the Delaware River on and off like a kitchen faucet is completely avoidable and should be prevented. 

This summer, the Delaware River Basin Commission and New York City, which hold authority over the river's management, will further define the rules of how the Delaware River will be managed. Among other concerns that must be addressed, such as protecting the river's famous wild trout fishery that runs through Pennsylvania and New York, a new plan must provide enough water to the Upper Delaware River during spring, when reservoirs are full or nearly full. To deprive the river of water during a time when aquatic life is naturally at its most abundant is short-sighted and negligent.

When a new plan is forged for managing the Delaware this summer, policy makers must ensure that healthy water levels are maintained throughout the spring by releasing more water from its reservoirs. Fluctuations in water levels must follow a more natural rhythm that can better serve its habitat, the recreational tourist community and those who rely on its water supply. And, greater water releases can further prevent reservoirs from spilling and help address the concerns of those worried about potential flooding.

For a water supply system to be applauded as a model of human engineering, why is it so difficult for a balance to be achieved in how to manage the Delaware River, one that will serve to protect the interests of people and wildlife alike?



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Rick Axt, Ken Undercoffer and Ron Urban are the presidents of the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York councils of Trout Unlimited, respectively.





Anthony P. Mauro, Sr.
Chairman, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance: 
"The  voice of the conservationist." 
www.njoutdooralliance.org