Wild and Scenic River

What is "Wild and Scenic"?

In October 2000, Congress designated 190 miles of White Clay Creek, and its tributaries, as a National Wild and Scenic River.

The White Clay is the only National Wild and Scenic River protected in its entirety. National Wild and Scenic River designation encourages the appropriate development of land that can coexist with the river. This federal designation helps to preserve watershed features that enhance water quality, natural resources and the over all quality of life. This approach takes into account changing land uses and the effects they can have on river habitat.

The White Clay Creek Watershed Management Committee, which is made up of local citizens, representatives of conservation organizations and other interested parties, and delegates from state and local governments, including all 13 watershed municipalities, works to implement these goals.

The National Park Service provides staff to help link the Committee to other agencies and the public, and it also provides technical and financial support. Together with partner organizations, the committee works to:

Improve and conserve water quality and water quantity.
Conserve open space, woodlands, wetlands & geologic features.
Protect native plant and animal species.
Preserve cultural, historical and archaeological sites.
Enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
Encourage environmental education and watershed awareness.

To learn more:

Wild & Scenic Rivers Program
White Clay Creek Legislation

The legislation that designated the White Clay Creek and its tributaries in Delaware and Pennsylvania into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was introduced in 2000 Congress by Congressmen Michael Castle (DE) and Joseph Pitts (PA); and by Senators Joseph Biden (DE), William Roth (DE), Rick Santorum (PA), and Arlen Specter (PA). This legislation, P.L. 106-357, was passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by President William Clinton on October 24, 2000