Wild and Scenic River

What is "Wild and Scenic"? (last updated March 11, 2011)

The National Wild and Scenic River System, administered by several federal agencies including the National Park Service, was created by an act of Congress in 1968. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act calls on the nation to select rivers with outstanding scenic, recreational, natural, historic, cultural, or similar values and preserve then in a free flowing condition.

Recognizing the need to protect rivers beyond federally owned lands, the Partnership Wild and Scenic River Program was initiated within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In October 2000, Congress designated White Clay Creek as a Partnership 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 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.

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 the National Park Service, Management Committee and partner organizations work to implement the goals and objectives of the Management Plan.

Goals

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.

Expansion of the White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic designation

Improved protection for the White Clay Creek is being considered in Senate Bill 853, a proposal to expand White Clay's 2000 National Wild and Scenic River designation. To read more about the expansion, click here.

To learn more:

Partnership 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