UPPER DELAWARE RIVER VALLEY — Since initiating its River & Shoreline Clean-up Grants program in 2014, the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) has awarded $56,439.61 to member municipalities to help keep the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and its banks pristine.

In 2025, the Towns of Deerpark and Lumberland opted to participate after submitting proposals on March 20 and April 16, respectively. They completed their clean-ups by the Sept. 20 deadline. The UDC’s Operations Committee approved reimbursement of actual expenses totaling $4,515.89 on Sept. 23.

The Town of Deerpark focused efforts on the Hawk’s Nest area of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway New York State Route 97, a much-photographed winding hillside route which offers sweeping views from 200 feet above the river.

The Town Highway Department conducted three multi-day sweeps after Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day to pick up debris along a 2.9-mile section to the Lumberland town line. The cost for labor, transportation, and supplies was $3,015.89.

The Town of Lumberland subcontracted with Ann Steimle to conduct river patrols every other week to collect trash within the town’s border from Camp Tel-Yehudah to the Mongaup River Access for a $1,500 expenditure.

The UDC opens this summer-long program to its eight New York towns and five Pennsylvania townships each March as an environmentally beneficial community service. The Council has also organized five annual, land-based Upper Delaware Litter Sweeps throughout the river valley in April. Visit www.upperdelawarecouncil.org for more information.