Wayne Gilchrest: “S. 1849, introduced by Senator Joe Biden from Delaware, designates approximately 190 miles of segments and tributaries…”

“S. 1849, introduced by Senator Joe Biden from Delaware, designates approximately 190 miles of segments and tributaries of White Clay Creek in Delaware and Pennsylvania as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Companion legislation was also introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts) who deserves major credit for crafting this bill. White Clay Creek is the watershed for more than 69,000 acres in southeastern Pennsylvania and northwestern Delaware. White Clay Creek is an important source of drinking water and also contains recreational, cultural, and scenic resources. Although much of the land around these segments is privately owned, surveys by private property owners have indicated general support for this legislation. In 1991, Congress authorized the White Clay Creek Study Act, which directed the National Park Service to prepare a study of the eligibility and suitability of White Clay Creek as a Wild and Scenic River. This law also directed the National Park Service and White Clay Creek Study Task Force to develop a watershed management plan for the area. The study indicated the segments identified in this bill as both suitable and feasible to be designated into the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.”