UDC Awards Grants to Two Towns For River and Shoreline Clean-ups

he Upper Delaware Council (UDC) has awarded a total of $5,676.45 in grants to the Towns of Deerpark and Lumberland for shoreline and river cleanups. The grants, announced on May 1, are part of the UDC’s ongoing effort to maintain the pristine condition of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

The Town of Deerpark will receive $4,176.45 to focus on cleaning a 2.9-mile stretch of the Hawk’s Nest area along the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, New York State Route 97. The Town Highway Department will conduct three cleanups after Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The Hawk’s Nest area features a photographed winding hillside route that offers sweeping views 200 feet above the river.

The Town of Lumberland will receive $1,500 to contract with Ann Steimle for bi-weekly trash patrols along the river and shoreline between Camp Tel-Yehudah and the Mongaup River Access. This service will run from mid-May to mid-September.

Since its inception in 2014, the UDC’s River and Shoreline Clean-up Grant program has awarded $57,600.17 to participating municipalities. The UDC is a bi-state, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Upper Delaware River. More information can be found on their website at www.upperdelawarecouncil.org or by following them on Facebook and Instagram.