Landowners

NPS

 

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a unique national park site in that the National Park Service owns a relatively small percentage of the land within the river corridor boundary. The boundary includes the Upper Delaware River corridor from ridgeline to ridgeline extending from Hancock, NY at the Northern terminus to Sparrow Bush, NY at the Southern terminus. Most of the land is owned by private landowners. The National Park Service is proud to work with local communities, private landowners, community members, state government, the Upper Delaware Council (UDC), and other partners to protect the invaluable resources of the river and ensure communities can continue to enjoy and benefit from the river.

 

INTERACTIVE MAP

Is My Property Within the Corridor?

 

Resources on River Conditions

The Delaware River is a beautiful river that many people are proud to have in their backyards, but it also is a force of nature. Learn about what resources are available to help you stay safe living on and near the river.

 

 

Resources for Landowners

 

 

Landowner Responsibilities and Frequently-Asked-Questions

 

How Can I Tell if my Property or Business is within the boundaries of Upper Delaware SRR?

To check if your property is within the boundaries of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, feel free to use this interactive online map (also at top of this page). Simply type in your address and you can see if the property at that address falls within the river corridor, which is delineated on the map. This map also has options to toggle on different layers, such as local zoning areas, steep slopes, wetlands, and FEMA-designated flood risk areas. 

You can also contact us to see if your property falls within the boundaries of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

Can I Build on, Remodel, and Alter my Property if it is within Upper Delaware SRR?

Landowners and property owners are able to build, rebuild, remodel, and change the use of their property. However, due to one’s location within a National Park Unit and Scenic and Recreational River, there are additional conditions, or steps that may apply when considering a project, use, or activity. 

Common projects which may have restrictions include but are not limited to:

• construction of structures close to the riverbank, ridgeline, or on a steep slope

• clear cutting of trees

• installation or discharge of sewage systems

• asphalt or road construction

• new structure setbacks and height

• types of uses for existing structures

The Upper Delaware Council has a workbook which you can use to check if your project may require review. 

Always check your local ordinances and contact your local government before you make any plans and start any projects for your property. 

Why Does What I Do Matter?

People from all over the country are drawn to visit, settle down in, and enjoy the stunning scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and abundant recreational opportunities in the Upper Delaware River region. Being mindful and intentional of the ways we use, build, and change the land around the Delaware River can help us ensure the river and the region remains the ecologically healthy, aesthetically beautiful, and communally safe place that we have all grown to call home. 

Being mindful of land use best practices and following regulations helps:  

• Preserve and protect water quality. The Delaware River has some of the best water quality in the eastern United States. The river supplies water to local communities in the Upper Delaware region as well as communities downstream.  

• Support ecosystem health. The high water quality of the Delaware River is just one factor in maintaining a healthy, thriving river ecosystem what supports a variety of plants and animals, including some of the largest populations of wintering Bald Eagles in the Northeast United States. 

• Reduce soil and riverbank erosion. This reduces the risk to damage of property due to landslides and flooding risk, helping keep you and your property safer. 

• Maintain the scenic beauty of the region. With views of a scenic rivers, bubbling brooks, forested hills, fiery colors in the fall, the Delaware River region really has it all.

• Allow for exceptional fishing and recreational river opportunities. The high water quality of the Delaware River and the undammed nature of its main stem supports populations of a variety of migratory fish and other freshwater species, creating some of the most important fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities in the Northeast. Opportunities to catch American Shad, Bass, Bluegill, Walleye, and many more abound. 

What Can I Do to Help?

Whether or not you are a landowner within the corridor, there are an abundance of ways you can assist with the health, safety, and protection of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and watershed.

• Keep an eye out for Invasive Species on your property and be proactive about their removal. Both the Catskills Center's Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) and the Friends of the Upper Delaware River offer resources on invasive species removal and organize removal events.
• Volunteer with the National Park Service (NPS), Upper Delware Council (UDC), Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC),or one of the many wonderful organizations along the river for a river cleanup, invasive species removal, interpretive programming, or other activities.
• Attend your local municipality meetings or speak to your local representative about any concerns you have or to voice your support for initiatives and projects under consideration. 
• Encourage your local municipality to apply for grants and resources, such as Upper Delaware Council Technical Grants, River and Shoreline Cleanup Grants, or the Upper Delaware Byway Grants.
• Participate in opportunities for public comment on project and planning proposals. To provide input on upcoming projects at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, visit our Planning page.

Who Can I Contact to Learn More?

Please contact your local government before starting any work on your property to learn about any zoning, construction, or other regulations related to your proposed activity or project. 

You can also contact the Upper Delaware Community Planner for any general questions about regulations within the park area.  

 

More About the Park & Its Partners

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  Management

  Learn about park statistics, projects, park planning, and understand the rules and decisions that guide park operations.

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  Planning

  Learn about the planning and management process at Upper Delaware and opportunities to comment on upcoming projects.

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  Upper Delaware Council

  Learn about the Upper Delaware Council partnership.