PIKE AND WAYNE COUNTIES — A regional group of organizations and agencies has combined efforts to offer a series of programs focused on the value of water resources in the Upper Delaware region. As a bonus, those who attend the programs will have the opportunity to win a free rain barrel donated by the Honesdale Agway.

The Conservation Partnership, comprised of more than 20 members, has compiled the programs in order to raise awareness of the importance of balancing economic development in Pike and Wayne counties while maintaining water quality.

Encouraging responsible stewardship of clean water is essential to preserving quality of life in the region. In addition to meeting human needs for drinking water, clean water supports recreation activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing and boating; provides essential wildlife habitat; enhances home value and supports tourism; is an essential resource for farm and forest product producers and supports local economic development.

Conservation Partnership members are Pike County Conservation District, Pike County Office of Community Planning, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Penn State Extension, The Nature Conservancy, Alliance to Keep Pike Green, The Pinchot Institute for Conservation, Lackawanna College, the Upper Delaware River Roundtable, National Park Service—Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Common Waters Partnership, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Lackawaxen River Conservancy, PPL, Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Wayne Conservation District, the Northeast PA Audubon Society, US Forest Service, SEEDS and the Eagle Institute.