HONESDALE, PA — Local governments and civic organizations discuss at almost every meeting how the Upper Delaware Valley is doing and where its economy should be heading.

Those subjects are also addressed in “Making Connections: Roots of Prosperity in New York and Pennsylvania’s Upper Delaware River Region,” a 17-page report released on October 11 at presentations in Hancock, NY and Honesdale, PA. The report, encompassing the five New York and PA counties touching on Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River park area, was funded by the William Penn Foundation and produced by the National Parks and Conservation Association (NPCA).

The report references the input of some 200 area residents and their efforts to create a new economic base that values the valley’s past traditions and is at the same time friendly toward the scenic resource and water quality which, according to graphed survey results, have become the primary attractions for people to visit and relocate in the area. The economic benefits of the river fishery, park tourism, tourism’s local tax relief, trail system creation, and of welcoming large not-for-profit employers are all highlighted in large graphics.

The report’s forward lays out the issue: “Fresh air, clean water, abundant wildlife and a rural landscape are still key parts of the area’s deep appeal. In the future, the economic value of our natural resources may be rooted as powerfully in their ability to attract and hold business owners and high-quality employees, entrepreneurs, retirees, young families and community leaders as it is in the value these resources hold as raw materials.”

New themes for the older economy are addressed. Examples of new variations for agriculture, agritourism and community supported agriculture (CSA) are included, as well combined agricultural-forestry ventures. “CSA members pay a subscription fee, providing the resources the farmer needs to prepare, plant and cultivate a harvest that is distributed throughout the growing season to subscribers,” said Christine Ahern of the Lackawaxen Food Hub.

Aaron Robinson, who chairs the Upper Delaware Council, operates a firewood business in Shohola, PA, that uses culled and low-grade wood from local mills. He spoke of the varied uses of wood, alternative fuel for power production, pellet stove heating, and biodegradable packaging. “The key to creating a stable, modern forest industry in the Upper Delaware is encouraging the regional development of diverse industrial consumers of local wood fiber.”

“The stories in the… report illustrate a vision for growing the region’s economic vitality—building on area traditions that value scenic beauty, clean air and water and small friendly communities,” said Joy Oakes, NPCA Mid-Atlantic Senior Director for Regional Operations said in a press statement.

“We think you’re doing quite well now,” she added in Honesdale.

NPCA listed seven recommendations in the report, including updating the Upper Delaware River Land and Water Use Guidelines to meet new challenges; investing in the river’s long-term ecological vitality and compatible economic activities including low-impact recreation; building and investing in local food systems; developing and marketing a regional brand; curated stories, experiences and destinations for visitors; support and use of collaborative forums; and paying attention to affordable, high-quality housing.

Upper Delaware National Park Service Superintendent Kris Heister addressed NPCA’s top recommendation in a statement for the report. “In the coming years, the guidelines will need updates to address new land uses such as utility-scale solar and wind energy and cell towers. These land uses provide green energy, jobs and essential communication for residents and business owners. If not properly sited, operated and maintained, they may detract from the very reasons that people visit, live, recreate and do business here. We need strong support from federal, state and local leaders and communities to find—together—innovative solutions to new challenges,” she wrote.

Asked what role NPCA would play in developing the report’s recommendations, Oakes said NPCA would not be playing any technical role, other than its prime mission of supporting the national parks.

She admitted that the report’s recommendations were largely low-key and general. “If this were a report for the Delaware Water Gap, we would have had 100 recommendations, but the Upper Delaware is unique. We purposely avoided controversy, like fracking.”

Asked whether the NPCA spotlight of the Upper Delaware, coming amid recurring rumors of the combining of Upper Delaware and the Delaware Water Gap NPS management, was also a caution message for NPS, Oakes said it was not. “We are aware of the rumors. Combination, especially with the current administration, remains a concern,” she said.

The full report is available online at https://tinyurl.com/y9esbc6b; see also the Publisher’s Log, “Telling our own story,” at www.riverreporter.com.