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Delaware River Celebration Photo Gallery
Delaware River scene 

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The DRBC celebrated its 50th birthday on October 27, 2011.

In honor of the Commission's 50th and the Delaware being named PA's 2011 River of the Year, the DRBC, River of the Year Steering Committee, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort partnered to put on the Delaware River Celebration on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.

The event, which included an afternoon forum and evening dinner, took place at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, Pa., which is surrounded by stunning views of the Delaware River and Pocono Mountains, located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. 

2011 also marked Shawnee's 100th anniversary milestone.

Many thanks to David B. Soete for taking photos of the celebration.

If you would like to use a photo from this gallery, please send us an email with your request, noting the image(s) you're intersted in. Thank you.
Delaware River of the Year Logo. Each year, the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) and the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) choose a Commonwealth river to be named the River of the Year. This honor, bestowed since 1983, helps raise awareness about the importance of rivers, their conservation needs, and their recreational and economic impact on watershed communities. A River of the Year steering committee was formed to organize events to highlight this distinction. Delaware River Sojourn Logo. Organized by the Delaware River Sojourn steering committee, which includes many River of the Year steering committee members, the 17th Annual Delaware River Sojourn took place June 18-25, 2011 and was themed "River of Life." This not-for-profit, annual paddling/camping trip connects individuals to and educates them about the river and its environs. A raffle/auction was held during the Delaware River Celebration to benefit the Delaware River Sojourn.The commemorative poster of the Upper Delaware River was a photograph provided by David B. Soete highlighting the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River at Point Mountain in Hancock, New York.The commemorative poster of the Middle Delaware River, which flows through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, features a photograph titled "Early Morning at Dingmans Campground" by Andy Smith.For the commemorative poster of the Lower Delaware River, artist Todd Stone provided a painting (originally oil/canvas) titled “From the Palisades II." This section of the river generally stretches south from the Delaware Water Gap to Washington Crossing, Pa.The Tidal Delaware River commemorative poster’s photo, “Paddling into Philadelphia,” was a second contribution by Andy Smith and showcases the Philadelphia skyline.The Delaware River Celebration was held on the banks of the Delaware River at the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort.The 100-year old Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort rests at the foothills to the Pocono Mountains on the edge of the pristine Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and on the banks of the wild and scenic Delaware River, a perfect place for the Delaware River Celebration.The program included Welcome and Opening Remarks, two forum sessions ("River Basin Commissions--Why Do We Need Them?" and "Rollin' on the River--Recreation: A Winner for the Delaware, Local Economies, and You"), Cocktails/Social Event, Raffle/Auction to benefit the Delaware River Sojourn, Local Artist Displays, Guest Speakers and Dinner, and Closing Remarks.Registration was held in the Inn's Main Lobby.Welcome and opening remarks by Carol R. Collier, Executive Director, Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC).Charles Kirkwood, owner of The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, welcomes forum attendees.Opening remarks by Carl Wilgus, President and CEO, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.Panel Moderator Jeffrey Featherstone (inset), Ph.D., Director of the Center for Sustainable Communities (CSC),Temple University, introduces Forum Session #1 Panel Members Jerome Delli Priscoli, Ph.D., Alexandria Dapolito Dunn, Esq., and Robert H. (Bo) Abrams, Esq. The topic was "River Basin Commissions--Why Do We Need Them?"Dr. Jerome Delli Priscoli, Senior Advisor, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.Alexandria Dapolito Dunn, Esq., Executive Director and General Counsel, Association of Clean Water Administrators (ACWA), formerly ASIWPCA. Ms. Dunn compared the legislative histories of various river basin commissions and spoke about water management challenges: political pressures, funding, development, varying environmental laws, out‐of‐basin diversions, increasing populations, shale gas extraction, climate change, and aquatic invasive species. She also highlighted the opportunities that exist through watershed planning, collaboration, and leverage.Robert H. ("Bo") Abrams, Esq., Florida A & M University College of Law. Professor Abrams spoke on “Valuing River Basin Commissions: From Interstate Allocation to Basin Management,” including such topics as the legal basis for interstate basin commissions, the principal motivations for having interstate basin commissions, alternatives to compacts and their pitfalls, threats to compact commissions, measures of watershed vulnerability, and interstate management models. He ended by stating that the DRBC in the next 50 years is more important than ever and must carry on!In the main image, Session 1 panel member Alexandria Dunn fields a question during the question and answer time. Dr. Priscoli takes the microphone to answer a question (inset).Break time between sessions prompted many varied and interesting discussions.Break time: Alexandria Dunn and DRBC federal alternate commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Philip M. Secrist III.Break time planning session. (left to right) Kate O'Hara, DRBC Communications Assistant; Carl Wilgus, President/CEO, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau; Charlene Trotter, Executive Director of the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce.Some of the many maps and brochures available at the celebration.Break time also allowed for a walk down to the pavilion to enjoy the fall foliage on the banks of the wild and scenic Delaware River.Panel Moderator Carl Wilgus (inset), President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, introduces Forum Session #2 Panel Members: (left to right) Gerald Kauffman, John J. Donahue, Celeste Tracy, and Charlene Trotter. The topic was "Rollin' on the River--Recreation: A Winner for the Delaware River, Local Economies, and You."Gerald Kauffman, P.E., Project Director, Water Resources Agency, University of Delaware. Mr. Kauffman's topic was “The Delaware River Basin - The Economic Engine of the Delaware Valley,” which outlined the annual economic benefits of the Delaware River Basin, including recreation, fish/wildlife, public parks, water quality, navigation, agriculture, water supply, and forests. He also cited some statistics about the basin; for example, its 13,000 square miles provide the drinking water for 5% of the U.S., census data showing population increases from 2000-2010, improved water quality, and increasing numbers of American shad and bald eagle nesting pairs in the basin.John J. Donahue, Superintendent, National Park Service Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (NPS DEWA). One of the largest and most popular national parks, averaging more than 5 million visitors annually, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is significantly known for having a diverse offering of recreational opportunities and some of the best wildlife viewing available in the national park system. John spoke to DEWA's important mission, activities, location, regional connectivity, and the positive impacts of visitor spending on the local economy.Celeste Tracy, Board Member and Coordinator for Land and Water Trail Projects, Delaware River Greenway Partnership. Ms. Tracy’s topic “The Delaware River Water Trail” began with basics such as what is a water trail and the value of water trails. She then concentrated specifically on the Delaware River Water Trail and noted that most of the freshwater Delaware River is designated part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. She outlined the various challenges working with many agencies and differing regulations, then noted the water trail steering committee's progress to date: completion of the traveler's water trail guide/map, the signage plan, and web site. She ended her talk with mention of the next steps to be accomplished.Charlene Trotter, Executive Director, Tri-State Chamber of Commerce. In the main image, Session 2 panel member Celeste Tracy fields a question during the question and answer time. Charlene Trotter takes the microphone to answer a question (inset).Bill Douglass, Executive Director of the Upper Delaware Council, with Sandra Schultz (retired) and Sean J. McGuinness of the National Park Service, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River (NPS UPDE).Dave Soete, Upper Delaware Council, with Sandra Schultz and Sean J. McGuinness of NPS UPDE.The Payette Room exhibited local artist displays as well as housed the raffle/auction items that were donated to benefit the Delaware River Sojourn.Additional displays in the Payette Room.Since 1995, the Delaware River Sojourn, an annual paddling trip on the Delaware River that combines canoeing/kayaking with camping and educational programming, has fostered aware­ness of, and appreciation for, the ecological, historical, recreational, and economic significance of the river and its ties to local communities. It gives people the opportunity to experience the Delaware from where it’s seen and felt best: the water. The Sojourn T-shirt Quilt was assembled by Sandra Schultz.Local artist creations on display in the Payette Room.Socializing on the Inn's Veranda.Socializing on the Inn's Veranda.The Delaware River Celebration cake was provided by Herb Meyerson, President of the Friends of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Friends of DEWA).Lieutenant Colonel Philip M. Secrist III, DRBC federal alternate commissioner, provides opening remarks at dinner.Guests sit down to enjoy a dinner featuring local, seasonal fare in Shawnee's Worthington Ballroom.Denise Cooke-Bauer, NPS DEWA, accepts congratulations from attendees for her upcoming retirement after 30+ years of service with the federal government.Carol R. Collier, Executive Director, DRBC, addresses the crowd.Last call for raffle tickets! Robert Tudor, Deputy Executive Director, DRBC, Sandra Schultz, retired NPS UPDE, and Lisa Wool, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.Sandra Schultz, retired NPS UPDE and Delaware River Sojourn steering committee member, talks to the crowd about the importance of the Sojourn. Also pictured are fellow steering committee members Dejay Branch, Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition, and Kate O'Hara, DRBC Communications Assistant.Carol Meinhardt, wife of DRBC Commissioner John Plonski, collects their prize, a two-night midweek mountain escape for a family of 4 at the Woodloch Resort in Hawley, Pa.DRBC Water Resources Management Branch Manager Bill Muszynski receives his prize, "Winter Along the Upper Delaware" photograph by Troy Bystrom, Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition. The photo, taken from the N.Y. side of the river, shows the Upper Delaware River below Cedar Rapids and above Barryville, N.Y.Lieutenant Colonel Philip M. Secrist III receives his prize, a hand-carved wooden bowl with River of the Year inscription provided by Jon Harrington (pictured).Denise Cook-Bauer, NPS DEWA, collects her prize, "Early Morning on the Delaware River" photograph provided by Barbara Lewis.Dave Simon, National Canoe Safety Patrol, receives his prize, "Delaware Water Gap" illustration provided by Herb Meyerson, President of Friends of DEWA.Don Hamilton, NPS UPDE, receives his prize, "A River of Life" original artwork, provided by Sandra Schultz, retired NPS UPDE.Sean J. McGuinness, NPS UPDE Superintendent, receives his prize, "American Bald Eagle" original artwork provided by Sandra Schultz, retired NPS UPDE.Paul Swartz (on the right), Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), receives his prize from the photographer himself, Dave Soete. The photo is of Point Mountain (looking up-river) where the East and West Branches of the Delaware River meet at Hancock, N.Y. Part of Reed’s Island on the Delaware River is in the foreground. The West Branch is to the left of Point Mountain.Other prizes which benefited the Delaware River Sojourn included a framed original illustration titled "Duck.Duck.Goose." provided by Vicki Dodson (pictured above); a four-person round of championship golf at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort; and a double occupancy overnight stay for two at the Hotel Fauchere in Milford, Pa. Thank you to all contributors!Carol R. Collier receives a framed resolution passed by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission recognizing and honoring the DRBC on its 50th anniversary. Presented by Paul Swartz, Executive Director, SRBC.
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