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10th Annual Delaware River Sojourn June 7-14, 2004

For Immediate Release

May 19, 2004

(WEST TRENTON, N.J.) - The 2004 Delaware River Sojourn, an annual event that combines canoeing, kayaking, camping, educational programs, historical interpretation, and more, will be held June 7-14.

The theme for this year's event is "Celebrating a National Wild and Scenic River" in honor of the two stretches of the river that recently observed the 25th anniversary of their inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. One section extends 73 miles from the confluence of the river's East and West branches at Hancock, N.Y. downstream to Milrift, Pa.; the second covers about 40 miles from just south of Port Jervis, N.Y. downstream to the Delaware Water Gap near Stroudsburg, Pa.

"It's an anniversary celebration for our nationally important Delaware River," Sojourn Steering Committee Chair Suzanne Forbes said. "There is still time for interested persons to sign up and join us in celebrating the sojourn's 10th year, the 25th anniversary of the 'Wild and Scenic' designations, and the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Decree that continues to play an important role in interstate flow management of our river."

The purpose of the sojourn is to heighten awareness of, and appreciation for, the ecological, historical, recreational, and economic significance of the Delaware River, which flows through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Highlights of the trip include:

Pre-Sojourn Evening Campfire - Sunday, June 6: Minisink Ford (N.Y.)

Monday, June 7: Narrowsburg (N.Y.) to Minisink Ford (14 miles)

Tuesday, June 8: Minisink Ford to Matamoras (Pa.) (19 miles)

Wednesday, June 9: Bushkill (Pa.) to Worthington State Forest (N.J.) (12 miles)

Thursday, June 10: Worthington State Forest to Portland (Pa.) (10 miles)

Friday, June 11: Washington Crossing State Park (N.J.) to Bordentown Beach (N.J.) (14 miles)

Saturday, June 12: Crosswicks Creek to Bordentown Marsh (N.J.) (8 miles)

Sunday, June 13: Round trip from Palmyra Cove Nature Park (N.J.) to Mill Creek Park (N.J.) on the Rancocas Creek (16 miles)

Monday, June 14: Round trip from Palmyra Cove exploring the Pennsauken Creek (10 miles)

The sojourn is suitable for people with varying paddling skills. Sojourners may sign up for the entire eight day trip or for the day(s) of their choice. A $35 daily fee covers shuttle transportation, most meals, educational programs, insurance, a souvenir T-shirt, and optional overnight camping sites. There is an additional rental charge for those who do not provide their own river-worthy boat ($6 for a canoe or $12 for a kayak). Registrations must be postmarked by May 24 in order to avoid a $20 late fee.

For details and registration information, visit the sojourn web site (hosted by the Delaware River Basin Commission) at www.delawareriversojourn.org or call Flo Mauro at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, (570) 828-9692.

Over the years, the Delaware River Sojourn has focused mounting attention on the river, creating an awareness of the important role it plays in the lives of the nearly 15 million people (approximately five percent of the nation’s population) who rely on the waters of the Delaware River Basin for drinking and industrial use. Government officials have paddled the Delaware and its tributaries during past sojourns, coming away with a better understanding of the importance of protecting a resource which has so much to offer their constituents.

The non-profit, annual event is organized by a steering committee representing various organizations and government agencies working in the four basin states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

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Contact: Clarke Rupert, DRBC, 609-883-9500 ext. 260, clarke.rupert@drbc.state.nj.us

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