The upper Delaware River is one of the cleanest rivers in America. Its pristine waters and surrounding forests have garnered it the name of a “Wild and Scenic” river.

Since 1978, the 73 miles downstream from the confluence of the East and West branches cascading out of the Catskill Mountains have been formally recognized for their natural appeal and recreation value.

Un-dammed for the entire 330 miles of its main stem, the free-flowing character of the upper Delaware has exceptionally clean water and superior ecological integrity that hosts wildlife in abundance.

The river also provides drinking water for more than 17 million people in places like New York City and Philadelphia. For its size, the upper Delaware River contains some of the highest water quality in the eastern United States, according to the National Park Service.

Which is why it’s so sad to see trash strewn about the river, both in the water and along the banks.

But many groups and individuals work to clean up the trash. In today’s story, the group behind “Get Trashed in the Catskills” pulled 102 tires from a stretch of river in the Main Stem, as well as other trash and debris, including a riding mower.

The National Park Service (NPS) also held its own river cleanup on Monday, where NPS staff and volunteers cleaned a stretch of river from Lackawaxen to Barryville.

Kittatinny will host the Ruth Jones Memorial “On and Under” Delaware River Clean-Up on September 14. This event routinely brings together more than 100 dedicated volunteers to help keep the Delaware River clean. Volunteers will paddle 8 to 10 mile sections of the river picking up trash from the shorelines, islands and the river bottom along the way.

We thank these groups for their dedication and, of course, you can always go out as an individual.

You too can do your part to keep this river clean and beautiful! Always remember to:

Take your trash with you when you leave: pack-it-in, pack-it-out

Secure your belongings in your boat

Watch for high water events if you have riverfront property and store loose items indoors