Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit Cape … · Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit . Cape May, New Jersey . January 27, 2015

Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit Cape May, New Jersey

January 27, 2015

The UWFP Mission & Principles Help communities connect with – and improve – their waterways Boost underserved or economically distressed neighborhoods Engage effective community-based organizations Leverage existing neighborhood assets Break down silos between Federal agencies to improve services Collaborate with state and local government Establish strong partnerships!

Delaware River Watershed • Longest un-dammed river east of

Mississippi • 330 miles from New York State to

Delaware Bay • Drinking water for >15 million people • Plus agricultural, recreational,

commercial, and industrial use

• 4 cities in 3 states: • Philadelphia PA • Camden NJ • Chester PA • Wilmington DE

Greater Philadelphia Area site footprint

• 350+ people representing ~120 cross-sector organizations: • Governmental (federal, state,

municipal, regional) • Nonprofit organizations • Community groups • Academic institutions • Private enterprise

Greater Philadelphia Area site footprint

• Core group of Federal partner organizers: • USFS / NOAA / NPS / USGS

EPA / USACE / FWS

Greater Philadelphia Area site footprint

Convene stakeholders in each city Conduct ‘content analysis’ Identify 5 key areas of interest:

1) Brownfields Revitalization 2) Water Quality & Quantity 3) Climate Resilience 4) Trails, Parks & Open Space 5) River Protection & Restoration

‘Listening Sessions’ – June 2013

1st Annual Wilderness Inquiry paddling event All four cities 24-foot Voyageur canoes 440 students, 60 staff & chaperones

Canoemobile comes to town – Oct 2013

Lightning rounds and panel discussions Afternoon breakout sessions Organized around 5 key topics:

1) Brownfields Revitalization 2) Water Quality & Quantity 3) Climate Resilience 4) Trails, Parks & Open Space 5) River Protection & Restoration

All Partners Meeting – April 2014

What is a ‘Community of Practice’? A group of individuals who share an interest in a specific topic,

and who expand their knowledge and expertise by collaborating on an ongoing basis.

Designed to increase effectiveness by promoting discussions, documentation, reflection, knowledge, shared resources, and best practices.

2nd Annual Wilderness Inquiry paddling event 3 days in all four cities > 2,000 students

Return of the Canoemobile – Oct 2014

Planned activity for 2015 Strengthen Communities of Practice, identify research and resource needs Support on-the-ground projects and other activities that match UWFP

principles and goals Enhance all sectors, activate Feds, build political and business connections Facilitate and streamline communication across entire partnership Second Annual All Partners Meeting – Villanova University – May 12, 2015 Third Annual Canoemobile visit – Fall 2015

Michael Leff Ambassador, Delaware River Urban Waters Federal Partnership USDA Forest Service / Davey Institute USFS Philadelphia Field Station (215) 988-1635 [email protected]