UDC Seeks Municipal Proposals For River & Shoreline Clean-ups

Grants available to help maintain the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:36am

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An extremely blurred, impressionistic photograph of a peaceful river scene, with soft green shorelines and muted reflections of the sky, conveying a sense of tranquility and the importance of environmental stewardship.Community-driven efforts to clean up the Upper Delaware River and its banks help preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of this vital waterway.Highland Today

The Upper Delaware Council, Inc. (UDC) is accepting applications until April 24 for its 2026 River & Shoreline Clean-up Grants Program. Since 2014, the UDC has disbursed a total of $56,439.61 to support member municipalities in organizing clean-ups along the river and its banks.

Why it matters

The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a natural treasure that requires ongoing maintenance and community stewardship to preserve its pristine quality. These grants help local towns and townships take an active role in keeping the river and shorelines clean.

The details

This year, the total program allocation will be capped at $4,500, including a $500 contribution from the Delaware River Basin Commission, due to the UDC's budgetary challenges. The UDC's 13 member municipalities are eligible to submit proposals, with priority given to projects that engage adult and youth volunteers, show local investment, and aim to become self-sustaining. Respect for private property rights is also a key consideration.

  • The application deadline is April 24, 2026.
  • The UDC's Operations Committee will review applications at its April 28, 2026 meeting.
  • The full UDC Council will vote on the awards on May 7, 2026.
  • Successful applicants must complete their projects and submit reimbursement requests by September 11, 2026.

The players

Upper Delaware Council, Inc. (UDC)

A non-profit organization that coordinates the management of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, a National Wild and Scenic River, through a partnership between New York and Pennsylvania.

Delaware River Basin Commission

A federal-interstate government agency that manages the water resources of the Delaware River Basin, which includes the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

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What’s next

The UDC will review the submitted proposals at its April 28 meeting and announce the grant recipients on May 7. Successful applicants will then have until September 11 to complete their river and shoreline clean-up projects.

The takeaway

These UDC grants empower local communities to take an active role in preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, a vital natural resource that requires ongoing stewardship efforts.