Upper Delaware River (UDR) Network Newsletter

November 2025 Edition

Autumn has arrived in the Upper Delaware River watershed and while we say farewell to Summer, we are excited for yet another season. The changing leaves of Fall mark the transition into cooler temperatures, shorter days, and a lot to look forward to. As field seasons and summer projects wrap up, we should take a moment to reflect and appreciate the outstanding work taking place in the UDR watershed. Together we are making a difference.

In this edition, you'll find a request for proposals for the Regrant Program through FUDR, a recap on the UDR Rendezvous, and a spotlight on our featured organization: the Town of Liberty.

Now Accepting RFPs for the UDRN Regrant Program

​The Upper Delaware River Network’s regrant program aims to sustain and enhance fish and wildlife habitat; improve and maintain water quality for fish, wildlife and people; sustain and enhance water management to benefit fish and wildlife; and improve outdoor recreational opportunities within the Upper Delaware River watershed in New York State. Through this program, three to five grants ranging in size from $30,000 - $100,000 will be awarded. It is anticipated that up to $232,500 in funding is available for the 2025 grant round.

If your organization is interested in applying for the 2025 UDR Network Regrant Round please follow this link.

The mighty Delaware River in the Fall

Upper Delaware River Rendezvous Recap

On October 15th and 16th Friends of the Upper Delaware River hosted the annual Upper Delaware River Rendezvous. This two day conference consisted of engaging speakers, networking opportunities, and field trips which provided a great platform to connect with conservation taking place in the UDR. Thank you to all who attended and our generous sponsors for making this event possible. Be on the lookout for a save the date for the 2026 UDR Rendezvous!

FUDR Angling Advocate Jeff Skelding presenting in a breakout session at the 2025 UDR Rendezvous

eDNA Research Being Done in the UDR

The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University has been conducting eDNA research to assess biodiversity and abundance of keystone species within the Upper Delaware River Watershed. This eDNA initiative took water samples from 43 different sites, 17 of which were located in the Upper Delaware. Of the 17 Upper Delaware sites, 7 sites received qPCR analysis for Eastern Brook Trout. While there were no IUCN red list species found throughout the UDR sampling sites, 4 invasive species were detected. These species include Lumbricus rubellus, a red earthworm, in the Little Beaver Kill, Pyrrhalta viburni, the Viburnum leaf beetle, in the Little Beaver Kill, Exomias pellucidus, the hairy spider weevil, in Wilsey Brook, and Lymantria dispar, the spongy moth, in Wilsey Brook, Gulf of Mexico Brook, and Halfway Brook.

Netted Brook Trout

Oquaga Creek Stream Restoration Project Completed

Trout Unlimited, FUDR, the Village of Deposit, and US Fish and Wildlife Service teamed up over the last several years to make this project a reality. Due to several high water events over the last decade, Oquaga Creek was compromising the stream bank parallel to the Village of Deposit’s Wastewater Treatment plant. The integrity of the bank was a huge concern of the Village, and through the UDRN Regrant program the Village was able to find the matching funds to reroute the stream channel and stabilize the banks near the confluence with the East Branch of the Delaware River.  This project truly showcased the importance of partnerships in conservation.

Before and After of the Oquaga Creek Restoration Project

Featured Watershed Partner - Town of Liberty

In this newsletter we are featuring UDR Network member the Town of Liberty. Thanks for everything you do!

The Town of Liberty is proud to be engaged with the activities of the Friends of the Upper Delaware River Network and their sensitivity to the many important assets the Upper Delaware provides for environmental and economic development initiatives.

The Town of Liberty is currently involved with an upgrade to its Swan Lake Sewer Plant and, with its partner Delaware Engineering, the design will significantly improve the quality of the effluent that flows into the Middle Mongaup River which eventually finds its way into the Delaware River. Additionally, the plant headworks is being relocated out of the floodplain which will effectively eliminate the possibility of contamination of the river in the event of a catastrophic flooding event.

Additionally, the Town will be updating its Comprehensive Plan and will keep a keen eye on zoning, codes and development within the watershed areas that eventually feed into the Delaware. Planners are very aware of the detrimental effects excessive runoff can create to tributaries flowing into the Delaware and our planning efforts will be sure to address the potential waterway warming and pollutant dangers that uncontrolled runoff can create.

Many thanks are extended to the Friends of the Upper Delaware and the Upper Delaware River Network for their good work in protecting this pristine resource for all to savor and enjoy.

Highlights from the Town of Liberty

Thanks for taking a moment to read the UDR Network Watershed Newsletter! We hope it helps you gain a broader understanding of all the work happening in the watershed and provides you with an opportunity to meet new partners, learn new strategies, and identify opportunities to strengthen your watershed work! 

If there is an activity or event that your organization would like featured in the next newsletter, please email info@fudr.org. To learn more about the UDR Watershed Network, visit our website https://www.udrwatershed.org.

-The UDR Watershed Network Team

Activities and Important Dates