NARROWSBURG - The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) invested in keeping the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and its banks pristine through its 2020 River and Shoreline Clean-up Grants.

Since initiating the grant program in 2014, the UDC has awarded $31,932.81 cumulatively to participating member municipalities. This year's tally was $4,998.47.

The Town of Deerpark focused its efforts on the Hawk's Nest area of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway New York State Route 97, a much-photographed winding hillside route which offers sweeping views from 200 feet above the river.

The Town Highway Department did three garbage sweeps after Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day to pick up debris along a 2.9-mile section to the Lumberland town line. Total costs were $3,898.47 for labor, transportation, dumping fees, and supplies.

The Town of Lumberland contracted with Ann Steimle of Glen Spey to collect trash every other week throughout the summer along the town's river banks from Camp Tel-Yehudah to the Mongaup River Access at the Deerpark border for $1,100.

The UDC approved a resolution on June 4 to approve the two applications for the clean-ups which had a Sept. 18 deadline.

The UDC chooses to allocate a portion of its federal operating funds provided through its Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, to help keep the river and its environs pristine.

Visit www.upperdelawarecouncil.org to learn more about the bi-state, non-profit organization and its activities.