Section 4. Public Awareness and Education
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
OF THE SCHUYLKILL
In 1978, the main stem of the Schuylkill became the first scenic river designated
under Pennsylvania’s Scenic River Act (P.L. 1277), followed by the north
branch of French Creek and Tulpehocken Creek. Administered by PA DCNR, the
Act requires cooperation among state agencies owning land along scenic rivers.
Nonprofits such as the Schuylkill River Greenway Association, French and Pickering
Creeks Conservation Trust, Berks County Conservancy and Green Valleys Association
have led efforts to obtain scenic river designations. They also help DCNR
as local managing organizations for the scenic river program.
In 1995, the Schuylkill Heritage Corridor was established under Pennsylvania’s Heritage Parks Program. Administered by DCNR and managed locally by SRGA, the program provides financial and technical support to promote heritage tourism and conserve natural and cultural resources. Public-nonprofit partnerships are an essential element. In 1995, the management plan for the Schuylkill Heritage Corridor identified an $80 million capital program for developing trails, parks, visitor facilities and other projects. Nearly 60 heritage projects have now been undertaken, with $1.5 million funded by DCNR and $2.7 million from other sources.
In 2000, Congress designated the Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area. That designation authorizes up to $10 million in federal funding over 15 years for projects to conserve the watershed’s cultural and natural resources. The Schuylkill River Greenway Association also manages the National Heritage Area.
Site Design: Tevlin & Clarke
