Pitts' White Clay Creek Bill Passes House

Press Release

Legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Pitts (R-PA) to expand protection for the White Clay Creek passed the House of Representatives this afternoon 300-119. The measure was as part of a package of lands bills included in the National Defense Authorization Act.

"I've worked for many years to protect the White Clay Creek and its tributaries and I'm glad to see this bill on its way to becoming law," said Pitts. "I'd also like to thank Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) for working in the Senate to push the bill forward. The creek runs through both our states and is an important part of our shared natural heritage."

In 2000, Congress designated a large majority of White Clay Creek and its tributaries as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill will expand the original designation to include a 7.4-mile stretch of stream in Pennsylvania's New Garden Township and a 1.6-mile stretch in Delaware. The expansion of protection would come at no additional cost to taxpayers.

The 69,000-acre White Clay Creek watershed is home to 33 species of mammals, 21 species of fish, 27 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 90 species of birds. White Clay Creek is also stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and is an important resource for fishermen. Protected land in the watershed also provides recreational opportunities for hikers, bikers, birders, hunters, and others. White Clay Creek and the Cockeysville aquifer that lies beneath portions of the watershed are important sources of drinking water for over 128,000 citizens in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

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