Pennsylvania’s cleanest waterways are designated with special protections. The Stream Redesignation Handbook from campaign partner PennFuture walks through the process of upgrading a stream to High Quality or Exceptional Value protection.
Currently Protected Streams
Special Protection streams receive Pennsylvania’s highest legal protections. Roughly 80 percent are located in the Poconos. See if special protection streams are located near your community.
Our Pocono Waters commissioned the first economic impact study of special protection streams in the Pocono Mountains region.
The study found Special Protection Stream Designations provide nearly $3 billion in benefits for local businesses, property owners, and communities.
Public Opinion Survey
Our Pocono Waters commissioned a survey of 500 residents in Monroe, Carbon, Wayne and Pike counties to learn how local communities view and value the pristine streams of the region. The survey found overwhelming support for clean water protections.
Webinars
- “Responding to water quality threats in the Poconos”
- “Getting Your Feet Wet: An Overview of EV Stream Regulations and How They Can Benefit the Community”
- “Time is but the Stream: The Legacy of Recreation in the Poconos”
- “What is and what is not: A Case Study on Stream Designation Petitions”
- “How do Pennsylvanians Value the Outdoors”
Advocacy Toolkit
If you are interested in advocating for special protection waters in the Poconos, check out the toolkits below. They will provide you with information about how to write a Letter to the Editor and Public Comments. They also provide sample language. You can use talking points from our one-page document, as well.
Social Media
Pledge to Defend Our Pocono Waters
Our Pocono Waters led a campaign of businesses, clean water advocates and outdoor recreation enthusiasts demonstrating the region’s broad base of support for clean water protections.
Media Coverage
- Pocono Record: “Pocono ‘Exceptional Value’ streams bring billions to area”
- WVIA: “New Study Details Benefits of Local Waterways”
- Lehighton Times News: “Pocono Residents Support Action to Protect ‘Exceptional Value’ Streams“
- WNEP: PA Outdoor Life profile on Our Pocono Waters
- “Clean Water and Responsible Development are a Natural in the Poconos,” by PennFuture President and CEO Jacquelyn Bonomo, opinion piece that ran in the Pocono Record on March 18, 2018.
Our Pocono Waters 