THE UPPER AND MIDDLE NESHAMINY CREEK
CONSERVATION PLAN
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network
Washington's Crossing, Pennsylvania
Over the past several decades, the Neshaminy watershed has been affected by suburban sprawl as land use has rapidly changed from rural and agricultural to densely populated suburban areas. Because of these rapid changes, the watershed and creek resources have been impacted by increased flooding, decreased stream baseflow, loss of riparian corridor, and loss of scenic and natural resources.

Cahill Associates with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network developed a DCNR-funded Rivers Conservation Plan for the Upper and Middle Neshaminy Creek Watershed. The RCP addresses both existing and future water resource issues as well as providing a framework of sustainable management for the creek and the land that drains to it. Critical issues include flooding, water quality and quantity, wetland protection and restoration, river resource access, riparian corridor restoration, protection of cultural and historic areas, and land use planning.

Municipal and public involvement are crucial to the planning process, therefore municipal representatives, community groups, and watershed stakeholders were brought on board to help develop goals and a strategic action plan that can be applied in the future. Implementation strategies focused on sustaining surface water and groundwater, improving recreation and access areas, and protection of valued cultural, historic, and scenic resources.

In March 2003, the Upper and Middle Neshaminy Creek Watershed was placed on the PA Rivers Conservation Registry. This designation opens the door for watershed stakeholders to seek funding from DCNR and other State Grant Programs to implement the actions recommended in the RCP.

In addition to this Plan, Cahill Associates prepared an Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan for the Neshaminy Creek Watershed with Bucks County Planning Commission. Cahill Associates has modeled the Neshaminy for numerous flooding studies, hydraulic analyses, and dam reviews.
Site Photographs

Lake Galena in the North Branch of Neshaminy Creek, Bucks County.

The Upper and Middle Neshaminy Creek watershed covers 131 square miles, and flows through 18 municipalities.