Stand Up for the Tohickon

Since moving to Tinicum Township in March of 1985, there’s been a ‘place’ in nature, a central geological feature, that has coursed through my life and been the backdrop to some of my most cherished memories: the Tohickon Creek.

I’ve written about the Tohickon in my book, Owl Medicine. I’ve written about the Tohickon in a number of posts here in Ruffled Feathers (and as part of my 1111 Devotion).

My sons grew up playing in this creek, wading in it, skipping stones across it, discovering snakes and tadpoles and watching ducks and trout swim on and in it.

I’ve written more journal entries and sorted out more existential, marital, and familial dilemmas along its banks than anywhere else in the world.

In the course of my somewhat unique work as a shamanic practitioner, I’ve even journeyed to meet the spirit of the Tohickon and enlisted her assistance in some unique and specific circumstances.

I’ve also led Listening Retreats and other, even more in-depth, programs along her banks, encouraging all participants to open themselves to her ways and her wisdom.

Blue Heron on Tohickon – Photo: L. Weikel

A Brief History

I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’ve been under the misimpression that the Tohickon already enjoyed designation as an Exceptional Value (EV) stream under Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) guidelines. Sadly, it does not.

Rather, there has a been a Petition filed with the Environmental Quality Board of the DEP by residents Marion and Neil Kyde on behalf of the Tinicum Conservancy requesting that the creek be upgraded to this designation that has been pending since September 19, 1995.

This pristine waterway, which flows into the Delaware River (which itself has fought hard to come back from near death), is now not only close to having its status upgrade petition denied, but even worse, is in peril of having its current status (as Cold Water Fishes, Migratory Fishes) downgraded.

You Can Take Action

I’d like to ask everyone reading this to please take action and weigh in on this monumental decision. Here is a link to an amazing organization, Delaware Riverkeeper, with easy links to making your voice and opinion known. There’s also a MUCH better explanation than I’ve just provided of what is at stake.

Our freshwater streams and aquifers must be protected. There is so much to lose – both tangible and intangible – if we don’t stand up for our environment NOW.

Please take a stand for my beloved Tohickon.