The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy. PEC believes in the value of partnerships with the private sector, government, communities and individuals to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

PEC led the efforts to create the Kiski-Conemaugh River Water Trail and the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail. PEC has also provided technical assistance and developed guidelines for water trails across the state.

In the Southeast region, PEC worked with many stakeholders to create the Tidal Delaware River Water Trail. Among them are: PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Department of Environmental Protection/Coastal Zone Management, NJ DEP, Pennsylvania Boating Association, National Park Service Rivers and Trails Program, Delaware River City Corporation, FisherWorks Consulting, U. S. Coast Guard, Sector Delaware Bay Coastal Management Office, boating clubs, canoe clubs and many others.

The Tidal Delaware Water Trail project is a “tributary” of PEC’s larger mission to create healthy, sustainable communities along the river corridor.

For years the Delaware River was a "back door" to Philadelphians. With the support and urging of local elected officials, former Congressman Bob Borski, Philadelphia City Planning Commission, the Delaware River Port Authority and many others, PEC launched a new vision plan for the Delaware Riverfront.

Over the past few years, PEC has completed the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Master Plan, which calls for new parks, trails and green connector streets along the 11 mile stretch of the Delaware River from Penn Treaty Park to the Bucks County line. PEC also created the Delaware River City Corporation (DRCC), the organization tasked with implementing the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Plan.

Now that the Delaware River is again becoming the “front door” to Philadelphia neighborhoods, and people are returning to the riverfront to walk, fish, bike, and picnic, PEC hopes to connect locals and tourists to activities on the river, and stimulate new economic opportunities for communities along the river.