A Place To Fish, Not Party: Protecting the Peace of the Wissahickon Creek.
For thousands of years, the Lenape relied on the wisameckihan ("catfish stream") for sustenance and provision. Respecting the land wasn't simply a matter of culture - it was survival.
A polluted or contaminated stream meant danger, scarcity, and the loss of a vital lifeline that sustained their community.
Hundreds of years have passed since the Lenape walked the trails of the Wissahickon, but many people still rely on the Creek - and the trails that surround it - as a source of peace, reflection, recreation, and connection to nature.
The Wissahickon Creek is a popular spot for fishing. There are approximately twelve to fifteen different species of fish - including indigenous, naturalized, and stocked game fish - that live in the Creek. It is also home to several species of waterfowl including ducks, geese, and swans. More than two hundred species of birds live within the woods of the Wissahickon - so many, in fact, that the area is designated by the Audubon Society as an Audubon Important Bird Area.
Fishermen and birdwatchers regularly retreat to its waters to enjoy a quiet day outdoors and engage in pursuits that rejuvenate their souls. For fishermen, the challenge of "bringing home dinner" is a simple joy that brings comfort, calm, and a sense of purpose to their day.
As any experienced fisherman will tell you - the pastime requires, patience, perseverance, and placidity. Even the slightest disruption in the water or surrounding environment will scare the fish away - and once they're gone - the day is over.
These unlawful swim parties are disruptive, shattering the delicate environmental balance. The garbage left behind - especially human waste - further pollutes the water and threatens the health of the Creek and the entire ecosystem.
Each year, the Wissahickon Creek is regularly stocked with trout for Opening Day. Professional and amateur fishermen look forward to this tradition. Fathers and grandfathers excitedly bring their children and grandchildren to "show them the ropes" - or the lines, in this case - as a day of bonding, learning, and passing down a shared love of the outdoors.
My own stepfather is an avid fisherman. This year, his time on the Creek was ruined multiple times by these swim parties. In one instance, he had gotten up early, got his gear, and made his way to the Creek, excited to have such a beautiful day for fishing. He was greeted by other fishermen, just as eager as was he. My stepfather picked his spot, set up his gear, cast his line, and waited for the fish. Not too much time had passed before a group of rowdy would-be partiers arrived, jumping into the water less than fifteen feet from where he was fishing - ruining the entire day.
He is not the only one with complaints. Many avid fishermen have experienced the exact same problem. It's frustrating and disheartening - especially for those who follow the rules and respect the Creek. What makes it worse is that anyone who fishes in the Wissahickon must be fully compliant with the law: licenses must be current, clearly visible, and ready for game wardens to verify. If not, then they are not permitted to continue fishing.
Why must fishermen be held to strict compliance of the law, while others are not? Game wardens enforce the rules - and we need our Park Rangers to do the same.
The gentleman in this photo - whose name I unfortunately did not get - was enjoying a hot summer day on the Creek engaging in a pastime that brings him peace. He was happy to have a little quiet, though he mentioned that at times it grew noisy, with music drifting up from downstream. He worried that the disturbance might keep the fish away.
Like my stepfather, and so many other fishermen, he deserves a peaceful, quiet, and safe creek where he can fish without disruption - where the only sounds are wind, water, and wildlife.
Let's continue the fight to Save The Wissahickon - for fishermen, for wildlife - and for all of us.