Environment DEC
From the March 2003 issue
New Volume of Hudson River Almanac Available
DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty has announced that the Hudson River Almanac, Volume VIII, a public journal documenting natural events, personal experiences and significant activities throughout the Hudson River Valley, is now available.
"Over the past eight years, the Hudson River Almanac has chronicled important events along the 315 miles of the Hudson River, from Lake Tear of the Clouds in the Adirondacks to New York Harbor, providing insight into the natural world along this vibrant waterway," Commissioner Crotty said. "Through his unprecedented commitment to the protection and restoration of the Hudson River, Governor Pataki has greatly enhanced access and opportunities to enjoy this historic treasure and the Almanac shows why the Hudson River Valley is such a unique and special place. Anyone who reads the Almanac will be intrigued by the history, ecology and beauty of the Hudson River Valley and learn more about how the river has evolved over the years and why it remains an important and cherished resource for all New Yorkers."
The Hudson River Almanac is a project of DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program. Released annually since 1994, the Almanac documents both routine and extraordinary natural events in the river valley. Volume VIII continues this tradition with contributions from more than 350 authors, ranging from elementary school students to scientists, poets and native New Yorkers. Since its inception, the Hudson River Almanac has featured more than 3,000 volunteer authors.
Volume VIII Highlights
The latest volume documents the 12-month period from March 20, 2001 through March 20, 2002. Individual entries underscore the resurgence of the Hudson River and its valuable natural resources. One entry describes the capture of a 54-pound, 6-ounce striped bass on April 30, 2001, tying the New York State inland record striper caught just one year earlier. Another entry notes the discovery of the sixth active bald eagle nest along the tidewater of the Hudson River. The bald eagle has become symbolic of the ecological renewal of the Hudson River Valley both in spirit and substance, and the observations in the Almanac illustrate recent progress in the renewal of the resident eagle population after an absence of more than 100 years.
Additional accounts include observations of a once-in-a-lifetime meteor shower, reflections on September 11th within the context of the Hudson River environment and comments about the mild and record-breaking winter of 2001-2002 in the Hudson River Valley.
Please visit the Hudson River Almanac's web site if you wish to order the Almanac, want to submit materials for a future volume, or would like to read excerpts from previous volumes.
