For Release: Wednesday, December 21, 2005

DEC Renews Commitment to Hudson River Restoration with Action Agenda

Agenda Outlines Goals to Continue River Restoration over the Next Four Years

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced the release of the final "Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2005-2009" and "Generic Environmental Impact Statement". The Action Agenda contains the long-range goals and action steps for the coming four years.

"The Action Agenda proposes a vision for the future of the Hudson River and identifies immediate steps to be taken for the continued revitalization of this important waterway," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Under the leadership of Governor George Pataki, DEC worked with stakeholders along the River to ensure the most effective and complete plan for the Hudson. This partnership helped create a multifaceted plan that will work to conserve the outstanding natural resources of the Hudson Valley, clean up pollution and promote public enjoyment of the river and its shores."

The Action Agenda expands the State's successful efforts to protect and conserve the Hudson River, and outlines initiatives that will continue the progress made in restoring the historic waterway. It addresses comments made by the public after the release of the draft goals and targets in April 2005.

The Action Agenda marks the culmination of a four-year process to develop long-range goals and measurable interim targets for the Hudson River Estuary Program. The development of goals and targets included in the Action Agenda were completed with participation from an advisory committee and subcommittees representing scientists, businesses, sportsmen, commercial fishermen, local elected officials, environmental advocacy groups, academics, educators and others.

Implementation of the plan is the responsibility of DEC, which works with many different agencies and groups, all of which are striving to improve the River.

Some of the goals of the Action Agenda include:

Restoring the signature fisheries of the Estuary - Programs are outlined to restore and maintain populations of shad, Atlantic sturgeon, striped bass, river herring and American eel, as well as actions to conserve and restore habitats.
Making the river swimmable - In his 2004 State of the State Address, Governor Pataki announced a commitment to making the entire length of the Hudson - from its source in the Adirondacks to New York City - swimmable by 2009. Improving water quality and expanding swimming opportunities will be a continued focus of this effort.
Engaging partners in stewardship of natural resources - The Action Agenda aims to help willing communities and community groups create local programs to conserve plants, animals and their habitats. Through the voluntary conservation of valuable habitats such as woodland pools, shoreline corridors, unbroken forests, unique natural areas, scarce grasslands and wetlands, the valley's signature species can continue to thrive.
Protecting streams - The Action Agenda proposes to support inter-municipal agreements that help to develop groundwater conservation strategies, protect and restore forest buffers along waterways, reduce stormwater runoff, remove impediments to free-flowing streams and improve water quality.
Preserving the Hudson Valley's scenery - Vistas throughout the Valley need to be identified and their conservation promoted. The Action Agenda proposes that the State work with local governments to identify and conserve scenic vistas that make the Hudson Valley unique.
Promoting public understanding of the river - The Action Agenda proposes development of a Hudson River environmental curriculum to be used in grades K-12 by interested schools and school districts. The Rivers and Estuaries Center, located in Beacon, will be a world-class research facility that will help foster a greater understanding of the river and will be used as a tool for instruction and education.
Creating more public access to the Hudson River - In his 2004 State of the State Address, Governor Pataki outlined a goal of increasing access to the river, and committed to providing every community along the River a new or improved access point by 2009. The Action Agenda includes this goal and outlines steps to achieve it.

The "Draft Action Agenda" was released in April of this year and was subject to extensive public review and comment through June, 2005. The final Action Agenda includes responses to comments received and is subject to a public comment period, after which it will be finalized by DEC. The document can be viewed on the DEC website. Comments will be accepted until January 12, 2006. Comments may be submitted to hrep@gw.dec.state.ny.us or to Hudson River Estuary Program, NYSDEC 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561.

President of Scenic Hudson, Ned Sullivan, said, "Governor Pataki has shown outstanding leadership on the Hudson. All New Yorkers will remember this as his legacy. Scenic Hudson pledges to be an active partner in achieving the targets set for 2009."

President of Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress, Michael DiTullo, said, "This is an important step in developing a regional vision and creating the partnerships needed to protect our outstanding natural and historic heritage along the Hudson. The State's Estuary Program has proven its value to us and helps us work together as a region."

Science Director of the Hudson River Foundation and Director of the Hudson River Estuary Management Advisory Committee, Dennis Suszkowski, said, "The Estuary Action Agenda sets the right goals for the future of the Hudson. This is an important step forward."

Since 1995, DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program has performed intensive research, developed innovative approaches to management, public outreach, and the development of partnerships with State and federal agencies, local governments, and other involved groups and organizations, all to improve the Hudson River Estuary and its surrounding watershed lands.

The Hudson River Estuary Program is funded by the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), federal funds and other sources. Under the Governor's leadership, New York State has targeted approximately $368 million for implementation of priorities in the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan.

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