For Release: Wednesday, December 27, 2006
DEC Releases The Hudson River Estuary Wildlife And Habitat Conservation Framework
Report Identifies Strategies to Protect Surrounding Wildlife Species and Critical Habitat
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced the release of The Hudson River Estuary Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Framework. The Conservation Framework describes key plants, animals and habitats in counties bordering the Hudson River Estuary and identifies strategies for the protection of these critical habitats. The report is intended to assist individuals, non-profit groups, and government officials in developing partnerships to conserve the region's natural heritage and to protect this natural legacy.
"Conserving the rich biological history of the Hudson River Estuary improves local economies and promotes a healthy environment. Our program is designed to achieve lasting solutions which meet the needs of the residents while protecting the natural landscape of the Hudson Valley," Commissioner Sheehan said. "By working with our local partners we can safeguard this unique and sensitive ecosystem for future generations to enjoy."
The Conservation Framework is designed to support local and regional efforts to conserve the diversity and beauty of the Hudson Valley, and exhibits the State commitment to developing a conservation strategy for this area. The report was developed with input from Cornell University, The Nature Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Hudsonia Ltd., National Audubon Society, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, among others.
The Hudson Valley possesses remarkable diversity of habitats and species, from the low-lying salt marshes of Jamaica Bay and rare freshwater tidal wetlands on the Hudson shores to the lofty spruce-fir forest on Catskill Peaks. The report notes that the historically significant Hudson Valley, which is only 13.5% of the entire State, contains nearly 85% of the bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species found in New York State. The region is known worldwide for its rich diversity of turtles, dragonflies, and damselflies. A number of species use the Hudson Valley as a migration route or as breeding or nursery habitat. This includes migratory fishes such as shad, sturgeon, striped bass, and eel, as well as insects such as the monarch butterfly. Birds as varied as the cerulean warbler, marsh wren, bald eagle, red-shouldered hawk, and black-crowned night-heron all spend part of their life cycle in the region.
Many species found in the Hudson River Valley are sensitive to urbanization and fragmentation of habitat. The rate of land consumption for development in the 50-mile radius of New York City is six times greater than the rate of population growth, and around the Capital Region, it is three times greater. This rapid land use presents a challenge to local governments and organizations looking to incorporate conservation methods into the region's growth strategy. The Conservation Framework can be used as a tool by municipalities and businesses to develop viable solutions to these issues.
The Conservation Framework outlines strategies that will help communities consider the needs of their residents, wildlife species and natural resources. Descriptions are provided of key wildlife habitats such as wetlands, riparian corridors, unfragmented forests, open uplands, and coastal zones. Additionally, the report highlights particular regions in the Hudson Valley which encompass these significant habitats.
Since 1995, Governor Pataki has directed nearly $400 million to implement the Estuary Plan. The Conservation Framework builds upon Governor Pataki's Estuary Action Agenda, addressing the need to conserve the diverse natural resources and wildlife species of the Hudson River Estuary. The goals of the program include: creating access to clean swimming waters, upgrading sewage treatment plants, restoring fisheries and protecting the watershed, among others.
Henry Tepper of The Nature Conservancy said, "This report sets forth a comprehensive call to action to conserve the Hudson River Valley rich diversity of plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. The report describes concrete steps that New York State, environmental groups, local governments, and interested citizens can take to preserve the Hudson Valley's irreplaceable biological diversity."
Dr. Michael Klemens, Wildlife Conservation Society Metropolitan Conservation Alliance and author of a recently published book on turtle conservation, said, "The Hudson River Estuary ecosystem is of global significance for the conservation of the world fast-dwindling turtle populations. The people of New York have a stewardship responsibility of global importance."
Erik Kiviat, Hudsonia, Ltd., said, "Many plants and animals are disappearing from the Hudson Valley region because public and private decision-makers lack easy access to accurate, up-to-date, scientific information about biological diversity. This report will help people find that information. It is backed up by a program of technical assistance and training which we are proud to be a part of."
Dave Miller, Audubon New York, said, "The Hudson Estuary and its ecosystem are especially important for conservation of birds. We believe this approach is vital for conserving these species and their habitats. Governor Pataki is to be congratulated."
Roger Akeley, Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, said, "We are learning to appreciate the importance of our county in conserving wildlife. We have been working effectively with DEC Estuary Program and its partners to improve local understanding of ways to protect this heritage and to reflect it in our decision-making."
Linda Cooper, Town of Yorktown Supervisor, said, "Habitat and species diversity doesn't stop at invisible municipal boundaries. We are trying to blend science and policy together to protect out Town and State biodiversity. DEC has been a knowledgeable great partner in our efforts in fact, it is leading the way!"
For more information or to obtain a copy of the Hudson River Estuary Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Framework, please call DEC Hudson River Estuary Office at (845) 256-3016.
