For Release: Saturday, September 29, 2007
DEC and Partners Celebrate Hudson River Protection
National Estuary Day Event Includes New Protection for Tivoli Bays, Commemoration of 25-year NOAA Partnership and Grand Reopening of Norrie Point Environmental Center
STAATSBURG, NY: To commemorate National Estuaries Day in New York, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today joined with federal and state officials, environmental advocates, and other dignitaries to celebrate important partnerships and new developments that will be instrumental in the ongoing protection of the Hudson River. The announcements included new protection for state-owned lands and waters at the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the partnership that created the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the grand reopening of the Norrie Point Environmental Center.
Commissioner Grannis's designation today of the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area (WMA) - the state's largest freshwater tidal marsh complex - as the state's first Natural Heritage Area gives these 1,722 acres new, heightened protection by requiring all future site management to be consistent with protection of those natural resources. The New York Natural Heritage Areas Program was established by law in 2002 and directs state managers on lands and waters so designated to highlight and ensure the protection of rare animals, rare plants, and significant natural communities. The designation of Tivoli Bays advances successful biodiversity conservation in New York and starts the process of creating a statewide Natural Heritage Area system for lands and waters where biodiversity features will be given priority when management decisions are being made.
"Designating Tivoli Bays WMA as our first Natural Heritage Area is an important step in making the continued protection and restoration of rare plants, fauna and natural habitats a priority for this site," said Commissioner Grannis. "As climate change and other factors impact the Hudson Valley, the Tivoli Bays will continue to provide the ecological diversity that our current generation enjoys and future generations are entitled to experience. We look forward to building upon the lasting partnerships created to further enhance and protect this historic and ecologically vital water body."
Just north of Poughkeepsie, Tivoli Bays is surrounded by undeveloped uplands in the Hudson River valley, a state Wildlife Management Area, and is a component of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. It provides critical habitat for a host of natural communities, serves as an important spawning and nursery ground for anadromous and freshwater fish, and is designated both as a state Bird Conservation Area and an Audubon Important Bird Area. Tivoli Bays also provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including two canoe/kayak access sites, hiking trails, wildlife viewing sites and diverse hunting, fishing, and trapping opportunities.
The Natural Heritage Area designation follows a multi-year review of eligible state lands conducted by the New York Natural Heritage Program. The Tivoli Bays WMA, located on the Hudson River in the Town of Red Hook, Dutchess County, encompasses 1,722 acres spanning a rich assemblage of tidal freshwater wetlands, forests, and streams, including five significant natural communities that provide habitat for several rare plants and animals, spawning and nursery grounds for river herring and other fish, and habitat for bald eagles and osprey. As the largest component of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Tivoli Bays is also one of the most intensively studied tidal wetlands on the entire Hudson River estuary. For more information, or to view a map of the Tivoli Bays Natural Heritage Area, visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/36997.html
Several dignitaries attended today's event, including representatives from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR). The Reserve was designated in 1982 in partnership with NOAA as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System and consists of 5,000 acres in four protected natural areas that span the middle 100 miles of the tidal Hudson River. The Hudson River Reserve is one of 27 such reserves in 23 states and Puerto Rico, protecting more than 1.3 million acres of coastal and estuarine habitats for purposes of long-term research, environmental monitoring, education and stewardship.
Through its scientific, educational, and stewardship programs, and with the support of many partners, the Reserve plays a vital role in generating and conveying scientific information used by managers, educators, and the public to protect the Hudson River Estuary. A NOAA Geodetic Survey Marker placed on the Norrie Point grounds was dedicated to commemorate the ongoing multi-agency partnership.
Laurie McGilvray, Chief of NOAA's Estuarine Reserves Division, said, "We are delighted that Commissioner Grannis has announced that the Tivoli Bays component of the HRNERR will be the first designated Natural Heritage Area for New York. It is especially gratifying to have this announcement on National Estuaries Day, when we are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the reserve and the re-opening of the Norrie Point Environmental Center. This designation reinforces the excellent partnership we have with DEC, and it enhances the capacity of the reserve to conduct its vital research, education and stewardship work on the Hudson River."
The celebration took place during the official grand reopening of the newly renovated Norrie Point Environmental Center, located within Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park in Staatsburg, Dutchess County, directly on the Hudson River. Commissioner Grannis joined attendees in touring the expanded Center's offerings, that will now be serving as headquarters for the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. With NOAA and DEC contributions towards renovations, and state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation operation and maintenance support, the Center will now include conference and classroom space, public interpretive exhibits, a weather station, and a research laboratory.
Congressman Maurice Hinchey said, "I applaud Commissioner Grannis for designating the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area as the state's first Natural Heritage Area and for
making it clear that this freshwater marsh complex is a special place for New Yorkers that will be safeguarded forever. The Hudson River is one of the country's most significant estuaries and through this ongoing partnership with NOAA, for which I have helped provide funding in Congress, we have a wonderful opportunity to scientifically examine the impact that activity in the Hudson Valley is having on the river. It is critical that all of us on the federal, state, local, and private level continue to work hand in hand to protect the river and ensure that residents have access to explore this wonderful natural scenery."
Congresswoman Kirsten E. Gillibrand said, "The designation of Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area as a Natural Heritage Area is just the beginning for the people who live in
Staatsburg and throughout the Hudson Valley Region. I join my state and federal colleagues as well as our environmental advocates to continue the protection and restoration of the state's largest freshwater tidal marsh. This will allow future generations to experience the Hudson River and continue its ongoing need for protection. It is my hope that people throughout New York will see this as the example and visit the recently reopened Norrie Point Environmental Center and Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area."
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, "Environmental preservation plays a direct role in improving the quality of life in New York. Today's designation of Tivoli Bays as the state's first Natural Heritage Area will be instrumental in protecting the Hudson Valley ecosystem and preserving the area for future generations. I commend Commissioner Grannis and all those who have worked to make our shared goal of environmental conservation a reality."
State Senator Stephen Saland said, "The Hudson Valley is home to an amazing array of fish, wildlife, plants and native habitats - a precious resource which must be preserved. The new protections afforded to the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area and the reopening of the recently renovated Norrie Point Environmental Center will serve to further existing conservation efforts and protect these invaluable resources for future generations. I commend Commissioner Grannis for his efforts in creating partnerships to strengthen the oversight of this environmentally significant area."
State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro said, "Tivoli Bays is a living example of our state's greatest natural heritage and ongoing commitment to preserving and learning from our environment. It is fitting that our Bays be designated New York's first Natural Heritage Area. This recognition celebrates the many partnerships we have built and further commits our community and state to the aggressive protection of our precious natural resources."
Pompey Delafield, Hyde Park Town Supervisor, said, "The research done at the Norrie Point Environmental Center is an essential element in preserving and protecting the natural environment of the Hudson River and its tributaries. Hyde Park takes great pride in having this wonderful resource located in our community."
Tivoli Mayor Tom Cordier said, "Tivoli Bays is a unique natural resource that attracts environmentalists, sportsmen and women and nature lovers of all ages. We've always appreciated its many attributes. National Heritage Area designation is a fitting recognition of this amazing resource."
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash said, "The Hudson River Valley is home to a large and diverse collection of rare plants, animals and sensitive ecosystems. By building strong partnerships, increasing public awareness and providing quality educational opportunities, we dramatically enhance our efforts to identify, preserve and protect fragile resources that are essential to New York's natural environment. Effective stewardship of our public lands is a responsibility of all New Yorkers that will help to conserve the state's vast natural resources for future generations."
Ned Sullivan, President of Scenic Hudson said, "More and more, people are realizing that our environment is inextricably tied to our quality of life and economic prosperity. Scenic Hudson is proud to have partnered with New York State on providing public parks that enable people to experience the beauty and inspiration of our mighty Hudson. It's great to celebrate Tivoli Bays, which is like a living laboratory, and another river treasure Scenic Hudson has helped protect by preserving lands around it. Kudos for the new Norrie Point center, whose facilities, exhibits and riverfront setting are a great benefit for our communities and those who visit from outside the valley."
Katie Dolan, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy's Eastern New York Chapter, said, "The Research Reserve has long been a model for good stewardship in the Hudson Valley. It is appropriate that the lands they manage are the first in New York to earn the Natural Heritage Area designation. We are also very pleased with the reopening of the Norrie Point Environmental Center, as it provides the Research Reserve with a stunning showcase for their diverse activities, from discovering historic shipwrecks to educating school groups to protecting the region's imperiled plants and animals."
