For Release: Friday, October 16, 2009
DEC Unveils Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda
Public Input Sought Regarding Priority Goals and Needs
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a public meeting to solicit input regarding a draft Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda designed to focus on the protection and restoration of the river, its watershed and its communities. The Action Agenda will help guide and coordinate basin-wide activities of numerous organizations to support these goals.
Designed to complement the successful Hudson River Estuary Program, the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda will aim to foster a regional partnership to manage the natural resources of the river and its watershed for a sustainable future. The Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda, which was prepared by DEC with the input of numerous stakeholders, can be accessed.
"As one of New York's grand waterways, the Mohawk River helped build this state," said DEC Regional Director Gene Kelly. "Today the environmental quality of the river and many of its tributaries are better than several decades ago. However, we need to protect the progress that's been made. The involvement of stakeholders and the creation of partnerships throughout the basin will be vital to our collective success. We look forward to working with local leaders and organizations for the benefit of the Mohawk River and its surrounding communities."
A public meeting has been scheduled to present the draft Action Agenda for Thursday, Oct. 22, from 3 - 5 p.m., at the SchenectadyCounty Public Library, 99 Clinton Street, Schenectady.
DEC will accept written comments on the draft until Nov. 30, 2009. Interested parties can submit comments at the public meeting, or write to Paul M. Bray, DEC Commissioner's Policy Office, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233, or e-mail pmbray@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Once all the comments have been considered, DEC will issue the final version of the Action Agenda.
The draft Action Agenda identifies five priority goals for the Mohawk River Basin which, if fully realized, would enhance ecosystem health and the vitality of the region. In addition, a Steering Committee consisting of DEC staff and other stakeholder organizations will help oversee the implementation of the Action Agenda and revise the agenda over time. Meetings of the steering committee will be held biannually and will be open to the public.
For those without computer access, a printed copy of the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda is available for review at the DEC Region 4 Office, 1130 N. Westcott Road, Schenectady, NY 12306. (Hours: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; call (518) 357-2075 to make an appointment.)
