Cahill Caps Creek Week with Forum at Hudson River Maritime Museum

Community comes together to support estuary program

November 3, 2010

Kingston – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D- Ulster, Dutchess) hosted a community forum in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program to discuss the future of the Hudson River at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. The meeting gave the public the opportunity to meet with new partners to focus efforts on the preservation and celebration of the River.

“The Hudson River is one of our country’s most significant natural resources,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “The Hudson River Estuary Program is a unique regional partnership designed to protect natural resources, improve water quality and promote public use of the river. Its impact on the region’s economy and preservation of our unique environmental and cultural identity must not be underestimated.”

Participants in the forum were presented with the Estuary Program’s Action Agenda, a forward-looking plan that centers on public and private partnership, education and research, and community planning. The Action Agenda is designed to further the goals of the Program in ensuring clean water, restoring fish and wildlife habitats, providing recreation in and on the water, and conserving the scenic landscape.

Local leaders and program coordinators were invited to speak on the value of community partnerships and their experience. Many participants touched on the positive economic impact of environmental conservation. Attendees were asked to share their priorities and concerns in regard to the Hudson River and the watershed.

“It is important for us to bring people together to share opinions and ideas and to focus on this magnificent resource,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “The Estuary Program has been a valuable partner in our efforts to coordinate, advise and assist communities that are committed to protecting the natural beauty, safety and ecological balance of the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions in ways that encourage and stimulate growth.”

“The Hudson River is the heart and soul of our region. Now, more than ever, we need to conserve its resources and utilize its potential for the benefit of the public,” said Frances Dunwell, Hudson River Estuary Coordinator. “We hope to generate lively discussion on priorities for the future. We will also explore opportunities to create new partnerships that will help the people of the Hudson Valley achieve the objectives of the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda by working together.”

“Here in the Hudson Valley, environmental conservation and the economy go hand-in-hand. We have a $4.7 billion tourism economy, based strongly on the region’s majestic scenery and river-based recreation, which is responsible for 80,000 jobs. We have over $350 billion invested in waterfronts in our cities, towns and villages, and globally-rare freshwater tidal wetland habitats, every acre of which also provides $689,700 in storm-protection benefits. The Hudson River Estuary Program’s Action Agenda is one of the strongest tools our region has to ensure the livability and prosperity of our region. As a member of the program’s Management Advisory Committee, I recognize the leadership of Hudson Valley legislators who understand these issues and create opportunities for the public to provide input to the program,” said Andy Bicking, Director of Public Policy for Scenic Hudson.

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