fulfilling the transformative potential of the hudson river
DESCRIPTION
NYSDEC. Pete Grannis, Commissioner. Fulfilling the Transformative Potential of The Hudson River. Hudson River Watershed is 1/3 of NYS and major population center. 315 miles from wilderness to the ocean. 1987 Estuary Law. Adopts “ecosystem approach” to river problems Calls for a plan. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Fulfilling the Transformative Potential of The Hudson River
NYSDECPete Grannis, Commissioner
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Hudson River
Watershed is 1/3 of
NYS and major
population center
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
315 miles from wilderness to the ocean
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
1987 Estuary Law
• Adopts “ecosystem approach” to river problems
• Calls for a plan
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
2005 Action Agenda sets measurable targets for 2009
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Goals and targets adopted by DEC with stakeholders
and other agencies
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Applies the 6 principles of ecosystem-based management
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Human-centered:How will people benefit?
Example: A goal that people will be able to
fish the Hudson and safely eat their catch
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Whole Hudson Valley Troy to Verrazano Narrows
Place-based
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Guided by science, measurable performance, adaptive
1990 Research Agenda links science and management
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Goals: Maintain and restore signature species
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Clean up legacy pollutants that affect human health,
navigation and ecosystems
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Improve water quality
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Provide river access
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Revitalize river cities
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Conserve world-class scenery
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Protect our natural heritage and unique regional character
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Ecosystem health is connected to what happens in the
watershed
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Goals require that we achieve mission in new ways e.g. land use
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
All agencies play a role, guided by the Action Agenda
OPRHP
AG & MKTS
DOS
DOT
ESDC
NYSERDA
OGS
SUNY
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Goals create a template for partners to join in:
• Local Government
• Non-profits
• Researchers
• Other agencies
• Schools
BeforeBefore
AfterAfter
Metro NorthMetro North
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Some Estuary partnerships:
• OPRHP: open space and boating access
• OGS: habitat and scenery
• DOS: docks and waterfronts
• Metro-North: fishing access
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Grants build a bigger team for the river - tied to goals
$11+ million, 9 yrs 342 grantees
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Cooperation is essential eg Sea level is predicted to rise
4-33 inches in 100 years
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Meeting the goals can be our legacy for 2009
-
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
“Four hundred years ago, [Henry Hudson]
sailed up the river on a wooden ship …
guided only by a sense of possibility…
Today, coursing through the heart of our
State, the river reveals who we are. We are
dreamers, visionaries, environmentalists,
and builders of the first order. “
Eliot Spitzer 2008
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
We invite with you to join with us in building on the Hudson Valley’s legacy as a national
model and a source of transformative ideas