DEC Releases Draft Management Plan for Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Plan Available for Public Comment through March 15

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the release of the Draft Hudson River National Estuarine Reserve (HRNERR) Management Plan for public review and comment. The reserve is operated as a partnership between DEC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the plan provides a necessary foundation to help manage the federally designated and state-protected sites along 100 miles of the estuary.

"With our federal, state, and community partners, a revitalized Hudson River Estuary is allowing more New Yorkers to connect with its beauty and bounty each year," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "More work remains to be done, and that is why this management plan is an important tool to bolster our progress so current and future generations can benefit from the estuary's remarkable natural resources."

The mission of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve is to improve the health and resilience of the Hudson River Estuary by conserving estuarine habitats through integrated education, training, stewardship, restoration, monitoring, and research programs.

The 2019 Draft Management Plan is an update of the 2009 plan and will guide the management of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve for the next five years. The draft plan provides a foundation for education programs, professional training, research, public access, and resource stewardship, and continues the reserve's commitment to the following core practices:

• Engaging local communities and citizens to improve stewardship of estuary resources;
• Understanding stakeholder needs and seeking meaningful partnerships to guide program planning and implementation;
• Using collaborative approaches to address complex estuary issues;
• Integrating staff activities to maximize the transfer of research and monitoring to inform decision making and community-based stewardship;
• Aligning with the Hudson River Estuary Program and other programs to promote stewardship of the Hudson River estuary;
• Informing decision-making in the mid-Atlantic and North Atlantic where appropriate through collaborations with other National Estuarine Research Reserves; and
• Leading by example through innovating, testing, and applying best management practices.

The public is encouraged to comment on the 2019 Draft Management Plan through March 15, 2019. DEC will review and address all comments received. The draft management plan is posted on the NYS DEC website.

Comments, questions, and/or requests can be directed to: Heather Gierloff, Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve Manager, Norrie Point Environmental Center, 256 Norrie Point Way, P.O. Box 315, Staatsburg, NY 12580; (845) 2889-4745 x 118; or heather.gierloff@dec.ny.gov.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html