|
2009 Hudson River Watershed Stewardship Award
Dr. Peter Rostenberg has deep roots in environmental stewardship of the Hudson River watershed, rising from his youthful love of the Hudson River itself—from days spent canoeing its rapid currents, to hiking its shores and ridges, to camping with his children under the stars at the top of Fishkill Ridge. Peter has worked tirelessly to protect Clove Creek, the Clove Creek Aquifer, Fishkill Ridge, and Fishkill Creek. He has been involved in the Sour Mountain anti-mining effort that saved a large portion of Fishkill Ridge and helped set precedent to strengthen New York’s Endangered Species Act. About eight years ago, Dr. Rostenberg began having conversations about protecting the water quality of the Hudson River and the need to focus on the tributaries and watershed landscapes that lead to the main stem of the Hudson. Peter called a meeting of interested parties at the Putnam Diner which included individuals, grassroots groups, agencies and respected leaders of regional organizations. This meeting started the momentum and broad based support that resulted in the concept of the Hudson River Watershed Alliance—a regional coalition of water resource stakeholders focused on providing local support and increased communication and coordination among constituents. The meetings convened by Peter led to an invitation from Clearwater to provide incubation services and 501(c)(3) operations support to the Alliance. More recently, at the beginning of 2009, Dr. Rostenberg provided a generous donation of personal funds to support HRWA in its transition into an independent organization. Peter has also worked closely with the Beacon Sloop Club, The Highlands Coalition—and has participated in a host of non-profit environmental organizations in the Lower Hudson Valley. Dr. Rostenberg continues to manage the Hudson Valley Environment listserv, which provides a venue for interactive discussion about how to best protect the natural resources of the Hudson River watershed. Organizational Recipient: Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., has a legacy of engaging small grassroots groups using citizen advocacy techniques to protect the Hudson River and its tributaries. In 2002, Clearwater representatives, Manna Jo Greene and Anne Osborn attended a meeting of grassroots leaders organized by Dr. Peter Rostenberg with an invitation from Clearwater to incubate this fledgling coalition of water resource stakeholders. The offer was welcome and the time had come for a coordinated approach to protecting, restoring and conserving the water resources of the Hudson River basin. For seven years, Clearwater lent its valuable credibility to this coalition, providing strategic oversight, critical infrastructure and staffing to nourish the coalition. During that term, the Alliance took life, named itself, received a Park Foundation grant and later a grant from the Hudson River Estuary Program, as well as formed a Steering Committee representative of the sectors and geography of its constituents. Today, the Alliance continues the concept of inclusion and grassroots organizing envisioned by its founders, working to support the local watershed efforts of more than 20 sub-basin watershed groups. The initial support and guidance provided by Clearwater and Manna Jo has provided a strong foundation upon which the Alliance can continue to grow and provide information and resources to its constituency. Building on its historical grassroots organizing skills, Clearwater has partnered with the Hudson River Estuary Program, Hudson Basin River Watch, OSI, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene County, and a host of community groups, to incubate local watershed efforts in the Rondout, Fall Kill, Catskill, and Kinderhook watersheds. Clearwater’s efforts support HRWA’s mission of implementing watershed protection at the local level. Today, Clearwater has two part-time coordinators devoted to watershed protection in the Rondout Creek and the Fall Kill watersheds. Clearwater’s approach within each watershed is unique, integrating training, art, education, inter-municipal cooperation and advocacy to engage community members and local officials in the understanding and protection of their watershed.
Thank you to our special recipients for their contributions to local
watershed protection!
|
|
Home |