Confronting climate | Restoring nature | Building resilience

annual journal

HUDSON RIVER RISING leads a growing movement to protect the Hudson. Its power is unstoppable.

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 01 Time and again, the public rises to speak for a voiceless Hudson. While challenges mount, our voices grow stronger.

02 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Faith and action

It’s all too easy to feel hopeless these days, lish over forty new tanker and barge anchorages allowing storage of crude when you think about the threat posed by climate oil right on the Hudson, Riverkeeper is working with local partners to stop disruption and the federal government’s all-out another potentially disastrous plan to build enormous storm surge barriers war on basic clean water and habitat protection at the entrance to the Hudson . Instead, we and our partners are laws. Yet, Riverkeeper believes that a better fighting for real-world, comprehensive and community-driven solutions future remains ours for the taking. to coastal flooding risks. We think it makes perfect sense to feel hope- History was made, here on the Hudson. Groundbreaking legal pro- ful, given ’s new best-in-the-nation tections were born here, over half a century ago, when earlier waves of climate legislation and its record levels of spend- activists rose to protect the Adirondacks, the Palisades and Storm King ing on clean water (which increased by another Mountain and restore our imperiled fish and wildlife. These founders had $500 million in April). This year, The Empire State also banned river-foul- no playbook and certainly no guarantee of success. All they had was cour- ing single-use plastic bags; proposed tougher drinking water standards; age, good science and a sense of responsibility. and began a massive new statewide biodiversity program, which will ad- Can we, like the advocates before us, face down mounting challenges vance many of Riverkeeper’s “Living River” campaign goals. Plus, the first and win our own battles for clean water, a livable climate and a Hudson of the two outdated and increasingly dangerous nuclear reactors at Indian teeming with life? The odds become stronger with every new Point will close in the Spring of 2020; the other will close a year after that. protection group formed, every additional dollar spent on clean water and As great as all these state laws and initiatives are, they’re not the biggest every Hudson-threatening project rejected by government regulators. reason Riverkeeper remains confident. That reason is you, and all the other We can’t and won’t falter, now, with the stakes this high and momentum advocates and supporters with whom we work. still growing. As we rise, though, Riverkeeper needs to stand on the shoul- Everywhere we look, local advocates have risen to protect their drink- ders of our founders and, even more importantly, count on our community ing water, fight climate change, foster biodiversity and build resilient wa- partners and supporters like you. Together, there’s no stopping us. terfronts, as they did in Catskill, where Riverkeeper helped the commu- nity beat back a planned incinerator ash dump threatening ruinous levels of toxic pollution. Fresh from recent victories like the one in Catskill, and our success in defeating the tug and barge industry’s drastic bid to estab- Paul Gallay, President & Hudson Riverkeeper

COVER PHOTO ©BRANDON PIDALA | PIDALAPHOTO.COM; PHOTOS BY JOHN LIPSCOMB (FACING PAGE) AND LEAH RAE PAGE) (FACING LIPSCOMB JOHN BY PHOTOS | PIDALAPHOTO.COM; PIDALA ©BRANDON PHOTO COVER RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 1 ACHIEVEMENTS

A Year of Victories

404 LOCATIONS 5,000 monitored for 1 water quality NAUTICAL TOXIC MILES ASH DUMP patrolled blocked in Catskill

23 31  BILLION TONS OF TRASH PLASTIC BAGS removed from targeted by  the Hudson and its New York ban DANGEROUS by 2,400 NUCLEAR PLANT volunteers shutting down by 2021

$2.88 10 MILLION HANGING $500 for oyster reefs 5,021 HABITATS  WATER MILLION in Park installed on NYC's SAMPLES secured for Clean Water Estuarine Sanctuary Newtown Creek infrastructure taken

2 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL PAGE) (FACING REMEIN (LEFT) AND LEAH RAE LEFT), CHRISSY (FAR UZAN GILLES BY PHOTOS CONTENTS

Annual Journal 2019 - 2020

1 President’s Letter A River Rising 24 Events

2 A Year of Victories 14 Act locally for clean water 28 Gratitude and appreciation

4 Riverkeeper Patrol 16 Healing the river: A new urgency 31 Financial Report

8 Achievements 18 Shoring up: How to adapt without harming the Hudson

20 Pursuing the vision: Waters rebounding with life in NYC

22 Power shift: A new commitment to clean energy

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 3 WATCHDOG

NEW JERSEY In April, thanks to a report from a diligent watchdog, we reported a discharge of firefighting foam FIRST MATE This year we welcomed into the Hudson near the George Wash- Batu (@RiverkeeperDog on Instagram). ington Bridge. New Jersey’s investigation When we’re under way, he often sleeps resulted in a notice of violation and fines next to my chair at the helm, or on the against the Port Authority of NY & NJ engine box. When we stop along the river, for intentional discharge, during training he wants to meet everyone. Literally, activities, of some 800 gallons of foam everyone. He’s a true ambassador and a and water into a ditch that drains to the wonderful companion, a joy to have along. Hudson. Public watchdogs matter! I love him so much.

4 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL ON THE WATER

Riverkeeper Patrol WATCHDOG John Lipscomb, Patrol Boat Captain In July we received this photo of a dead sturgeon surrounded by plastic trash and a dead eel. It appeared to have a head The patrol boat is Riverkeeper’s presence on the river, on behalf of the injury, possibly from a spinning pro- river, logging more than 5,000 nautical miles a year from the Mohawk peller. This scene brings our eyes and Upper Hudson down the Estuary to . The boat back to the challenges we still face. We’re a long way from coexisting provides a deterrent to polluters, a platform for research, and a means with a living river, a wilderness riv- of educating and connecting with the public. It also carries a steady er, so essential to so many species. FURNACE BROOK George We need to keep trying. reminder: This river needs keeping. Jackman, Ph.D., police lieutenant turned aquatic ecologist, is work- ing to remove dams in the as Riverkeeper’s Habitat Restoration Manager. I’m so proud We so appreciate that Riverkeeper is evolving this our relationship with SUNY Cobleskill. way. We’ve never had this kind In October, Professor Barbara Brabetz of expertise in-house before. Our and President Marion Terenzio, Ph.D. landmark success in 2016 with (at right) and Professor Neil Law, Troy and DEC – the first dam Ph.D., came aboard. It’s so validating removed for fish passage in the and empowering to have Riverkeeper’s Hudson Valley – has landed us effort recognized this way. When we this talented “fish.” began patrols here in 2015, I spoke at a Mohawk Watershed Symposium about our hope of finding community partners to work with. We could not effectively do this work alone. Brabetz, professor of chemistry and biology, stood up in the audience and said, “I’ll be a partner.” We’ve been gathering water quality samples monthly ever since.

PHOTOS BY LEAH RAE (FACING PAGE), STEPHANIE FACCINE (LEFT) AND DAN SHAPLEY (LOWER RIGHT) (LOWER SHAPLEY (LEFT) AND DAN FACCINE STEPHANIE PAGE), (FACING LEAH RAE BY PHOTOS RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 55 ON THE WATER

NEWTOWN CREEK, NYC When we started patrols here in 2002, we were the only ones. Our patrols resulted in numerous cases, from cement plant discharges to the largest underground oil spill in the nation – a fight against ExxonMobil. They also helped inspire the formation of Newtown Creek Alliance, and its citizen patrols by Willis Elkins and others. It’s a legacy that I’m extremely proud of. Newtown Creek isn’t alone anymore. A brighter future for this terribly abused waterway is assured.

VERRAZZANO NARROWS, NEW YORK HARBOR We were pleased to have Comptroller Scott Stringer aboard in September. We’ve been working very hard to inform and engage the public about the disastrous notion of building storm surge barriers here, across the mouth of the Hudson River – and MOHAWK RIVER An essential part to call for better, more comprehensive flood protections that of our patrols here are SUNY Cobleskill would not harm the river (P. 18). To understand the tidal exchange students like Alyssa Giacinto, from the between the river and the Atlantic, and what it would mean to of Manhattan, and restrict the flow through the Harbor, you have to be on the water. Christopher Syphertt, from Laurelton, , who come aboard to assist water quality sampling. I appreciate their youth- ful interest and energy.

6 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL PAGE) (FACING BAUTISTA AND DARRYL WATTS LEFT), SUSAN (LOWER LIPSCOMB LEFT), JOHN (TOP LEAH RAE BY PHOTOS Photographer Darryl Bautista captured this image of our boat southbound as we were going under the in Poughkeepsie. I’m about to begin my 20th year with Riverkeeper, and in some ways, the job of patrolling the river continues to feel new. Every day, there's a beautiful sense of mission as the boat and I set out. For me, when I'm on the water, I feel hopeful that we can win.

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 7 On the , Riverkeeper works closely with local partners to restore this major tributary of the Hudson. Far right: Martha Cheo, superstar volunteer for the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance.

8 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL VICTORIES

Wins for the water Here are highlights of Riverkeeper's latest achievements.

Improving water quality important cleanup of toxic coal tar from the river bed at BOTTLE BILL Collected 1,100 petitions to reduce plastic Poughkeepsie will be protective of drinking water intakes. pollution and promote recycling through an expansion of FIXING OUR PIPES Secured another $500 million New York’s “bottle bill.” for New York State clean water infrastructure grants to SOURCE WATER SCORECARD Partnered with New- municipalities – for a total of $3.5 billion since 2015. More burgh, Peekskill and Ossining in using Riverkeeper's Score- DERELICT BARGE Helped secure the removal of a than $450 million was approved for projects in the Hudson card to better protect the drinking water supplies for these derelict barge from the between Whitestone River watershed during 2018 alone. communities, which collectively serve 178,000 people. and Throgs Neck bridges.

WALLKILL RIVER Fostered $36 million investment in clean water infrastructure projects along this large Fighting & preventing pollution Connecting communities to the water Hudson River tributary, and a commitment to develop a PLASTIC BAGS Won a New York State ban on single-use LOCAL WATERSHEDS Worked hands-on with dozens comprehensive cleanup plan. plastic bags that goes into effect in March 2020. Pressed of citizens groups and local governments devoted to the CONNECTING CLIMATE & CLEAN WATER for additional local laws, including Ulster County’s model region’s waterways, including the Water- Published groundbreaking research with CUNY Queens legislation that encourages reusable bags instead of shed Alliance, which is bringing a new voice to protecting College showing that overflows in the Hudson are wasteful paper. a major Hudson River tributary. an unaccounted-for source of greenhouse gas emissions. TOXIC ASH Helped defeat Wheelabrator's plan to turn an old Catskill quarry into a dump for highly toxic incinera- Protecting drinking water tor ash, 2,500 feet from the Hudson. LIMITS ON TOXIC CHEMICALS Advocated for the ENFORCING CLEAN WATER LAWS Resolved cases nation’s most protective drinking water standards for against five companies in NYC, one in the Wallkill River wa- PFOA and PFOS. tershed and one in 's, resulting in improved stormwater controls and environmental benefit payments NEWBURGH Secured an overdue commitment from the to Newtown Creek Alliance, Sustainable South Bronx, Bronx Department of Defense to filter toxic firefighting foam Council for Environmental Quality, Alliance and chemicals flowing from Stewart Air National Guard Base Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District. – an essential step, if Newburgh is ever to use its primary reservoir again. GREEN ROOFS Helped achieve NYC law mandating that new and significantly modified commercial buildings must ‘HUDSON 7’ Worked with the seven communities that install green roofs and/or solar or wind energy generating draw drinking water from the Hudson to ensure that an capacity. Also won NYS tax abatements for green roofs.

PHOTOS BY LEAH RAE (FACING PAGE) AND DAN SHAPLEY AND DAN PAGE) (FACING LEAH RAE BY PHOTOS RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 9 VICTORIES

WATER SAMPLING Gathered with partners more than the Hudson for decades, which continue to contaminate 5,000 water quality samples taken by more than 150 fish and pose a danger to people. individual community scientists at over 400 locations in NEWTOWN CREEK Devised a blueprint for restoring 3.5 NYC, the Hudson River and its tributaries. acres of marsh in one of the most polluted tributaries of COASTAL RESILIENCY Mobilized the public and won NYC’S Newtown Creek following the upcoming time, transparency and increased public engagement in cleanup. the Army Corps of Engineers study on possible storm bar- riers that could cause catastrophic harm to the Hudson. Fostering safe energy CLIMATE ACTION Helped achieve New York’s ground- Restoring life to our rivers breaking Climate Leadership and Community Protection SHORELINE HABITAT Installed hanging “habitats” made Act, the strongest climate legislation in the country. with oyster shells to foster mussels and other life along GAS PIPELINE Supported efforts to halt construction of industrial bulkheads in NYC. the Williams Pipeline, a fracked gas pipeline project that MOHAWK, WALLKILL RIVER DAMS Ensured any would undo decades of remediation in New York Harbor permits for power-generating dams will consider impacts and . A coalition helped convince Governor to habitat and water quality - including drinking water Cuomo to deny the project a critical water quality quality for more than 100,000 people who rely on the certificate. Mohawk River as their source. SEWAGE ALERTS Filed suit, represented by Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, to demand that New York PROTECTING MENHADEN Won a state law that targets City comply with the state’s Sewage Pollution Right to overfishing for Atlantic menhaden, or “bunker,” by banning Know Act and alert the public every time sewage is the use of enormous purse seine nets in state waters, and overflowing. mobilized the public to demand compliance with harvest caps along the coast. BIG SWEEP Led a record-high 2,400 volunteers in 122 shoreline cleanup projects from New York City to the Adirondacks, in our annual Riverkeeper Sweep. The Restoring toxic sites volunteers removed more than 31 tons of debris, including HUDSON RIVER PCBS Supported New York’s challenge 313 tires and 2.7 tons of recyclables, in just one day. to EPA’s “certificate of completion” for General Electric’s TARGETING TRASH Organized nine additional shore- still unfinished Superfund cleanup of the Hudson. We line cleanups throughout the year with corporate and continue to join forces with partners to demand that EPA community partners. hold GE accountable for the toxic PCBs it dumped into

10 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL PAGE) RIGHT AND FACING (LOWER LEFT) AND LEAH RAE (TOP SHAPLEY DAN BY PHOTOS The mysterious Plady, born to celebrate Ulster County’s plastic bag ban, leads the way as a massive ball of plastic is rolled through Kingston during the O+ Festival in October. Riverkeeper and SUNY New Paltz Art Department traced the path of a sewer overflow system and discussed the positive steps under way to address it. Opposite page far left: Supporting students in the Kingston YMCA Farm Project’s BARK program in a storm drain stenciling project.

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 11

A RIVER RISING

A stronger, healthier river will better withstand the extremes of our changing climate. PHOTO ©BRANDON PIDALA | PIDALAPHOTO.COM PIDALA ©BRANDON PHOTO WATER QUALITY Act locally As the climate crisis bears down, water is the messenger. Collective action, a strong tradition along the Hudson, must be the response.

climate change has increased the temperature community science, and advocating for budget and of the Hudson by 4 degrees Fahrenheit, and the river policies necessary to address problems identified level by 1 foot, over the past century. Intense rain- through community science. By monitoring water storms are occurring more frequently. Sea level rise, quality in the Hudson and its tributaries – for storm surge and flooding are near and present threats. 12 years and counting – people not only gather Water quality is also increasingly at risk, as the hots essential data but also build capacity and resilience get hotter, the wets wetter and the dries drier. to meet water challenges. Local groups like the As with sea level rise and flooding, marginalized Hudson 7, the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance communities will suffer disproportionately from wa- and the Rondout Creek Watershed Alliance ter quality problems emerging from climate change. are rising up to act on immediate water quality Much of the risk comes from stormwater-related concerns today, while building capacity to address pollution, as intensity of rainfall continues to increase Hudson River Estuary is vulnerable to sea level rise, increasingly complex water challenges that are due to climate change. Bursts of intense rain, coupled storm surge and/or flooding. Excess nutrients that emerging. with antiquated sewage infrastructure and poorly result from this deluge, coupled with warmer water Clean drinking water is a human right. Clean water managed watersheds, cause overflows of untreated temperatures, can lead to harmful algal blooms. in the environment is a human joy – and a natural sewage, and excess runoff from farms, streets and In the short term, we can’t reverse the changes to right in itself, for the web of life that depends on it. lawns. In our watershed, where more than 160 climate that result in warmer temperatures and these Climate change, however, can also turn water into a municipal treatment plants discharge treated sewage, bursts of intense rain. We can invest in infrastructure threat, and undermine the progress we’ve made over the intersection of intense rain and aging infrastruc- and improve watershed management. generations to restore water quality in the Hudson ture represents an acute risk. What’s more, roughly That’s why Riverkeeper has been focused on River and its tributaries. As with the progress to date, one in four of the plants discharging directly to the improving water quality by engaging people in people will determine our future progress.

14 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL (UPPER RIGHT) SHAPLEY AND DAN PAGE) AND FACING (THIS PAGE UZAN GILLES BY PHOTOS FACING PAGE: Riverkeeper partners with advocates like Marcel Barrick of the Newburgh Clean Water Project and Bill Fetter of the Watershed Alliance to promote restoration of Newburgh's drinking water supply.

THIS PAGE: Volunteer Ashley Anaya collects a water sample from as part of Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, and Martha Cheo of the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance launches the first annual Great Wallkill River Race and Festival.

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 15 ABOVE: Aiden Mabey of New York State DEC holds up an eel during a fish survey of Furnace Brook with Riverkeeper and the Student Conservation Association. The survey showed how dams prevent eels and other fish from moving upstream, and how the removal of a 6-foot dam can restore almost a mile of habitat for migratory fish.

LEFT: Areas like Piermont Marsh, an important ecosystem, are threatened by sea level rise.

16 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL RESTORATION

Healing the river The changing climate adds urgency to our cause: making the river as healthy as it can be.

iverkeeper is making a renewed effort to restore life within the and the much maligned lamprey in from the ocean Hudson River, and with serious cause. Despite all the progress to spawn. The Hudson is not only a nursery, it is an we’ve made in fighting pollution over the last half-century, fish engine of life. abundance continues to decline. Precious habitat continues to be But the damage from the last 200 years is pro- Rdestroyed and degraded. Coastal forests are dwindling, wetlands are suffer- found. We filled shallow areas, hardened shorelines, ing damage, migrating fish are stifled by dams. built power plants that pull in water and destroy To give the fish a fighting chance, we need to work harder. We need to the life within it, and harvested too many fish of give back the feeding and spawning grounds that were taken away. almost every species. About 1,600 dams, most of them obsolete, fragment the rivers and streams of the Climate change is making that work even more urgent. Hudson Valley. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are causing stress on fish and wildlife, making them ever more vulnerable to depleted habitat, and the The threats are enormous, but so are the opportunities. losses that will accelerate with sea level rise. A warming ocean, which holds Riverkeeper is working to remove obsolete dams that can Found in less dissolved oxygen, and elevated ocean acidity are further threats. In the restore historic spawning runs for river herring and American Furnace Brook: a green frog, Hudson, climate change is implicated in the local extinction of rainbow eel – following up on our landmark success with the City of bluegill sunfish smelt, the sharp decline of Atlantic tomcod, and possibly the long term Troy and the Department of Environmental Conservation, the and eels decline of winter flounder. For some species, we are beginning to see a shift removal of a dam on in 2016. We are working in geographical range. to identify ways to lessen the damage from power-generating dams and Over 200 fish species find a home in the Hudson, a unique ecosystem increase the survival of fish attempting to negotiate their way around them. with highly diverse habitats, including globally rare, freshwater tidal marsh- New York’s upcoming “Revive Mother Nature” initiative promises to es. A great wildlife migration, unseen by most of us, brings river herring, bolster these efforts. We are providing ideas and support to this effort to , American shad, tomcod, hickory shad, Atlantic sturgeon restore aquatic habitats statewide.

PHOTOS BY ERICA CAPUANA (FACING PAGE), LEAH RAE (INSET, LOWER LEFT), GEORGE JACKMAN (INSET, TOP) AND KRISTA BIRENKRANT (THIS PAGE, FAR RIGHT) FAR (THIS PAGE, BIRENKRANT AND KRISTA TOP) (INSET, JACKMAN LEFT), GEORGE LOWER (INSET, LEAH RAE PAGE), (FACING CAPUANA ERICA BY PHOTOS RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 17 RESTORATION

Preserving and restoring wetlands, forests, fields, streams, side channels, underwater grasses and mudflats will provide thousands of species of plants, fish and wildlife with critical habitat to flourish. A single acre of wetland can hold more than a million gallons of water, providing a critical “ Off shore storm barriers simply cannot nature-based solution for climate resilience. And in restoring habitat we can also capture and protect all of our coastal communities sequester carbon to offset impacts of climate from the myriad challenges posed by change. Long term, these habitats are critical to main- climate change and are incompatible with taining healthy life during periods of extreme weather and accelerated sea level rise. A healthy a healthy, thriving New York Harbor.” ecosystem with greater biodiversity can better — New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer adapt to climate change.

A fallfish caught in Time and again, local advocates rise to the Furnace Brook river’s defense and speak up for better policies to protect the fish. Just one example: In Sep- tember we sounded an alarm on behalf of Atlantic menhaden, known locally as bunker. Omega Protein, which controls the menhaden harvest along the East Coast, had deliberately exceeded its harvest cap in Chesapeake Bay – a cap that was overwhelmingly approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. These East Coast fish are a favorite of the whales we are seeing off , and sustain striped bass, bluefish, tuna, codfish and osprey. Their abundance in our also helps to prevent predation on depleted populations of river herring and shad. Prompted by our action, hundreds of emails went to the commis- sion, demanding accountability. And in October, the commission voted unanimously to find Virginia out of compliance for allowing the excess harvest. The company’s quota for Chesapeake Bay will be reduced. And all are on notice that we, the public, will rise in defense of these fish.

18 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL (RIGHT) (LEFT) AND RIJKSWATERSTAAT BIRENKRANT KRISTA BY PHOTOS Shoring up How will we adapt to rising seas and storms without harming the river? Riverkeeper is standing up for rational, cost effective, community driven solutions to flooding – and against massive storm barriers.

n the face of an existential threat to the Endangered Rivers” because of the threat Hudson – the possibility of giant storm these barriers pose. surge barriers across New York Harbor – The Corps’ study was deeply flawed from IRiverkeeper is rising to a new challenge. the start: It was asked to come up with ways We launched a campaign in 2018 to reject to prevent flooding from storm surge, in the idea of building such walls, gates and response to Superstorm Sandy. It was not artificial islands in the river where it meets asked to come up with solutions to flooding the ocean. Even with gates open – which from inevitable sea level rise. We are calling would almost always be the case, to allow on New York State, a partner in this study, ships to pass and the watershed to drain – to step up. these in-water structures would constrict Our government and communities need the tidal flow and threaten permanent to come together to figure out how to live damage to life in the Hudson. They would with, and be surrounded by, the ever-rising impede the migration of fish and trap waters in our region. Riverkeeper is steering sediment and contaminants from leaving the the discussion toward more comprehensive river. They would cost endless billions and flood protections, and demanding that still leave communities vulnerable to daily community voices be included. flooding from sea level rise. We support New York City legislation The tide is the pulse and the respiration to create a five borough plan to protect of the Hudson. It’s essential to everything the shorelines from storm surge, sea level here, from New York Harbor to Troy. The life rise and tidal flooding. We point to positive of the estuary depends on it. And yet these strategies being adopted by Boston, relying The 5.6 mile Eastern barriers, as of late 2019, were still among on shore-based defenses and measures Scheldt storm surge six options under consideration by the U.S. that offer multiple benefits, such as barrier in the Netherlands shoreline recreational space that absorbs is often cited as an Army Corps of Engineers. A front-runner is example of what might be to be chosen this year. flooding. built here. Its structures We’ve sounded the alarm far and wide, We’ve gained more time, transparency have profoundly altered and the Corps received 4,250 comments, and community involvement in this the estuary, causing a 91 percent of them expressing concern important discussion. This year, we must get decrease in the tidal range, loss of salt marsh and about environmental impacts. In 2019, the the Hudson off the “endangered” list, and decline in estuarine life. Hudson was listed among “America’s Most confront the realities ahead.

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 19 BELOW: Rebecca Pryor leads a dragon boat tour of with elected officials, city agencies, local organizations and neighbors. Riverkeeper and Guardians of Flushing Bay are pressing for bigger efforts to reduce sewage and stormwater pollution, more ways for the community to access and enjoy the shorelines, and a thorough environmental review for a proposed LaGuardia AirTrain.

FACING PAGE: (Top) A nature walk is expanding along Newtown Creek, the border between and Queens. (Right) An osprey carries its catch over Flushing Bay.

T NYC Pursuing the vision Our waters can serve as a refuge, rebounding with life, even in our city of millions.

he work of reviving New York City’s waterways can be truly daunting being, funded by a $20 million oil spill settlement with ExxonMobil. Dozens of – particularly if you’ve seen the stagnant, dead-end creeks and canals, potential opportunities – community-driven ideas – are laid out in the detailed isolated from nearby neighborhoods, coated in contamination and satu- Vision Plans we developed with Guardians of Flushing Bay and Newtown Creek rated with sewage. Alliance. As an example, we’ve begun installing “living docks” and “hanging TBut it’s precisely these areas where Riverkeeper and our partners are focusing habitats” made with oyster shells from partners Billion Oyster Project, our energy, sharing a longstanding commitment and an unrelenting desire to bring designed to foster ribbed mussels and other life along the industrial them back to life. Here we see both the problems and the potential. Even these bulkheads of Newtown Creek. areas are home to a growing population of wildlife, including cormorants, herons Riverkeeper continues to push bigger, smarter investments and schools of menhaden. in sewage and stormwater infrastructure, and rain-absorbing Like so much of New York City’s 520 miles of coastline, these historic wetlands green infrastructure. In October, Pace Environmental Litiga- have been hardened, filled and replaced with major infrastructure, buildings and tion Clinic, representing Riverkeeper and others, sued New parking lots. Less than 10 percent of the historic salt marsh remains. And losses con- York City to enforce the Sewage Pollution Right to Know tinue due to new development and sea level rise. With climate change comes even Act, requiring that the public be notified of sewage overflows more incentive to foster healthier shorelines, able to soak up water and buffer storm within a reasonable amount of time. Simply put, the City isn’t damage. We can’t go back in time, but we can take steps toward a better future. notifying those who come into direct contact with waters about Riverkeeper was one of the voices that called for and Newtown discharges, putting public health at risk. Creek to be designated Superfund sites. Along Newtown Creek, our patrols and And as always, we are working to make these waterways more legal action catalyzed the ongoing cleanup of the worst underground oil spill in accessible and visible to the communities that surround them. Together, the nation. We are now seeing projects like green roofs and nature walks come into we are steadily transforming these waterways, and we won’t ever give up.

PHOTOS BY LEAH RAE (FACING PAGE), CHRISSY REMEIN (TOP) AND LEAH RAE (RIGHT) AND LEAH RAE REMEIN (TOP) CHRISSY PAGE), (FACING LEAH RAE BY PHOTOS RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 21 CLEAN ENERGY

here’s good news regarding replace- ment energy for Indian Point’s 2,060 megawatts once it goes offline next year. The New York Independent System POWER TOperator — which coordinates the distribution of our electricity supply — says that New York will have enough replacement power to supplant the aging, problematic nuclear plant’s output once it closes, and it can be done with combinations of SHIFT clean energy sources, transmission improvements and energy efficiency. The Hudson has long endured the damage from power plants NYISO’s forecasts for subsequent years show even greater promise because increasing clean energy ini- and dirty fossil fuels. Now comes the nation’s most aggressive tiatives continue to be the foundation of New York’s climate legislation and the shutdown of the Indian Point efforts to combat climate change. In 2019, Governor nuclear plant. New York’s energy landscape Cuomo announced the procurement of 1,750 MW of is about to be transformed. offshore wind to add to the energy mix, while NYISO approved 1,250 MW of transmission improvements low-carbon electricity by 2040. The 2050 mandate that will allow wind and other renewables to get from stands as the most comprehensive and aggressive upstate to downstate more easily by relieving two climate bill ever enacted at the state level. major bottlenecks. Additionally, battery storage can The CLCPA also begins to address fairness and eq- increasingly replace power plants that operate only uity for environmental justice communities — those during peak usage. at the greatest risk from potential climate change-re- In Albany, Riverkeeper joined a full-court press by lated impacts. While the law could have gone further environmental and environmental justice groups to to ensure economic justice for those front-line com- ENSURING THE SAFE convince state lawmakers to pass landmark legisla- munities, it does require a proportion of state energy CLOSURE OF INDIAN POINT tion to combat climate change. The Climate Leader- and climate investments to be made in these commu- As Indian Point enters its final months of oper- ship and Community Protection Act, signed into law nities and it attaches fair labor standards — including ation, Riverkeeper remains vigilant to ensure by Governor Cuomo, establishes aggressive mandates prevailing wage standards — to all green projects that the decommissioning process is safe and to ensure a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas receiving state funding. conducted with proper oversight. emissions by 2030 and an 85 percent reduction — Not only will this law drive unprecedented climate Entering 2020, we’ve been fighting to with 100 percent carbon neutrality — by 2050. It also action here in New York, it can also inspire similar stop Entergy from transferring Indian Point’s ownership — and the $2 billion decommission- codifies Governor Cuomo’s goals to achieve 70 per- action around the country. It’s what real leadership ing trust fund — to Holtec, a company with a cent low-carbon electricity by 2030 and 100 percent on climate change looks like. scandalous corporate past, little experience in decommissioning nuclear power plants, and dubious experience in their core business, spent fuel management. We’ve demanded that Governor Cuomo stop Holtec from taking over and that Entergy select a qualified company. Additionally, we are ramp- ing up to oppose the license transfer before both the State Public Service Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Meanwhile, we’re pushing state legislation establishing a board to supervise site reuse, cleanup, and oversight of the decommission- ing fund. Finally, we are asking the NRC to establish safety oversight panels that have real power.

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 23 COMMUNITY

Rising together Stories, celebration and ceremony – all in support of the river.

CEREMONY FILMS Sacred Rivers highlights faith Undamming the Hudson and A Living River in the face of climate change Jon Bowermaster’s two latest Hudson River documentaries, Undamming the Hudson and As part of New York’s Climate Week, we joined with A Living River, highlight the life in the Hudson and how Riverkeeper works to restore it. environmentalists, indigenous and religious leaders, and Community screenings – followed by panel discussions with our partners and regional Waterkeepers from across the globe for an interfaith environmental leaders – are drawing full houses at schools, breweries and community centers. ceremony focusing on the shared risk communities every- At the premiere of Undamming at Patagonia’s SoHo store, Riverkeeper’s George Jackman, where face from climate disruption. Participants carried an aquatic ecologist, explained the importance of healthy, flowing creeks and streams – “the combined waters from the Hudson and Jordan rivers from circulatory system of our landscape.” Union Theological Seminary’s James Memorial Chapel to the river, where they were blessed upon their release into the Hudson.

EXHIBITS Three Hudson River panoramas Riverkeeper gave our support to three museum exhibits highlighting the Hudson. Maya Lin’s A River Is a Drawing exhibition at the Hudson River Museum focused on the river’s fragility and resilience in the face of upheaval, while Hudson Rising at the New York Historical Society and Rescuing the River: 50 Years of Environmental Activism on the Hudson at the Hudson River Maritime Museum both examined the environmental movement through the lens of the river.

24 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL PAGE) (FACING ASHFORD RIGHT) AND GILES (LOWER GALLAY PAUL (TOP), (LEFT), CLIFF WEATHERS HUNTER PEDANE BY PHOTOS Sweeping the shores year-round For the 8th straight year, thousands of Riverkeeper volunteers took to the Hudson River and its tributaries for New York’s largest one-day shoreline cleanup, from New York City to the Adirondacks. But that’s just one day on our calendar of cleanup events. Throughout the year, we facilitate hands-on environmental stewardship events for companies – like DHL & Formula E, pictured here at Flushing Bay – to promote team building among employees and build goodwill within the surrounding community. Corporate cleanup participants take back with them a newfound or renewed admiration for this mighty, yet delicate river. Companies that take part in these events often become members of our Corporate Stewardship Council, further partnering with Riverkeeper while continuing to give back to the environment.

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 25 RALLY ON THE RIVER In a brand new festival, Riverkeeper celebrated the Hud- son with a day of sports, yoga and music. The September 21 event at Peekskill’s Factoria brought some 300 runners, paddlers and partiers out for a 5K run, 5K kayak race with Hudson River Expeditions and sunset yoga with Rebecca Soule. A high-energy tribute by Stella Blue’s Band closed out the evening. COMMUNITY

The Fishermen’s Ball Riverkeeper honored rock star Debbie Harry at our event celebrating life in the Hudson River.

With the Hudson as the backdrop for our annual gala, Riverkeeper feted our partners who help us protect the life in the river. Rock legend Debbie Harry received our Big Fish Award for her environmental advocacy, work to eliminate the threats to pollinators and efforts to recycle plastics into fashion-forward

STAND UP GUYS Award winning clothing. Pace University’s Program received the Hudson HUDSON DIVA Debbie Harry journalist Steve Liesman was once Hero award for its 40 years of fostering new generations of environmental joined Willie Nile's band onstage again our Master of Ceremonies and to perform a rousing rendition guardians. Attendees were also awestruck by Jon Bowermaster’s new film, rocker Willie Nile provided our gala's of Blondie’s iconic “One Way or entertainment. A Living River, which debuted that night. Another.”

PACE SETTERS Karl Coplan and Jason Czarnezki of Pace University’s Environmental Law Program flank Riverkeeper board chair Ernest Tollerson and President Paul Gallay.

CATCH OF THE DAY Supermodel Heidi Albertsen (center) is joined on the red carpet by the ever fashionable Mark Garrahan and Leonora Merkel.

PHOTOS BY GWENDOLYN CHAMBERS (FACING PAGE), CLIFF WEATHERS (INSET) AND ANN BILLINGSLEY CLIFF WEATHERS PAGE), (FACING CHAMBERS GWENDOLYN BY PHOTOS RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 27 COMMUNITY With gratitude & appreciation Riverkeeper gratefully acknowledges generous contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.

$100,000+ Indus Capital Advisors (UK) LLP AVANGRID Foundation Lucile Hamlin Patagonia Anonymous Johanette Wallerstein Institute Ed M. Baum and Holly Wallace Mardi and Gregory Hayt Patagonia.com Dextra Baldwin McGonagle Ellen Kozak and Scott D. Miller Janet Bellusci Hudson River Bank and Pernod-Ricard Foundation Dale and Laura Kutnick Foundation Lisa and Joel Benenson Trust Company Foundation Philipp Family Foundation New York State DEC Hudson River LE4 Family Foundation Blavatnik Family Foundation Glenn Hutchins Janice Pickering Estuary Program Thomas G. and Christina Lewis The Boston Beer Company/Angry Industrial Arts Brewing Company Pier Sixty, LLC Kowitz Family Foundation Susan Luciano Orchard Ironshore, Inc. Plymouth Hill Foundation David and Sarah Kowitz Patricia Nelson-Matkowski and Bydale Foundation Chandra Jessee Hope Rogers Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc. Charles N. Matkowski John D. Cahill, MD and JLT Specialty USA Constance L. and John Sargent Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Mental Insight Foundation Rachel Cahill John N. and Gillett A. Gilbert Scenic Hudson, Inc. Fund Judith Mogul and Daniel Kramer Charitable Lead Annuity Trust Family Fund Scott Schaevitz Jonathan G. and Jennifer Spanier The Nancy and Edwin Marks Under the Will of Louis Feil JSA Financial Group Peter Shapiro/The Capitol Theatre Waterkeeper Alliance Family Foundation The Charles Spear Charitable Charles and Jessica Kibel Rebecca and Jeff Soule Leslie K. Williams and James A. The New York Community Trust Foundation Leaves of Grass Fund Elizabeth B. Strickler and Attwood NorthLight Foundation Christine S. and Bruce Churchill Leo S. Walsh Foundation Mark T. Gallogly Park Foundation Construction Industry Council of The Lester and Phyllis Epstein Nancy and Mark Taylor $25,000-$99,999 The PCLB Foundation Westchester and Hudson Valley Foundation Thendara Foundation Anonymous (3) Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation Chip D’Angelo/WCD Group, LLC Steve Liesman and Karen F. Dukess Tiger Baron Foundation, Inc. 1199 SEIU New York’s Health S. Mackintosh and Christy Pulsifer Marilyn Dakin Lost Man Foundation Elizabeth B. and William W. Todd and Human Service Union Maria and Frederic Ragucci Kate Sinding Daly and Patrick Daly Lostand Foundation Ernest Tollerson and Carolyn Marks Blackwood Sun Hill Family Foundation Daniel J. and Edith A. Ehrlich Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation, Inc. Katrinka W. Leefmans Butler Conservation Fund Lucy R. Waletzky Family Foundation Louis Berger Charitable Foundation van Ameringen Foundation, Inc. The Charles Evans Hughes Wallace Action Fund of Joan K. Davidson/The J.M. Kaplan M&T Bank Illiana Van Meeteren and Memorial Foundation Tides Foundation Fund The Malcolm Hewitt Wiener Terence C. Boylan Charlotte Cunneen Hackett Water Foundation Reverends Nilcelia and Foundation Timon and Lori Malloy Charitable Trust Wescustogo Foundation Roger Davidson $1,000-$4,999 Linda B. Marks Katz Claneil Foundation Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Christopher J. DiAngelo and Anonymous (4) The Mary Ann and The Eileen Fisher Foundation Paul Zofnass and Renee Ring Lindsay Baker Allen’s Import Service Gordon Rich Family Fund EILEEN FISHER, Inc. Donald C. Brace Foundation American Media, LLC Lianne and Christopher McNally Eileen Fisher $5,000-$24,999 Glenn R. Dubin and Louisa Anastasopoulos Josephine A. Merck The Endeavor Foundation Anonymous (5) Eva Andersson-Dubin Joel Babbit Morgan Le Fay Dreams Foundation Michele Gage Agricultural Bank of China Durst Organization L.P. Mitchell Bacharach and Mark Nelkin and Lenore Malen Karenna Gore Anderson-Rogers Foundation, Inc. F.A.O. Schwarz Family Foundation Susan Zappone New York Architects’ Regatta Nicholas P. Groombridge and Vicki Aranow Feiner Fisher Brothers Foundation, Inc. Bank of America Charitable Foundation Kim Conner Elyse Arnow Brill and Joshua Arnow Irvine D. and Elizabeth Flinn Foundation The Normandie Foundation Hearst Arnow Family Fund Frederic R. Coudert Foundation Elizabeth Bankert Richard Pascoe and Clare Giffin Alexandra and Paul Herzan Associated Capital Group Stephen and Madelyn Givant Stephen Bardfield

28 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL Scott Barek Goldman Sachs & Co. Matching Elizabeth Overbay and Amazon Smile Foundation Mark Chertok Hugo Barreca Gift Program Matthew Traupman David P. Andros Paul Childs and Berit Schumann Matthew R. Basso Janet Harckham Michelle Y. Pak Arcos Cielos Kaare Christian and Robin Raskin Bauer Family Foundation, Inc. Marjorie and Gurnee Hart Alvin H. Perlmutter and Frances B. Ashforth Dr. Paula Chu Jessica Bauman and Ben Posel Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman Joan* Konner Katherine Augenblick Munk Clank and Steam Restaurant The Beatman Foundation, Inc. Liliane Haub Pfizer Foundation Matching Jeff Baehr Group, LLC Elaine S. Bernstein HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Gifts Program David Barra Connie Coker The Blue Belle Fund Helen Keeler Burke Charitable Penelope Pi-Sunyer Andrea Basora John Travis Compton Megan Boone Foundation Robert Pisani David and Royce Battleman Karen Connelly Michelle Boyar Molly Helfet Maresa Ponitch Don Baugh Glen R. and Linda B. Cooley Stuart Breslow and Anne Miller The Henry L. and Grace Doherty Sam Pratt Marcella Baum Cornell University Press Brooklyn Bowl Charitable Foundation, Inc. The Pyles-Cocolicchio Alexandra Becker Elizabeth A. Cullers JoAnn R. and Kirby Brown Michele Hertz and Lawrence Foundation, Inc. Mary Beidl and Paul Terry M. Patricia Cunningham Joseph Buchheit Friedman The Rockefeller Foundation Janet and Lawrence Bell Jason Czarnezki Maya Burkenroad Constance M. Hoguet Neel Matching Gift Program Dr. Boyce Bennett Mary Jane D’Arrigo CannonDesign Marion M. Hunt Julia and Albert M. Rosenblatt Joe and Kim Benson Ian Danic Sally F. and Chuck Carpenter IBM Corporation Kali Rosenblum and Kevin D. Smith John Benson Christine Davies Richard and Mrs. Chang William Janeway Nancy Rosenthal James Bergen and Vikki Jones Margaret B. DeRose Kim Charlton Amy Kantor Kelly Ruby Berner Family Fund Sterling DeWeese Jerome A. Chazen Yukako Kawata Ted Sabety and Patricia Butter Robert G. Bertoletti Gerald E. and Shirley W. Dunn Sarah E. Cogan and Laurel A. and Robin Kent Jim Schantz and Kim Saul / Beth Biegler Meghan Duran Douglas H. Evans Robert M. Kern The River Art Project Eric Bischoff EarthShare of New York Robert Corcoran George Kimmerling Benjamin Schellpfeffer Jeremiah Blatz and Jessica Denton S. Ebel Dal LaMagna Charitable Richard R. Knabel David P. Schuyler Thompson Blatz Esmee Einerson Lead Unitrust David Kornacker and Janet Harris Susan Sie Adam and Paula Block Cara Eisen and Gil Forer Dr. Rondi Davies Peter Lampke Sisters of the Presentation of Mary Christine Bockelmann Mootsy Elliot and Joseph Abrams The DeLisi Family Foundation Levin/Goffe Family Foundation the Blessed Virgin Mary James Boorstein Environmental Advocates of Amy B. Desmond Jonathan Levine and Annie Michelle D. Smith Dr. Robert Lee Boothe and New York The Dianne and David Stern Kaempfer Levine Patty Smith Mary Ann Boothe Sharon Esakoff Foundation Lovinger Family Foundation Kate Solomon and David Wasserman Peyton Boswell and Lyndsey Read Lottie Esteban Michael Didovic Sarah Lutz and John van Rens Kate Staples Robert Boyle The Esther and Morton Dr. Sheila Dinaburg-Azoff Dr. Kara Mason Stinchcomb Family Fund Helen and Robert Braun Wohlgemuth Foundation Arden D. Down Mathis Pfohl Foundation Robin J. Stout and Elise Wagner Elizabeth Brenkus Steven M. Estok Laura Dukess Kevin McEvoy and Barbara Epstein Trey Taylor Matthew and Susan Brennan Thomas and Lisa* L. Evans Jonathan and Michaelene Durst Karen and Charlie Menduni Julie Taymor and Elliot Goldenthal Dr. and Mrs. Marinus Johan Broekman Ellen Hackl Fagan Stephen and Ingrid Dyott Alan and Janis Menken Joseph Terranova Mary Brookings Andrews Liz Faulkner Lynn A. and William Edsall Friedrike Merck Thanh Tran Patricia Buchanan and Alan Finkel Dr. Paul M. Elmowsky Morgan Stanley van Itallie Foundation, Inc. Chandu Visweswariah Peter Fisch and Jill Levy-Fisch Empire Dragon Boat Team, Inc. Emmanuel and Kathryn Morlet Ken Vittor and Judith Aisen Bruce Bumstead and Michael C. and Anne Fishbone Gale Epstein Jessica Munzel and Jonathan Jan Alane Wysocki Irene Ceron Bumstead Josh Fisher Mark Ettenger Gordon Andrew Burchenal Susan Fox Rogers Henry and Aline Euler Naomi and Stephen Myers $250-$999 Jeffrey and Allee* Burt Chris Franks Stephen Flavin Narrative Content Group, LLC Anonymous (2) Anne E. Burton Karen Freedman and Roger Lenny Formato Natural Resources Defense Council Nancy and Colman Abbe Albert and Brenda Butzel Weisberg Kraig Fox New York State Nurses Association Aegean Capital, LLC Tara Caroll Megan Gadd and Nathan M. Wilson Curt and Sabelle Frasca Elliot Newhouse James Aisenberg and Suzanne Katherine F. Cary and Manu Bammi Sarah Galbraith John P. and Audrey R. Furfaro Nicholas and Cassandra Gaba Aisenberg Sara Cashen Kaja Gam Paul Gallay and Tracey Jordan Ludington Fund The Alben F. Bates and Clara Paul A. Castrucci Mark Garrahan and Kristin Gamble Jennifer O’Connor and G. Bates Foundation Charles B. and Louis R. Perini Leonora C. Merkel The Gere Foundation Daniel Burstein Michael Allocco Family Foundation Burt Garson

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 29 Dr. John Garver and Nicolas Kory Caren Mintz Charlene J. Ray Anna Tam Jacqueline Smith James Kousouros Marcia Minuskin and Mary Jane Raymond Julie C. Tan Elissa Gershon Keith Krasney Jeffrey Zonenshine Robert Reagan Jessica Tcherepnine The Ginger Man Geraldine S. Kunstadter Giles Mitchell Cynthia and Michael Reichman Alison R. and Andrew P. Thompson Joshua Ginsberg John W. Ladd Alan and Alice H. Model Denise A. Rempe David Todd Robert M. Ginsberg Ilene S. Landress S. Louis Mogul Joel and Jeanne Resnick Arnold Toren Nancy and Mark Golodetz Ruth Landstrom Andrew Moore Rhinebeck Rotary Club Deirdre Towers Chad Gomes and Alexandra Pappas Marjorie Lang Lindsay and Ken Morgan Melissa and James K. Rinzler Trevor Day School Patricia Goodwin Steven Lanser Anson Mount James and Kathleen Rittinger Andrew Tucker Google Matching Gifts Program Lavori Sterling Foundation Mary and Dan Mullan River Architects Traci Tullius Brian Grahn and Maki Parsons Glen Lawrence and Alice M. Nancy Malcomson Connable Fund Lawrence Roman Unitarian Universalist Congregation Francis Greenburger Hendrickson The Nature Conservancy Briana Rose of the Catskills Deborah A. Griffin Harold T. Leidy and Colleen David Neil Philip Rosenbloom Unitarian Universalist Congregation Aaron Grumet Duffy céile Leidy Judith Nelson Monica Roslow of the Hudson Valley David Haase Dr. David Levy Louise Neville Suzie Ross Hugo H. and Mariet C. Van Der Deborah Harry Michael Lewis and Susannah Newcombe Foundation Eric Rothenberg and Heide Jacob Hashimoto Falk Lewis Hugh Nickola Catherine A. Ludden Drusilla R. van Hengel Laurie and Johan Hedlund Capt. John Lipscomb Martin Nutty Amanda Rubin Mary Van Keuren Heimbinder Family Foundation Richard and Elizabeth Livingston Eileen O’Brien and Jose Cardona H.S. Russell Irene and Richard Van Slyke Kathryn Heintz Ginny and John Loughlin Mary O’Donnell Sally Sanderlin Elisabeth and Richard* E. Voigt Robinson Doris and Albert Lowenfels Matthew O’Neill Kerstin and Himanshu Saxena Frederick Harding Volp Clay Hiles and Sarah Chasis Linda J. Luca Christopher OBrien Jeff Schaumburg Barbara Wall-Scanlon Jack S. and Bernice Hoffinger James Lynch Peter M. Odell, M.D. and Jason Schifman Charles S. and Jacqueline Warren Randi Marie Hoffmann Steve MacDonald Claire L. Odell Kate Schmeidler Louise Washer Rita L. Houlihan G. Michael MacElhiney Todd and Liz* Ommen David Eliot Segal Raina Washington Diane Houslanger Alex MacInnes Linde Ostro and Scott Silver Stephen H. and Wendy Shalen J. D. Weinberg Hudson Sea Glass Robert Madden Katherine K. and Isaac Shamah Jason Weinberg Matthew Hudson Main Street School, Irvington Matthew R. Ostrom Lauren Katzowitz Shenfield and Alicia Weissman Mei Be Hunkins Union Free School District Pace University Marc Shenfield Ginger Wey Andre A. and Kelly Hunter Michael J. Mars Michele Paladino Laurie H. and Jay D. Schulz Edward Whitney and Edward Ip Jeanne G. and David W. Martowski Joseph Paparone Dr. Lester Sills and Dr. Karen Sokol Martha Howell Ellen Ivens Deborah Masters Patagonia Retail Jennifer L. Soffen Laura A. S. Wildman Jacob Burns Foundation, Inc. Maverick Capital Charities Meatpacking District Paige Reidy Soffen and Jeffrey Soffen Dorothy Williams Michael B. Jacobs The May Foundation The Patricia E. Phelan and Joseph Dee Solin Dr. Susan Wilt Robert and Anita Jacobson W. Carl Mayer W. Phelan Family Foundation Irene and Joseph Sollano Peter D. Wolf and Christina Griffin Thomas Jarrett Jill Maynard Ann Patton and Arthur Lowenstein Gregory Solomon Women of the Presbyterian Nancy Johnston and Timothy Fisher Bradley McCormick Robert Peabody Roy Solomon and Yvonne VanCort James and Frances R. Wood Andrew Juhl Patty Smyth and John McEnroe Jason Lee Perri Susan D. Solomon Woodstock Land Conservancy Charles Karp Steven McIntyre and Ronald and Geraldine Pinkerton Stephen Sparkes Frank Woodworth Paul and Dot Keller Margaret McIntyre Enloe Lawrence B. Pomeroy Andre Spears and Anne Rosen Mike Wray Charles L. Kerr and Christopher McLallen Diana Praus Jonathan Spencer Peter Yoars Heather Thomas John McLaughlin Eleanor O. Preiss Jennifer Stefani Jas Yolles Summer Killian Judith Ann and Hunter McQuistion Joan P. Prentice Bob Stein Sam Zarou Eric Klein Paul and Robin Meadows Jeanne and Martin Puryear Jane Stein * Deceased Suzanne Knaster Rebecca Menon Sharon Quayle and W. Roger Buck Laurie Storm and Lawrence Kaagan Susan Koff Edward Mertz Michael Rae and Tamar Henkin Bente Strong Nancy Petschek-Kohn and Joseph Messing Bonnie Raitt Dana B. Stuart-Bullock Stephen Kohn Laura K. Metallo Caroline Ranald James R. Sussmann Helene J. Kommel Roger and Barbara Michaels Ethan Rapp Jon Swallen Phil Mindlin Ashley Rauch Carl Taeusch

30 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Fiscal Year 2019

Riverkeeper increased both its total support and revenue during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. We gratefully acknowledge the generous contributions of our private, corporate, and public supporters and members, who number more than 5,000 a year. Without your generous support, we would not be able to continue to carry out our important work on behalf of the Hudson River, New York City’s drinking water supply and the communities that rely on the health and protection of these waters. We hope you will take pride in all that we have accomplished together and all that we aim to achieve. For a detailed Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Financial Activities for Fiscal Year 2019, please visit riverkeeper.org/ financials.

SUPPORT AND REVENUE OPERATING EXPENSES Total $5,120,898 Total $4,837,618

Contributions $3,325,317 (64.94%) Management & General Special Events $123,603 (2.56%) $896,493 (17.50%) Fundraising $376,489 (7.78%) In-kind Services $868,306 (16.96%) Program Services $4,337,526 (89.66%) Legal Settlements & Cost Reimbursements $27,658 (0.54%)

Investment & Other $3,124 (0.06%)

Riverkeeper is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt membership organization incorporated Awarded the top rating under the laws of the State of New York in 1984 and a top-ranked 501(c)(3) charity. by Charity Navigator

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 31 COMMUNITY

Get Involved We envision a Hudson River teeming with life, flowing with clean, swimmable waters from end to end, and healthy, abundant drinking water for all New Yorkers. Please join our team and be a voice for the river.

Members Workplace Giving A gift of any amount makes you a member, and full mem- A growing number of employees at major corporations bership benefits start with annual donations of $50. Our and government agencies have access to EarthShare Sustainers Program includes members who make monthly New York, making it easy to designate Riverkeeper as the donations—the most valuable kind of gift because we can beneficiary of charitable giving via payroll deduction. You count on your continued support while reducing overhead can also ask your employer about matching gifts. Contact costs. Contact Monica Dietrich at ext. 222. Monica Dietrich at ext. 222.

Young Advocates Council Business Membership The Young Advocates Council is an active group of young Businesses support Riverkeeper in a variety of ways, professionals who serve as Riverkeeper ambassadors and including direct donations, membership in our Corporate are dedicated to increasing Riverkeeper’s visibility through Stewardship Council, participation in service projects, events, social media and fundraising. Contact Jen Benson and sponsorship of events such as Riverkeeper Sweep, at ext. 234. Fishermen's Ball and Rally on the River. Contact Linde Ostro at ext. 229. Gifts of Stock Riverkeeper accepts gifts of appreciated stock, which Volunteers, Activists, Fans and Friends are sold upon receipt to support our work and programs. When it’s time to make a big noise, Riverkeeper needs Contact Monica Gutierrez at ext. 246. its supporters. Sign up to stay informed about issues and special events, and to take action by visiting our “Get Planned Giving Involved” page on Riverkeeper.org. Planned giving is a lasting way of ensuring our clean water mission endures for generations. Special gifts can Contact Us be achieved through bequests or charitable trusts, and Phone: 914-478-4501 Email: [email protected] can include real estate, bonds or other tangible assets. Mailing Address: Riverkeeper, 20 Secor Road, Contact Linde Ostro at ext. 229. Ossining, NY 10562 Website: riverkeeper.org

32 RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL LEAH RAE BY PHOTOS COMMUNITY

Our Team

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ginny Johnson Susan Luciano Jennifer Epstein, Water Sebastian Pillitteri, Community Ernest Tollerson, Chair John Koblinsky Eric Nevin Quality Program Scientist Science Coordinator Kate Sinding Daly, Vice Chair Michael Peroutka James Prosek Neale Gulley, Boat Program Rebecca Pryor, Program Nicholas Groombridge, Secretary Kyle Sitzman Mackin Pulsifer Associate and Watchdog Liaison Coordinator Jonathan Spanier, Treasurer Qurban Walia Maria Ragucci Monica Gutierrez, Senior Finance Leah Rae, Staff Writer Paul Gallay, President and Devon Walsh Rebecca Cheeks Soule, PhD and Operations Coordinator and Media Specialist Hudson Riverkeeper George Jackman, PhD, Senior Chrissy Remein, NYC Senior Lisa Benenson ADVISORY BOARD CORPORATE STEWARDSHIP Habitat Restoration Manager Project Coordinator Carolyn Marks Blackwood Ramsay Adams COUNCIL Victoria Leung, Associate Jessica Roff, Director of Katharine Butler Eddie Bautista Angry Orchard Staff Attorney Advocacy and Engagement Maria Castaneda Terence Boylan AVANGRID Foundation - NYSEG John Lipscomb, Patrol Boat Captain Dan Shapley, Water Quality Christine Churchill Elyse Arnow Brill EILEEN FISHER, Inc. and Vice President for Advocacy Program Director Karenna Gore Al Butzel Ironshore Rebecca Martin, Senior Cliff Weathers, Martin Hampel, PhD Bob Elliott Jack Rogers Campaign Coordinator Communications Director Alexandra Herzan Irvine D. Flinn JSA Robin Meadows, Chief Financial Richard Webster, Legal Ellen Kozak Chad Gomes M&T Bank and Operating Officer Program Director Dale Kutnick Ellen Ivens Nicholas Mitch, FAO Schwarz William Wegner, Staff Scientist STAFF Thomas G. Lewis Joy James Family Foundation Fellow Paul Gallay, President and Steve Liesman Marjorie Lang Linde Ostro, PhD, Hudson Riverkeeper Timon Malloy Jeremy Markman Vice President, Development Elizabeth Allee, Emmanuel Morlet Dr. Wade McGillis Events Manager Leslie Williams Mary McNamara Karina Almonte, Development Paul Zofnass Allen Monks and Database Coordinator Mary McNamara, Advisory Nella Pineda-Marcon Jen Benson, Outreach Coordinator Board Representative James Salmon Krista Birenkrant, Senior Toren Kutnick, Young Jeff Scales Grants Manager Advocates Council Liaison Sharon Volckhausen Deborah Brown, Chief of Staff Ronald A. DeSilva, Emeritus Charles S. Warren Ramona Cearley, Policy and George Hornig, Emeritus Jan Wysocki Enforcement Associate Henry Lewis Kingsley, Emeritus Gwendolyn Chambers, Richard Knabel, Emeritus LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Heidi Albertsen Web Manager & Digital Specialist YOUNG ADVOCATES COUNCIL Mark Bittman Jeremy Cherson, Legislative Toren Kutnick, Chair Jon Bowermaster Advocacy Manager Sara Alpert Eileen Fisher Monica Dietrich, Rosalind Becker Tim Guinee Membership Manager Joseph Buchheit David Kowitz Erin Doran, Senior Attorney Michael Jacobs Maya Lin Mike Dulong, Senior Attorney

RIVERKEEPER JOURNAL 33 Defending New York's waterways since 1966