Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan OCTOBER 1, 2019–OCTOBER 1, 2024 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor | Basil Seggos, Commissioner Acknowledgments This plan was prepared by staff of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, including Betsy Blair, Chris Bowser, Ann-Marie Caprioli, Brian DeGasperis, Sarah Fernald, Heather Gierloff, Emilie Hauser, Dan Miller, and Sarah Mount, with the assistance of Andy Burgher, Cathy Kittle, and Bill Rudge in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Ed McGowan of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and Nina Garfield and Ann Weaver of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office for Coastal Management. We appreciate input that has informed development of this plan provided by other colleagues, local leaders, county officials, environmental organizations, researchers, educators, and marsh managers. Suggested citation: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). 2019. Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan. Albany, NY. Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................... iv Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1 The Reserve .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Purpose and Scope of Plan .................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction to the Federal National Estuarine Research Reserve System .......................................... 4 Introduction to the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve ............................................. 5 Sites ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Strategic Plan ............................................................................................................................................ 22 Vision ................................................................................................................................................... 22 Mission ................................................................................................................................................ 22 Programmatic Goals ............................................................................................................................ 22 Operational Goals ............................................................................................................................... 22 Core Practices ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Reserve Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 23 Administrative Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 26 Organizational Framework .................................................................................................................. 26 Operation Funding ............................................................................................................................... 29 Staff and Volunteers ............................................................................................................................ 29 Advisory Committees .......................................................................................................................... 31 Vessels and Vehicles .......................................................................................................................... 32 Objectives and Strategies ................................................................................................................... 32 Facilities and Construction ...................................................................................................................... 33 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 33 Current Facilities ................................................................................................................................. 33 Facility Challenges .............................................................................................................................. 34 Facility Needs ...................................................................................................................................... 35 Objectives and Strategies ................................................................................................................... 36 Public Access and Visitor Use ................................................................................................................ 38 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 38 Access and Permitted Uses ................................................................................................................ 38 Management Authorities ..................................................................................................................... 43 Natural Resource Protection ................................................................................................................ 43 Objectives and Strategies ................................................................................................................... 45 Education ................................................................................................................................................... 46 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 46 Geographic Focus ............................................................................................................................... 46 Program Descriptions .......................................................................................................................... 47 Education Facilities ............................................................................................................................. 50 Education Program Evaluation and Assessment ................................................................................ 50 Objectives and Strategies ................................................................................................................... 51 HUDSON RIVER NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN i Estuary Training Program ........................................................................................................................ 53 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 53 Training Needs .................................................................................................................................... 53 Priorities and Opportunities ................................................................................................................. 54 Audiences ............................................................................................................................................ 55 Training Delivery ................................................................................................................................. 55 Partners ............................................................................................................................................... 55 Integration with Other Sectors ............................................................................................................. 57 Evaluation ............................................................................................................................................ 57 Objectives and Strategies ................................................................................................................... 58 Research and Monitoring ......................................................................................................................... 59 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 59 NERRS Research and Monitoring Program........................................................................................ 59 Hudson River Reserve Monitoring ...................................................................................................... 61 Reserve Research Focus Areas ......................................................................................................... 63 Key Research Partnerships................................................................................................................. 66 Fellowships and Internships ...............................................................................................................