USFWS Director Takes Eco-Cruise, Meets the Meadowlands

 

By Hugh M. Carola

 

On August 27, Hackensack Riverkeeper had the honor of introducing Steve Williams, Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to the New Jersey Meadowlands.  Mr. Williams, a career wildlife management professional, served as the Director of the Kansas Department of Fish and Wildlife before being named by President Bush to the federal post last year.

Hugh takes the helm as Capt. Bill shows off the marsh.

The contingent makes a stop on land to look at the impounded Moonachie Creek.

The special Eco-Cruise was arranged by Bob McDowell, Director of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to take place during Mr. Williams’ official visit to our state. Accompanying the Directors were staffers from both of their agencies, officials from the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, representatives of Ducks Unlimited and a host of other conservation professionals. Joining Capt. Bill in welcoming Mr. Williams to the Meadowlands (and advocating for its protection) was Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ9th) who also took part in the Eco-Cruise.

The tides cooperated with us that day and allowed us to navigate Mill Creek and Saw Mill Creek and even Bellman’s and Doctor’s Creeks with the “Edward Abbey.”  Migrating shorebirds, herons and raptors were observed throughout the trip including an adult Peregrine falcon atop the PSE&G Kearny Generating Station.

As he was leaving, Director Williams shook Capt. Bill’s hand and like so many other passengers before him said, “I had no idea all this was here. Thank you for showing it to me.”

 

 

 

Hudson County Visioning Session held aboard the “Abbey”

 

Parks Department, County Government plan for future riverside open space

 

By Hugh M. Carola

 

Capt. Bill and I said goodbye to USFWS Director Williams, and then had to top-off the fuel tank of the “Edward Abbey” for another trip that evening. At Laurel Hill Park in Hudson County, we met Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise, leaders of the Hudson County Parks Department, and some of the top open space advocates in the county out on the River. Once underway, that Eco-Cruise became a visioning session during which the future of the county’s Hackensack River and Newark Bay shorelines were discussed.

“We’re going to create a public walkway from Lincoln Park in Jersey City and bring it all the way around the tip of Bayonne,” said Jersey City Councilman Mariano Vega who is also the County’s Director of Public Resources. “And then we’re going to link it with the Hudson River Walkway and ring the whole County with riverfront access.” Upon completion, the ambitious plan will be an example that cities and urban areas worldwide can emulate. Parks Department Chief Thomas McCann and his colleague Kenneth Jennings detailed plans for the redevelopment of Lincoln Park and the environmental restoration at Bayonne County Park. “Despite Hudson County being the most densely populated place in America,” said Mr. Jennings, “we’re committed to providing our citizens with the opportunity to have a quality open space experience.” By the time we brought our passengers back to Laurel Hill, Capt. Bill and I were both impressed by their dedication and looked forward with delight to the future of recreation and public access in our watershed.

Capt. Bill and Ken Jennings address Mariano Vega (second from left) and other County decision makers.