Captain Bill Named 2004 River Hero

 

By Hugh M. Carola

 

River Network, a national environmental organization, has named Hackensack Riverkeeper’s Captain Bill Sheehan a 2004 River Hero for his longstanding environmental leadership and for his role as a “leading architect” of the new Meadowlands Master Plan.

Each year, River Network recognizes four “River Heroes” from across America who have made a life-long commitment to clean water and healthy communities. Nominated by his staff, Captain Bill garnered letters of support from Governor James McGreevey, New Jersey Meadowlands Commission Executive Director Robert Ceberio and Waterkeeper Alliance President Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

“A tenacious, tireless advocate, Bill has proved to be a skilled champion of wetlands, standing up to developers, politicians and anybody else who says they want to destroy wetlands in the name of progress,” said Kennedy.

“Bill Sheehan has demonstrated a consistent commitment to New Jersey's environment, specifically the preservation of our Meadowlands, said NJ Governor James E. McGreevey. “His hard work and dedication have made immeasurable contributions to New Jersey's efforts in protecting our natural resources.”

Captain Bill received his River Hero award on May 24 in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the National River Rally, the largest gathering of river and watershed conservationists in America.

“I am so very honored to receive this award because it comes from my peers,” said Capt. Bill, who always keeps a copy of River Network's The Clean Water Act: An Owner's Manual close at hand, “This is an award I will especially cherish for as long as I live.”

River Network was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Since then, they've helped build a network of support for a growing river conservation movement - something that dovetails nicely with the goals of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Today, River Network is a national leader in supporting the more than 4,000 community-based river groups across the country working at regional, state and local levels.

“New Jersey is so fortunate to have someone like Captain Sheehan on the job,” said Don Elder, president of River Network. “ Bill has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Hackensack River watershed and its citizens. He is true hero and a consummate leader.”