Paddle for Open Space

Celebrates Clean, Green Bergen County

 

By Hugh M. Carola

 

One of Bergen County’s biggest Earth Week events, the Celebration and Paddle for Open Space on April 25 commemorated both the re-adoption of the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland & Historic Trust Fund (Trust) and the recent passage of the state’s new stormwater rules.  Hundreds of people attended the celebration which was co-sponsored by Hackensack Riverkeeper and Bergen Save the Watershed Action Network (Bergen SWAN).

“The event, with its emphasis on enjoyment of the river, its varied green spaces and its man-made landmarks, was meant to be a pep rally of sorts,” said Lori Charkey, Bergen SWAN co-director. “It was a day to help all of us on the ‘front lines’ delight in our accomplishments and to reinvigorate us for the hard work ahead.”

The highlight of the day was when nearly 50 canoes, kayaks and an Adirondack Guide Boat took to the river at Hackensack’s Foschini Park for a guided trip led by Captain Bill Sheehan, executive director of Hackensack Riverkeeper, and noted Bergen County historian Timothy Adriance. The trip leaders took turns sharing their knowledge of the ecology and history of the Hackensack River to the scores of paddlers.

Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney, Freeholder Chairwoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D) and Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk (R-39) were among the elected officials who joined Captain Bill, Ms. Charkey and her Bergen SWAN colleague Mark Becker for the four-mile trip round trip to historic New Bridge Landing.

The event celebrated two other environmental milestones:

a New Jersey’s Phase Two Stormwater Regulations were adopted earlier this year and survived a recent court challenge by the NJ Builders Association.

a The upper reaches of the Hackensack River watershed were designated Category One Waterways – the highest level of protection available to freshwater resources.

“The people of Bergen County consistently make their voices heard on the environment and our elected officials are listening,” said Captain Bill. “I can’t remember a time when we’ve had such a strong level of support from both the administrations in Trenton and in Bergen County on clean water issues.”

The day’s festivities included environmental presentations and speeches, live bluegrass and Celtic music, door prizes, free food and guided tours of the historic Steuben House at New Bridge Landing and a guided paddle of the Hackensack River.

NJ Division of Parks and Forestry interpreter Sue Shutte treated visitors to a guided tour of the historic grounds and buildings at New Bridge Landing where docents in colonial dress provided visitors with glimpses into 18th century Bergen County life.

Governor James McGreevey was unable to attend but sent Assistant DEP Commissioner Ernest Hahn to address the crowd. “I commend Bergen SWAN and Hackensack Riverkeeper for their hard work and dedication which have made immeasurable contributions to New Jersey’s efforts in protecting our natural resources,” the Governor stated.