FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Secaucus, NJ – Hackensack Riverkeeper will set another benchmark on the recovery of the river this season with the introduction of its Eco-Canoe Summer Camp. Hackensack Riverkeeper currently operates the first and only small boat rental service on the Hackensack River in more than fifty years. The summer camp is the newest way to bring recreation and first-hand river experience back to the citizens of the watershed.

The canoe trips, begun in 1999, have been centered in and around Secaucus, NJ, but will now span the entire length of the River. "There's more to this watershed than the Meadowlands and we expect more interest and increased participation from individuals and conservation groups" said project manager Jared Eudell.

Of the camp's three sessions, two will offer a Monday-to-Friday day camp for both novice and advanced paddlers. Both of these excursions will include paddling adventures on the upper and lower sections of the watershed. The Novice session will focus on instruction to build a camper's proficiency, while the Advanced session both assumes and requires a high level of experience.

The third session will be an overnight camping trip running from Friday to Sunday and will be spent entirely at Congers Lake Memorial Park in Clarkstown, NY which has agreed to host the northern portion of the camp program. "Hopefully, this watershed-wide endeavor and our new partnership with Clarkstown will erase the proverbial line in the sand between the upper and lower constituencies of the watershed," said Eudell.

The cost of the camps range from $140 to $190 and accommodates all ages beginning at 13 years old, depending on the activities of the camp session. All meals and transportation to and from paddling locations will be provided by Hackensack Riverkeeper as part of the camp program. More information about the Eco-Canoe Summer Camp can be obtained by calling 201-692-8440 or by visiting www.hackensackriverkeeper.org/canoeproject.html.