Our Story

Riverkeeper is an independent, member-supported environmental organization founded on the premise that citizens themselves must roll up their sleeves to defend our waterways.

Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect the ecological integrity of the Hudson River and its tributaries, and to safeguard the drinking water supply of New York City and the lower Hudson Valley.

For more than 40 years Riverkeeper has been New York’s #1 clean water advocate. We have helped to establish globally recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection and serve as the model and mentor for the growing Waterkeeper movement that includes more than more than 180 Keeper programs across the country and around the globe.

• A Brief History

  Riverkeeper began as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association (HRFA), an environmental watchdog and enforcement organization founded by a group of concerned fisherman in 1966 under the leadership of Bob Boyle. Tom Whyatt served as HRFA’s first “Riverkeeper” in the early 70’s, monitoring the Hudson for pollution. In 1983 the HRFA launched a patrol boat, and hired John Cronin as the first full-time Hudson Riverkeeper, creating a Riverkeeper organization based on his work. The HRFA changed its name to Riverkeeper in 1986.

  Today, Alex Matthiessen serves as Hudson Riverkeeper and President, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is our Chief Prosecuting Attorney, and John Lipscomb is our Boat Captain. Learn More