Protect River Ecology

The Hudson River is not your typical river. In fact, most of the Hudson is actually a tidal estuary where salt water from the ocean combines with freshwater from northern tributaries. This “brackish”, or mixing, water extends from the mouth of the Hudson to the Federal Dam in Troy, NY, approximately 153 miles. The salt front of the estuary, where the freshwater runoff meets the saline water, may range from the Tappan Zee Bridge/Yonkers in the spring to Newburgh Bay/Poughkeepsie in the late summer or during droughts. Because the Hudson River is a tidal estuary, meaning it ebbs and flows with the ocean tide, it supports a biologically rich environment; making it an important ecosystem for various species of aquatic life. For many key species, it provides critical habitats and essential spawning and breeding grounds.

• Hudson River Anchorages

  Forty-two Hudson River anchorages in ten locations on the Hudson River are being proposed to serve primarily to be parking spots for barges carrying crude oil.
  Learn more and find out what you can do.

• By Rail, By River, By PipelineCrude Oil Transport

  With very little public awareness and no study of environmental impacts, the oil industry has made the Hudson Valley into one arm of a dangerous “virtual pipeline” for crude oil that snakes thousands of miles by rail, barge and ship from oil fields in North Dakota, Canada and elsewhere, to refineries on both coasts.

  The potential human and environmental impacts of this “virtual pipeline” are anything but virtual. The Hudson River, its tributaries and every community along the river or the freight rail line are at risk from spills and fires.
  Learn more about the risks, what Riverkeeper is doing and what you can do to protect your community and the river.

• Saving Hudson River Fish

  In Brief:

  Riverkeeper’s Fishable River Campaign is aimed at halting the decline of the Hudson River’s signature fish species and restoring their numbers to sustainable levels. The campaign addresses the many negative impacts on the health of our fish including: habitat loss and degradation, sewage overflows, power plant fishkills, fish barriers, invasive species, ocean bycatch and overfishing.
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• Storm Surge Barriers

  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering several options for coastal storm protections in our region, and some of these options would have catastrophic consequences for the Hudson and New York Harbor. Specifically, storm surge barriers – giant ocean gates – would choke off tidal flow and the migration of fish – damaging the life of the Hudson River Estuary forever.
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• Trash Free Hudson

  Through advocacy, prevention, community education and stewardship, Riverkeeper is working towards a trash-free Hudson. Our annual day of service, Riverkeeper Sweep, has become a catalyst for sustained, year-round action. Recognizing that our local trash and marine debris is part of a global problem, we are expanding our efforts to stem the tide. Learn more about what we’re doing and how you can get involved

• Waterfront Development Watch

  Riverkeeper monitors and reviews proposed development projects along the Hudson River that may have adverse impacts on critical habitats. We engage developers, government, and coalitions to practice and promote smart growth and low impact development.
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• Clean Boating

  While most boaters are conscientious stewards of the environment, the standard marine toilet installed on many vessels can harm the delicate aquatic ecosystem.
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• Public Access

  Why do we care about public access to the Hudson River? Because we believe that every citizen deserves not only a clean river, but also a way to experience and enjoy it. If people are allowed to use the river, then they will appreciate it, and they will defend it. Our goal is to expand access to the river for a variety of uses.
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