Landmark Meeting in Hudson

Photo: Jeff Anzevino

On Thursday, June 24, Scenic Hudson convened, for the first time ever, scientific experts on the ecology of Hudson’s South Bay in a symposium hosted by the Hudson River Environmental Society.

Four speakers, Fran Dunwell (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program), Dan Miller (Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve), Dr. Erik Kiviat (Hudsonia Ltd.), and Dr. Stuart Findlay (The Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies), provided overviews of South Bay’s history and the current state of scientific knowledge about its habitat values, biodiversity, and ecological functions.

An audience of about 30 scientific and community stakeholders attended the symposium, including elected officials from the City of Hudson, a Town of Greenport planning board member, representatives of several community groups and land trusts, staff from New York State Department of State Coastal Management Program, and industrial property owners and operators Holcim (US) Inc. and O&G Industries, Inc.

Once an unimpeded open harbor, construction of the Hudson River Railroad in the 1850s, a causeway bisecting the bay, a series of dredge and fill operations and industrial activity transformed South Bay’s ecology. In spite of South Bay’s alterations, it still hosts a surprisingly diverse array of plant and animal species, including several considered “high quality” and some that are rare: Northern Harrier, River otter, Northern leopard frog, Jefferson salamander, and six Natural Heritage-listed plants.

The symposium left participants energized and asking “How can we continue this conversation toward a clearer vision of South Bay’s future?” In spite of the four informative presentations, the conclusion drawn by many is that there is much we do not yet know about South Bay. Participants suggested the need for additional studies regarding fishes, birds (in non-breeding season), mosses, contaminants, and tidal exchange and hydrology.

Thanks to the Hudson River Environmental Symposium and Dr. Bob Daniels for hosting and moderating the discussion.