Scenic Hudson Applauds Rep. Maurice Hinchey for Securing Key Federal Funding to Protect the Highlands

HUDSON VALLEY—Scenic Hudson applauds U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, who has secured critical federal resources to protect water quality and promote the Hudson Valley's tourism economy. Rep. Hinchey successfully negotiated $4 million in funding for the Highlands Conservation Act (HCA) during the House Interior Appropriations Committee budget markup on Monday, June 11.

The HCA matches a federal investment with funds raised by New York State and private land conservation organizations to protect the Highlands—3.5 million acres of undeveloped forest, farmland and rugged hills stretching from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and New York to Connecticut. In addition to being the source of drinking water for 20 million people, the Highlands attracts 15 million visitors each year who enjoy hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. They contribute substantially to the Hudson Valley's $4.7-billion tourism economy that sustains 80,000 jobs.

"Maurice Hinchey's vision and tireless advocacy has once again helped the Hudson Valley keep on the path of economic recovery and environmental protection. He has established himself as one of the most effective leaders on environmental issues in New York State and the nation," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan.

Passed by Congress in 2004, the HCA acknowledged that conservation of the Highlands is vital to the region's prosperity. The HCA is specifically targeted to generate tangible outcomes and broad public benefits. President Obama included $5 million for the program in his 2012 proposed budget. The House majority eliminated HCA funding this spring in conjunction with other disproportionate cuts to environmental programs.

"Conserving these lands complements federal, state and local policies. It was a shock to see the initial Congressional budget proposal disregard the obvious public benefits and high return that the Highland Conservation Act provides. Fortunately, Congressman Hinchey persevered and educated his colleagues about the importance of protecting drinking water and natural lands," said Scenic Hudson Director of Public Policy Andy Bicking.

Bicking noted that the effort to restore funding to the Highlands Conservation Act was bipartisan, with New Jersey Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen closely collaborating with Rep. Hinchey. He also lauded Rep. Elliot Engle, who spearheaded an effort earlier this year to raise awareness of the HCA, and Reps. Nita Lowey and Nan Hayworth for their support of HCA funding.

Protection of the Highlands is a collaborative endeavor, with federal support matched 100 percent by state and local governments and private organizations, making Highlands funding an effective leveraged investment of federal resources. The private land conservation community has been supportive of these efforts, often serving in a pre-acquisition role to position projects prior to federal and state engagement, thereby maximizing the application of limited public resources in a true spirit of public-private partnership.

The HCA authorized $100 million in land conservation projects and $10 million for forest service programs in the Highlands. While the program has only received a portion of the allowable funds over its history, the HCA has delivered on its promise to support the work of New York State in achieving the mission of its Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and has leveraged $11 million in state funds.

Many visitors to the Highlands enjoy the ridge-top topography and thinly wooded summits that offer panoramic vistas of the Hudson River and the region. The Highlands contains unique natural habitats ranging from brackish tidal marshes and mudflats along the river's edge to pitch pine-oak-heath, rocky summit forest and rocky grasslands at higher elevations. In between, the mountain slopes are dominated by oak hickory and chestnut oak forests. The region supports several state-listed threatened species, such as eastern timber rattlesnakes, bald eagles and least bitterns.

Protecting the natural functions of the Highlands saves tax dollars by reducing the need for costly man-made infrastructure. A recent survey of 27 water suppliers found that for every 10-percent increase in forest cover in a municipal water system's watershed, costs of water treatment decreased by 20 percent. The Highlands' also provide substantial health benefits. Its trees sequester pollutants that contribute to asthma, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, while releasing oxygen. Woodlands and wetlands collect and purify water that filters into the ground to recharge local aquifers, which communities depend on for drinking water. Vegetation and wetlands also intercept rainfall, preventing it from flowing into streams where it could cause flooding. Maintaining biodiversity plays an important role in preventing diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. To date Scenic Hudson has created or enhanced more than 50 parks, preserves and historic sites up and down the Hudson River and conserved more than 30,000 acres.

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