Scenic Hudson Taps Staffer to Expand Public Affairs Effort

POUGHKEEPSIE -- With a new administration in Albany pursuing an ambitious environmental agenda -- including more money for conservation and a focus on smart growth -- and with the legislature and governor passing landmark environmental initiatives, Scenic Hudson is advancing a stronger public affairs program.

Andy Bicking

The group, which works along the Hudson River corridor from New York City to Albany, has promoted Andy Bicking of Esopus, Ulster County, to head this new initiative. Mr. Bicking has been with Scenic Hudson in positions of increasing responsibility since 1998. Among his many accomplishments, he developed the award-winning Great River Sweep, a Scenic Hudson event that during nine years was responsible for removing 400 tons of riverside trash. It grew to annually engage 7,000 volunteers in more than 100 communities. When the all-volunteer event matured enough to run on its own, volunteers wanted Scenic Hudson to focus on valleywide solutions to sprawling development that threatens the region's world-class beauty and future prosperity.

"What happens in Albany, as well as in Washington, D.C. and municipal government, powerfully impacts day-to-day life in the valley. To succeed in making riverfront communities ever-better places to live, work and have fun, we need someone in those halls regularly," said Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson. "Since he joined Scenic Hudson a decade ago, Andy has worked intensively with community leaders, officials and residents. This experience and his passion for the valley's unique way of life made him ideal for the job."

In his new post as director of Public Policy and Special Projects, Mr. Bicking is primarily responsible for coordinating Scenic Hudson's work with all levels of government and diverse partners to create greater connections for people and communities with the Hudson River. Mr. Bicking does not have to look far for inspiration for his work because his house is a mile-and-a-half from the Hudson, and he has a backyard hobby farm with goats and chickens that he cares for with help from his wife and children.

Expanded program has clear focus

The organization wants to gain state and federal funding for its -- and municipalities' -- programs to help save land, create parks, revitalize riverfronts, and encourage smart growth as part of a local response to climate change. Another priority is strengthening regulatory protections -- mainly via the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and the New York Department of State's Coastal Community Program -- to help enhance the valley's beauty, health and economic opportunity.

In the past Scenic Hudson has done outreach to elected officials and government agencies, but not in the proactive and sustained way it plans to now. Mr. Bicking will remain based in the organization's Poughkeepsie offices but will spend more of his time in Albany at the capitol and state legislature.

In his prior work for Scenic Hudson Mr. Bicking was recognized through numerous awards, including those from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), The Waterfront Center, and Youth Resource Development Corporation.

Mr. Bicking, who earned a bachelor's degree in animal sciences from the Oregon State University College of Agriculture, also is an Eagle Scout, the highest honor conferred by the Boy Scouts of America. In addition to serving as a member of the Town of Esopus Environmental Board, he serves as a member of the DEC Hudson River Estuary Program Management Advisory Committee.

Albany action that spurred expanded program

Since Gov. Spitzer took office in January, significant strides have been made to improve New York State's environment. Also momentum is building for future initiatives that will safeguard drinking water, protect natural landscapes and ensure that development complements rather than degrades our quality of life. The Environmental Protection Fund has been increased, getting the state closer to the goal of $500 million annually in the fund, a figure that Scenic Hudson believes will help New York manage sprawling development patterns and address the impending impacts of global climate change. Gov. Spitzer also has bolstered key state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation; Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and the Department of State's Coastal Communities Program, by adding staff to address critical issues. And important legislation like the Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act has become law.

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 10,000 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. www.scenichudson.org

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