| August 20, 2009 |
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PSEG occasionally offers this space to environmental leaders. Today’s piece was written by Captains Bill Sheehan and Hugh Carola of Hackensack Riverkeeper. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of PSEG.
It may have escaped your attention, but this has been a great summer along the Hackensack River – a season punctuated by the sights and sounds of a resource in recovery. The river is cleaner today than it has been in decades. Factories no longer discharge toxic waste into it. Nearby garbage dumps have been closed, and modern sewage treatment plants have been built.
The river’s ongoing return to health has made it hospitable to numerous wildlife species.
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Many are returning to the watershed from which they were once driven by pollution and habitat destruction. Believe it or not, our urbanized/suburbanized corner of New Jersey is becoming a haven for animals of all kinds, including hundreds of species of birds.
The return of the osprey is perhaps the best example of the Hackensack River’s recovery. Three years ago, a pair of these large fish-eating hawks nested on a platform located on the grounds of PSEG’s Hudson Generating Station in Jersey City. While the birds’ first nesting attempt was unsuccessful, each subsequent year has been successful. This year, three young ospreys fledged from the site.
Hackensack Riverkeeper was founded in 1997 with a threefold mission: to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River and the watershed that surrounds it. Since then, our advocacy has led to the 2004 Meadowlands Master Plan, which forever protects 8,400 acres of wetlands and waterways. Earlier this year, we settled litigation with United Water/Suez, and were able to permanently protect 3,300 acres of woodlands around Oradell Reservoir and Lake Tappan. But we’re not done yet. Working with agencies and like-minded partners from both the nonprofit and corporate communities, Hackensack Riverkeeper strives for a cleaner Hackensack River and stronger protections for its wetlands, woodlands and wildlife – and for you, too.
You see, our vision is not for a clean river and restored green spaces that are fenced off and viewed from afar. Our vision is one in which people benefit directly. Nature has the power to heal wounds inflicted by our fast-paced technological culture. This is especially true for children, but all of us need the calming effects that only nature can provide. And nature is often a lot closer than we think. Each year more and more people go boating on the river, paddling in the Meadowlands, and birding in the reservoir woods with us. How about you?
For more information about Hackensack Riverkeeper and their Eco-Programs, visit: www.hackensackriverkeeper.org; or call 201-968-0808.
What’s your view? Please let us know at Opinion@PSEG.com.
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