LOOKING BACK ON 2009: Acting as the Valley's Environmental Watchdog

Hard-fought victories in 2009 will provide environmental and economic benefits for future generations.

 
In 2009, we helped prevent these iconic views from being marred by a cellphone tower.Robert Rodriguez, Jr.

With partners in the Hudson Highlands, we preserved world-class views by preventing construction of a cell tower in Bear Mountain State Park and ensuring a new residential complex at the U.S. Military Academy will blend into the landscape. In Lloyd (Ulster County), we worked with the local planning board and the developer of Hamlets at Bridgeview on a stormwater management system that will safeguard fragile—and ecologically essential—vernal pools in adjacent Franny Reese State Park. We joined concerned residents in Rhinebeck (Dutchess County) in a successful push for changes to the town’s Comprehensive Plan that better protect this National Historic Landmark District. And in nearby Hyde Park, we supported a new wetlands ordinance extending buffers around these critical wildlife habitats and flood-abatement areas.