Scenic Hudson Honors Two Businesses as Hudson Valley Heroes

BEACON -- As part of its ongoing program to salute individuals and businesses contributing to a beautiful, environmentally healthy and prosperous Hudson Valley, Scenic Hudson today honored two new Hudson Valley Heroes. The honor was presented during a ceremony to dedicate Peter Jay Sharp Park on Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Beacon waterfront property. City of Beacon officials and community leaders were in attendance as the awards were presented to Atlantic Kayak Tours, based in Saugerties, and Mountain Tops Outdoors, located in Beacon.

Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, "These two local businesses are dedicated to connecting people to the Hudson Valley's natural treasures. They go out of their way to help Scenic Hudson enhance visitors' enjoyment of our parks and draw new supporters to the cause of preserving land and creating parks up and down the river. Both companies also are consulting with Scenic Hudson on plans for a new kayak pavilion at Long Dock Beacon."

The Mountain Tops Outdoors award was accepted by owners Katy Bell and Leonard Behney. The award for Atlantic Kayak Tours was received by owners Janice and Bill Lozano.

During his remarks, Mr. Sullivan underscored the value of parks, stating, "Scenic Hudson's parks in Beacon, along with the three dozen other parks and 25,000 acres we've protected throughout the Hudson Valley, not only increase residents' quality of life, but support tourism and recreation -- engines of the valley's economy -- and attract new business."

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 and economically healthy communities, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources.

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