SCENIC HUDSON TO EXPAND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AT GREENE COUNTY RIVERFRONT PRESERVE THANKS TO $90,000 STATE GRANT

(COXSACKIE, New York) - Scenic Hudson has received a $90,000 grant from New York State's Hudson River Estuary Program to expand recreational opportunities at its Four-Mile Point Preserve in the Town of Coxsackie, Greene County.

The 7.6-acre preserve -- once the site of a 19th-century icehouse and slated for residential development when purchased by Scenic Hudson in 1992 -- offers a picturesque Hudson River shoreline with canoe/kayak access, a tranquil inland pond, a wetland wildlife viewing platform and a 60-foot ridge that provides dramatic vistas. The preserve serves as an oasis for boaters, birders and picnickers.

The project, slated to begin in 2007, will turn an unused garage at the preserve into a kayak-storage facility for public use. Other plans include adding more picnic tables, improving the wetland viewing area and enhancing exhibits that describe the site's history and natural wonders. Work also will be done to restore the shoreline's natural appearance by installing fabric and stone to prevent erosion and planting native species of wildflowers and shrubs.

"Four-Mile Point Preserve is a small gem, and this work will make it possible for even more people to enjoy and appreciate its scenic beauty. Scenic Hudson thanks Governor Pataki for making this possible and for strengthening his long-standing commitment to preserving and protecting the environment of the Hudson River Valley," said Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson.

Project marks first collaboration in county between Scenic Hudson and municipality, community group
The project will be undertaken jointly by Scenic Hudson, the Town of Coxsackie, the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Coxsackie Area Canoe and Kayak Association. It marks the first time Scenic Hudson has partnered with a community organization, a municipality and a government agency in Greene County.

"We hope this collaboration will be the start of many similar partnerships in the county that will allow us to create more places where residents and visitors can connect with the Hudson River and explore its shoreline," added Mr. Sullivan.

"The money made available through the Hudson River Estuary Program for improvements at the preserve will greatly increase local opportunities to access the Hudson River. This coupled with the recent acquisition of nearby lands for public use will make Four-Mile Point Preserve one of the premier hand-launch locations found on the entire Hudson River estuary," said Ron Rausch, spokesman for the Coxsackie Area Canoe and Kayak Association.

"The grant will allow us to make critical improvements that are necessary to protect the shoreline and preserve the property," said Rene VanSchaack, executive director of the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District.

"This grant helps realize the vision of my grandfather, former Town Supervisor Henry Betke, that this preserve be a place where residents would be able to come with their families and truly enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities of the Hudson River. It is a great day when we can make that happen at no cost to taxpayers. This is going to be a special place for town families, kayakers and fisherman for years to come," said current Town of Coxsackie Supervisor Alex Betke.

Funds from the Hudson River Estuary Program are awarded to nonprofit organizations and municipalities to achieve the goals of the state's Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda -- to clean up and protect the estuary and its surrounding watershed. Two additional grants were awarded to Scenic Hudson projects this year -- $47,000 to improve the environment and water quality along the Fallkill Creek in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, and $25,000 for the design of Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park, which will replace an 80-year-old asphalt plant in Tarrytown, Westchester County.