The Hudson River Foundation (HRF) seeks to make science integral to decision-making with regard to the Hudson River and its watershed and to support competent stewardship of this extraordinary resource. This purpose is pursued through support of scientific research; communication to expand knowledge about the river among the scientific community, policy makers, and the public at large; initiatives to enhance management of the Hudson ecosystem; education about the River; and physical improvements to the riverfront.

Background

The Hudson River Foundation supports scientific and public policy research, education, and projects to enhance public access to the Hudson River. The Foundation was established in 1981 under the terms of an agreement among environmental groups, government regulatory agencies and utility companies seeking the constructive resolution of a long series of legal controversies concerning the environmental impacts of power plants on the Hudson River.

Hudson River Fund

The Hudson River Fund was created in recognition of the critical need for an independent institution to sponsor scientific research and education programs that would contribute to the development of sound public policy concerning the River’s ecological system. The Hudson River Fund was initially established with $12 million in 1982. Since then the Fund, which has tripled in value, has enabled the Foundation to award 784 grants and fellowships totaling approximately $37.5 million to date.

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Directed Research, Coordination, and Collaboration

To complement the grant program of the Hudson River Fund, HRF provides leadership for a variety of programs and undertakes specific research projects designed to bring scientific understanding to bear on public policy. Most of this work is linked to three major, well-established management initiatives: the federally sponsored New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (housed at HRF), the New York State Hudson River Estuary Program, and the Hudson-Raritan Estuary Comprehensive Restoration Plan being implemented by the US Army Corps of Engineers and local partners.