OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

For Immediate Release: February 11, 2000

Contact: Noel Gerson (202) 208-6444
Office of the Deputy Secretary

PRESIDENT CLINTON'S BUDGET PROTECTS NEW YORK
AND NEW JERSEY HARBOR ESTUARY

Goethals Bridge Pond, Staten Island -Deputy Secretary of the Interior today announced that the Department is undertaking a new regional initiative that will include land purchases and other resource investments to prevent sprawl and protect regionally significant natural areas in the New York-New Jersey Harbor area.

Deputy Secretary Hayes said that various Interior officials will be meeting with community leaders over the next few months to discuss how the Department's resources can be used to maintain the character of communities, help stop the negative effects of sprawl, and preserve natural resources.

"The New York-New Jersey Watershed is a priority for the Department of the Interior. Preserving small pockets of nature in densely populated areas is critical to protecting the natural resources and quality of life in this vital region", said Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes. Hayes went on to say, "The Department's 2001 budget targets key land acquisition in the region as well as funding for natural areas management, restoration, historic preservation, education and recreation. Through these programs we are protecting the environment and helping to strengthen surrounding communities".

The 2001 budget includes:

� $3 million Fish & Wildlife Service land acquisition request in the New York-New Jersey Watershed to preserve small pockets of land in this densely populated area.

� Great Swamp NWR, NJ - The proposed $1,000,000 will protect roughly 50 acres of wetlands which provide habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, songbirds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and over 600 plant species from the northern and southern botanical zones. Many of the species are listed as threatened and endangered. Residential and commercial development has placed tremendous pressure on the remaining undeveloped properties.

� Wallkill River NWR, NY/NJ - The proposed $2,000,000 will protect approximately 393 acre of valuable bottomland forest and wetland habitat along the Wallkill River. The area provides habitat for a number of migratory and resident waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and the federally listed bog turtle. The area's proximity to New York City subjects it to considerable development pressure that could degrade its natural resource value.

� Matching grants will be provided to protect wetlands in the New York-New Jersey harbor area, including Raritan Bay, Hackensack watershed and Staten Island through the State Conservation Grants program.

Several other key budget requests that support people and the environment in the New York-New jersey Watershed include:

� The US Geological Survey has requested $5.4 million, an increase of almost 10% to support programs in the NY/NJ metropolitan area, including a study to understand the effects of pollution on the harbor and the public drinking supply.

� To support communities through recreational and tourism opportunities, the National Park Service has requested $41,881,000, an increase of over $800,000 for park operations in the ten park units in the NY/NJ harbor area.

� The National Park Service has also requested construction funds aimed at better protecting the natural resources under its care and to provide new and improved recreational opportunities. For instance, working with Senator Schumer, the National Park Service is requesting $4 million to begin the reconstruction of an historic Natatorium at Jacob Riis Park at Gateway National Recreational Area. The Natatorium will be built on the site of a turn of the century swimming pool and will provide visitor facilities to the local community.

� Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance recently opened a new office in the NY/NJ metropolitan area. RTCA provides technical assistance and organizational support for locally led conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives. Projects range from wetland conservation to trail development. RTCA hopes to expand its work in the NY/NJ area based on the interests and requests of the community.

The Department of the Interior's National Park Service and the Fish & Wildlife Service both have an extremely important presence in this watershed. To protect people and the environment, we are working with communities to preserve precious cultural resources like Governor's Island, as well as the wetlands landscape that first drew people to this unique part of the country, said Hayes.

-DOI-

U.S. Department of the Interior