| Saw Mill River Coalition: Revitalizing a Hudson River Tributary |
 |
 |
 |
|
Most Westchesterites think of the Saw Mill River as a muddy, polluted creek that periodically creates traffic tie ups when it floods the Saw Mill Parkway. They would be astonished to learn that the river has been an important water resource in the County; that locals used to swim and fish in it, and that from 1903 to 1983, the City of Yonkers actually drew drinking water from the river! In fact, the Saw Mill is still a back-up water source for the city. Over the years, the Saw Mill River's route, width, biodiversity, and health has been adversely altered by industrialization and the creation of the Saw Mill River Parkway. Today, the 19 mile river, located entirely in Westchester County, is one of the most polluted streams of any Hudson River tributary.The Saw Mill River Coalition was begun in 2001 by Groundwork Hudson Valley with support from the Westchester Community Foundation. The Coalition brings together volunteers, schools, environmental and community organizations, local municipalities, and state and county agencies to improve the river. A supporter of the Coalition since its founding, the Westchester Community Foundation has continually supported the agency's efforts, including underwriting annual biodiversity studies, bi-annual seminars on river ecology, and projects that engage volunteers in invasive vine cutting and river clean-ups. This sustained funding has enabled the Coalition to successfully develop and implement an intermunicipal agreement with the watershed's communities, making it a model conservation alliance in the Hudson River valley. On December 2, 2008, the Saw Mill River Coalition received national recognition: The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Coalition one of only 15 Targeted Watersheds Grants . The grant of $899,183 will assist the Coalition's efforts over the next three years. The Westchester Community Foundation is extremely proud that its continued support has enabled the Saw Mill River Coalition to receive this prestigious grant. More information on the work of Groundwork Hudson Valley and the Saw Mill River Coalition is at www.groundworkyonkers.org. |