Mrs. Reese, who died July 2, 2003 at the age of 85, has been called one of the founders of the modern-day environmental movement in the United States. Forty years ago when Consolidated Edison tried to build a large hydroelectric power plant at Storm King Mountain, Mrs. Reese joined a fledgling group of protesters called Scenic Hudson.

For 17 years they battled to stop the development and to protect the ecology and natural beauty of the Hudson Highlands. The lawsuit against the utility company became a legal landmark because it established for the first time that citizens can gain "standing" in federal courts when they seek to protect public resources.

Carmella R. Mantello, Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, stated, "Franny Reese was one of New York's greatest environmental protection pioneers. Without the efforts of people like Ms. Reese, Pete Seeger and Governor Pataki, the Hudson would not be clean enough to paddle and enjoy. We honor and salute her memory..."

GHRP 2004 will be held Tuesday, July 6 to Thursday, July 15, 2004. The event is being held under the auspices of the Hudson River Watertrail Association, Inc., a non-profit corporation founded in 1992 to promote and develop a continuous water trail from New York City to the Erie Canal. It is being held to celebrate the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, the improvement of public access to the Hudson River, and the diversity and heritage of the riverside communities of the Hudson River Valley.

The first GHRP was organized by Camilla Calhoun, environmental educator and river enthusiast from Tarrytown. Individuals from environmental organizations, historical and governmental agencies, boat clubs, outfitters, local communities and paddle enthusiasts helped to inaugurate the "paddle."

GHRP 2004 has something for everyone. For skilled, committed paddlers it's a chance to paddle nearly 150 miles from Albany to New York City. For new or inexperienced paddlers it is a chance to get out on the Hudson River under the safe tutelage of knowledgeable local outfitters. For those who want to join in the celebration of the Hudson River and its communities from the shore it offers a series of festivals showcasing local cultural demonstrations, kayaking skills, information booths, and natural resource programs.

Sponsors include: the Hudson River Valley Greenway, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the New York State Bridge Authority and Hudson Valley Outfitters.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), through its Hudson River Estuary Management and Public Affairs Programs, has been a major funding and technical assistance sponsor of the Great Hudson River Paddle since its inception. The Hudson River Estuary Management Program is a unique regional partnership designed to protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the Hudson River estuary. Currently nine DEC sites are designated as part of the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail.

The cost to participate in GHRP 2004 is $530 for American Canoe Association (ACA) members, $535 for non-ACA members. Checks should be made payable to the Hudson River Watertrail Association. The fees cover the paddle ($500), a non-refundable registration fee for all those accepted ($30), and an event insurance fee for non-ACA members ($5).

For more information visit www.hrwa.org or call (518) 473-3835.