In her detailed half hour talk, Ms. Dunwell constantly emphasized the program's efforts to work in partnership with communities and organizations. "We want to work more closely with HRTW," she said.

Ms. Dunwell explained that the Hudson River Estuary Program had become full-fledged in 1996. In an introduction to the program's "Report Card on the First Five Years," Governor George Pataki notes the goal of the program was to "propose strategies to protect the river's natural resources, clean up contaminants, and promote the use and enjoyment of the river."

He wrote at the time, "Since then New York State has committed more than $175 million to nearly 200 individual projects and initiatives..."

Reminding the listeners that the "Hudson is different from other estuaries," Ms. Dunwell listed some of the reasons including "the history of the Hudson Valley 'Defined America,' and that its identity with nature was formed." She pointed out the river's, once, world-renowned fishing, its rich diversity, "of which Westchester has a lot remaining, with its birds, salamanders, flora and fauna."

When she began working in the pre-Estuary Program in 1984, Ms. Dunwell recalled the river was "deemed dead -- and now it is again great for fishing."

Ms. Dunwell outlined some of the decisions which have effected the river. The Storm King Decision in 1965 provided citizens with the right to protest for the preservation of scenery, a decision she described as "earth-shattering, as it led to the environmental movement." Ms. Dunwell credited Bob Boyle with the 1979 Hudson River Management Act, and Governor (then Assemblyman) George Pataki and Congressman Maurice Hinchey with the 1987 Estuary Management Act.

The program's plans are based on science to restore and conserve the Hudson's extraordinary scenery and mystic, Ms Dunwell explained. They are built on partnerships with the Greenway Conservancy and local governments.

Ms. Dunwell itemized some of the variety of the segments of the program, beginning with the recovery of key fisheries. Emphasis was placed on spawning areas and migratory fish. She illustrated with an amusing slide that "bass have come back like "gang-busters," but shad and sturgeon are still at risk -- to the extent there is a moratorium on sturgeon. The Five Year Report includes the program has also "monitored the Hudson River blue crab fishery for baseline information" and "studied the effects that contaminants may have on the hormonal system of Hudson River fish."

"Cleaning the River," was the next topic. Ms Dunwell listed several local efforts to cleanup brownfields that have either begun or been completed, including the Irvington Waterfront Park, Steamboat River Front Dock in Verplanck, and the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront.

The importance of protecting scenic vistas and conserving biodiversity at the local level was addressed. The Five Year Report lists open space that has been protected including 50 acres of conservation easement and 50 acres on Montrose Point in the Town of Cortlandt, 88 acres of upland and 35 underwater acres at the Rockwood Hall property in Sleepy Hollow through a conservation easement.

In Ossining 11 acres were added to the Crawbuckie Nature Preserve and 180 acres at Anthony's Nose to preserve them for conservation and/or recreation.

The program endorsed the NYS OPRHP Hudson Estuary Local Aid Grants for Land Acquisition for the Habishaw Property, 3.5 acres on the Yonkers waterfront. It also awarded grants for local conservation of scenic vistas at Untermyer Park in Yonkers and Manitoga Preserve in Philipstown.

Ms. Dunwell also described plans in Peekskill and Hastings-on-Hudson to restore habitats near the shore.

Another occurring theme throughout the afternoon was the importance of preserving the watersheds that feed the river. Ms. Dunwell observed the program is eager to support coalitions to look at local watersheds. A parallel concern was Stormwater Regulation because of the significance of its impact on the river.

Ms. Dunwell illustrated the goal to connect people with the estuary with the recently established partner Interpretive Centers at Beczak in Yonkers and Open Meadows, further north, and the possible creation of a Hudson River Museum at Croton Point Park. Also, in promoting a regional system of access to the river, Ms. Dunwell mentioned searching to find ways to get across the railroad lines and for vista protection finding ways to remove the wires on the west side of the railroads.

Bethia Waterman, Estuary Grants and Access Specialist, reported that 176 grants totaling $5.6 million had been given to municipalities and not-for-profits in the last five years. Because of the complexities involved in writing the applications she advised that the program is willing to coach groups seeking grants. Ms. Waterman mentioned preference is often given to those seeking access to the river.

Watershed Specialist, Scott Cuppett, defined watershed as 99 percent land and one percent water. He noted that problems with stormwater pollutants are a primary concern in Westchester. "We work with locals so they can make changes in their communities," he said. "There is a group with the Saw Mill River putting together an action and we anticipate an action in the Croton River Bay with Westchester County in the lead."

Biodiversity Outreach Coordinator, Karen Strong, noted benefits of biodiversity help prevent flood damage and keep down Lyme Disease. She said the program provides natural resource information for Wild Life Conservation Societies, of which there are three in Westchester. Ms. Strong anticipates a report on Earth Day 2004.

Steve Stanne, Interpretive Specialist, defined "estuary," and considered, "people don't understand the Hudson River is tidal," as far up as the Troy Dam. His department offers talks for schools, with many programs available, lesson plans, and technical assistance to groups. Mr. Stanne said that $2 million in grants has been provided for education and exhibits. He is involved, with environmentalist Tom Lake, in the publishing of the Hudson River Almanac -- which has recently gone to "E-Almanac."

Previously with the Hudson River Greenway, Barbara Kendall, Stormwater Specialist, has begun working on resources. She said she plans to prepare suggested ordinances for communities to control stormwater.

Barbara Fratianni, Liaison for Westchester and Open Space and Access Specialist, said one her special programs was finding access to the river. "The Paddlesport Center in Annsville is an example," she said, "and there is ongoing work in Riverdale. Greystone is also planning.

Ms. Fratianni said open space acquisition is proving very effective and pointed out land purchased from a developer in the Town of Cortlandt has now been preserved.

Questions from the audience established that the mapping of the wetlands in New York by the Department of Conservation is under way. In reply to a query about the killing of maritime life in Indian Point's cooling system, Ms. Dunwell said "The Estuary is very involved with the power plants. We try to be involved and pro-active on restoration efforts."