WEST POINT, NY (May 15, 2009) --- All those who care about the future of the Hudson River are invited to attend a "2009 River Summit" on Monday, June 8th at The Thayer Hotel at West Point, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Discussion will focus on revitalizing and sustaining the river valley environment for the benefit of all its residents.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis will be the keynote speaker.

Organized by the Hudson River Estuary Program of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, this dialogue about the future of the river is co-sponsored by Historic Hudson River Towns, Clearwater, Hudson River Foundation, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson, The Hudson River Environmental Society, The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, The Nature Conservancy and others.

Other speakers will include Katie Dolan, The Nature Conservancy; Frances Dunwell, NYS DEC; Roland Lewis, The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance; Barney Molloy, Historic Hudson River Towns; Alex Matthiessen, Riverkeeper; Jeff Rumpf, Clearwater; Ned Sullivan, Scenic Hudson; Dennis Suszkowski, Hudson River Foundation; and Jim Tierney, NYS DEC.

Advance registration is required due to space limitations. The cost per person is $30 and includes all sessions and lunch. To register, call Historic Hudson River Towns at 914-232-6583.

For more information about the River Summit, go online to hrep@gw.dec.state.ny.us or call 845-256-3016. For directions to The Thayer Hotel, go to www.thethayerhotel.com or call 845-446-4731.