Restoring the Bronx River

Congressman José E. Serrano ©WCS

Overview

Thanks to Congressman José E. Serrano and his ongoing dedication to the Bronx River, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is shepherding efforts for increased public access, educational activities and habitat restoration. Currently, the Bronx River suffers from a multitude of debilitating factors including pollution and the invasion of non-native plants. To address this situation, Congressman Serrano has secured $12 million for projects that will be funded through NOAA's Community-Based Restoration Program. The overall goals of the effort are restoring living marine resource habitats (such as salt marshes, intertidal flats, riverine floodplain and riverbanks), acquiring lands to facilitate enhancement or restoration of the lower Bronx River, improving public access to the river and educating children and adults of an underutilized local treasure and the environment in general.

Projects funded through this three-year partnership will foster a broad-based participation by and benefits to the local community.  The partnership promotes a collaborative process involving citizen groups, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and government agencies to develop strategies and implement projects for the benefit of the lower Bronx River ecosystem and the local community living along and benefiting from the river.  Over time, this organizational cooperative is expected to strengthen ongoing working partnerships and create new relationships and innovative approaches towards living marine resource habitat restoration and land conservation involving the lower Bronx River community.

This WCS-NOAA partnership has been established through Congressman Serrano's support to specifically benefit the lower Bronx River ecosystem, exemplifying his long-term commitment to its restoration and increased use among area residents. The geographical scope of this grant is the coastal waters and bordering lands of the lower Bronx River. Projects are selected through a competitive process developed by the WCS in cooperation with NOAA, and conducted by the Serrano Waterfront Steering Committee comprised of local community representatives, WCS, representatives of Congressman Serrano's office and NOAA.  Priority is given to projects that result in actual on-the-ground restoration of living marine resource habitats and land conservation of riverfront sites through acquisition or conservation easements.

Through these efforts, the zoo hopes to lead the way in making a profound and enduring difference to the river and its surrounding ecosystem and, by continuing its work with Congressman Serrano, community leaders and local organizations, to help realize the river's full potential as an asset that enjoyed by all Bronx residents.

New Grant Round to Occur Fall, 2005

Funded Project List

Herring Report