FUN IN THE SUN

Members of the Palisade Book Club are taking full advantage of the beautiful summer weather. This is what it is all about.

HUDSON RIVER ECOLOGY NEWS

🌊 Infrastructure Strain: The July 2026 Sewage Spill

The vulnerabilities of the river's aging infrastructure were brought to light on July 3, 2026, when a major power failure struck the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. The incident triggered a massive discharge of roughly 39 million gallons of untreated sewage directly into the water.

The Westchester County Department of Health issued emergency advisories warning the public against any recreational contact—including swimming, boating, or fishing—along the riverbanks. While standard testing by Sarah Lawrence College's Center for the Urban River at Beczak indicated that bacteria levels receded safely within a few days, prominent advocacy groups like Riverkeeper emphasized that the spill underscored a critical need for structural upgrades and greater regional water quality transparency.

🗺️ Management Shifts: The Estuary Action Agenda (2026–2030)

In response to persistent environmental stressors and accelerating climate risks, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) officially rolled out the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2026–2030.

This updated blueprint establishes key conservation targets for the lower river basin, emphasizing the preservation of robust fish populations, the containment of legacy chemical contaminants, and the construction of nature-based shorelines. Supported by funding from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, the directive is designed to assist waterfront communities positioned between the two bridges in adapting to rising sea levels while ensuring equitable public access to the water.

🦪 Ecological Recovery: Tappan Zee Oyster Reefs Thrive

Despite infrastructure setbacks, the river's biological recovery continues to make remarkable strides, particularly through targeted habitat restoration near the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. A joint effort spearheaded by the Hudson River Foundation alongside the Billion Oyster Project has created a highly resilient marine ecosystem right on the riverbed.

Spanning six acres, this project is recognized as the most successful oyster reef restoration in the entire estuary. Utilizing metal gabion cages filled with recycled restaurant shells and concrete reef balls, the initiative has successfully established a thriving community of over 5.8 million live oysters. These native bivalves function as a living water-filtration network while providing essential structural habitats for a wide range of local fish, crabs, and organisms, highlighting the profound potential for urban ecological renewal.

CLUB BEAUTIFICATION

The deck repair project is proceeding, and we received a big delivery of sand and gravel this month for additional projects. Stay tuned for work party announcements. Many hands make light work!

SIGN UP NOW FOR OUR 2026 FUNDRAISERS

We have a great lineup of fundraisers this year. As the dates near, we will send out additional details over email. If you'd like to get involved please contact Tracy Broome at broomee9@gmail.com.

Refreshments will be served at all events and drinks will be available for sale. We will also have a 50/50 raffle and prize giveaways, so come and join us for some fun!

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Member Jeff Rappaport turned 71 years young and celebrated on the Hudson and with his daughter Hailey at a Bronx Bombers game.

IMPORTANT MEMBER INFO

SUMMER BILL REMINDER: Summer bills for members were sent out in July.

ABOUT NON-MOTORIZED BOATS AND EQUIPMENT: Please ensure you contact the Lieutenant, Chris Grieco grec0719@optonline.net, before bringing any non motorized boats, motors and related equipment down to the club.

ABOUT MOTORIZED BOATS: For motorized boats, please contact the Captain, Randy Gunnell rbgunnell@gmail.com, before bringing any boats to the club.

LOCKERS: If you'd like a locker assigned, please follow up with Chris Grieco, grec0719@optonline.nt.

REMEMBER: Always hang the no trespassing sign when coming and leaving the club.

WE HAVE A NEW ICE MACHINE! But please do not put anything on top of the new ice machine. Enjoy the ice as summer heats up!

RECYCLING REMINDER: The recycling bins at the club are only for deposit cans that will be returned for the deposit to benefit the club. All other recycling must be carried out by the members bringing it in, similar to ordinary garbage.

REMINDER: Work hours for 2026 can be entered here, the link is also on our website.

GET YOUR FREE COAST GUARD WATERPROOF WATERCRAFT DECAL: Not only are these good to have in case of a lost boat, but they help us ID boats in the house. Get your free decals here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To contribute photos and stories to the newsletter, please email: PBC-newsletter@jamesmumm.org.

Visit the Palisade Boat Club website: https:/thepalisadeboatclub.com/

August 2026 Palisade Boat Club Newsletter