Housatonic River Restoration

CONTACT:

P.O. Box 472
Great Barrington, MA 01230
617-626-1134
www.restorehousatonic.com

Dale Young, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Here is an example of public-administration philanthropy — i.e., where philanthropy takes the lead, especially when government or commerce cannot or will not do so, in addressing public problems, meeting challenges, or responding to opportunities, to enhance quality of life for all citizens.

The Housatonic River and its tributaries run through 26 municipalities, mostly in Berkshire County. It was recently the subject of an historic $25 million Natural Resource Damage (NRD) assessment against General Electric, which had poisoned the river by (legally) dumping PCBs into it from the 1940s until 1976 when the chemical was outlawed. In 1997, when it became clear that NRD restoration would occur, Housatonic River Restoration (HRR) was formed as a coalition of all the towns, environmental organizations, and citizen-interests involved, to ensure the broadest participation in planning to restore the Housatonic, and to maintain its improved status forever. HRR, whose very existence is precedent-setting, led a process whereby over 1200 town officials, industrial users, regional planners, property owners, environmentalists, farmers, religious leaders, teachers, students, parents, historians, hunters and anglers, talked about the River and their visions for its future. The result is a 100-page report, reinforced by detailed technical studies, representing the hopes and dreams of everyone involved. HRR was named an ex officio representative on the NRD Board that governs the restoration.

HRR needs your support now for an intensive effort to build public knowledge and interest in the River's restoration and stewardship.

(2001: NATURE: Environment: Land, Air, Water, Climate)