As chair of the South Shore Estuary Reserve Council, I have had the opportunity to tour the estuary and talk with many local elected officials, business leaders, community groups, environmentalists, academics and private citizens about the unique combination of resources which make up the South Shore Estuary.
The estuary is a beautiful natural resource and a highly active place located near one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world. In many locations around the estuary, homes line the shorelines and recreational boats pack small harbors. In the midst of this activity and despite various environmental problems, commercial fishermen continue to try to make a living from the waters of the estuary. Each year, thousands of visitors pour into the area to breathe the sea air and relax.
Charged with the mission of ensuring that the resources of the estuary and the regional economy thrive together into the next century, the South Shore Estuary Reserve Council is made up of individuals representing diverse interests in the estuary region. The Council is in the process of preparing a plan for more rationally managing estuary resources and uses.
Two committees - the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee - have been spreading the word about the magnificent estuary and helping to gather as much information as possible about it. You will learn more about their efforts in this newsletter. This is the first newsletter of the Council. The Council hopes that it will become your newsletter and that you will use it to share your thoughts, memories and concerns with your neighbors along the shoreline. I look forward to the next issue.
Alexander F. (Sandy) Treadwell
New York State Secretary of State
Chair, South Shore Estuary Reserve Council