by Bea Peterson
Saturday, July 31, was a picture perfect day that included bright blue skies with wisps of white clouds and low humidity. For several of the Rensselaer Land Trust folks gathered for the dedication of the new public access boat launch on Route 67 in Eagle Bridge it was a far cry from the cold rainy day in May when they spent hours planting 200 trees around the perimeter of this now lush green area adjoining a field of tall corn. Watching the clear water of the Hoosic River lazily flow by, it was hard to imagine that nine years earlier thousands and thousands of fish lay dead along seven miles of its shores. In June of 1991 a damaging accident occurred when employees at Oak Matsui in Hoosick Falls accidentally released a couple thousand gallons of copper sulfate into the River.
The Company was fined and funds from that fine, $86,000, was collected by the NYS Attorney General’s Office. Working with the Town of Hoosick, the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Rensselaer Land Trust was able to purchase 33 acres of farmland with more than 3,000 feet of river frontage from two local farmers. The Trust now leases that land to the farmers. DEC holds a conservation easement on the rest of the land, including a 66 foot wide public fishing access along the 3,120 foot shoreline. The site includes a roadway, a kiosk, a parking lot for eight to ten cars, benches and the stark clean small boat launch, with a shoreline of riprap to prevent erosion, all constructed by DEC.
During the brief dedication ceremonies RLT President Nick Conrad and Executive Director Christine Young said the project showed what can be done when local, state and community agencies work together.
She thanked corporate sponsors Brown’s Brewery, Orvis, Hannaford and McDonald’s. DEC Biologist Scott Wells said the launch is a prototype and only one of three in the state. With proper maintenance, he said he expected it to last for 50 years. Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino said it was wonderful to see an environmental disaster turned into such a success. “It’s great for farmers and great for sportspeople,” she said. NYS Senator Roy McDonald said that this beautiful area is a secret from those in New York City. “Don’t underestimate the impact this site will have,” he said. “They will be here. We must promote sites like this; our heritage, our history, the environment and the fun that can be had in this area.” Hoosick Town Councilman Jeff Wysocki thanked those involved in creating this spot for the Town and for making the community a better place.
Christine Young cut the ribbon completing the ceremony after which everyone enjoyed some cake.
Also participating in the day’s activities were members of Homewaters Chapter #586 of Trout Unlimited. They demonstrated fly-tying and held a fly-casting competition. The
winner received an Orvis fishing rod. Senator McDonald brought his fishing rod and he and County Executive Jimino spent some time casting a lure into the River. At 1 pm canoeist and kayakers launched 17 craft into the River for a three hour paddle to the Johnsonville Dam. Those involved with the event were pleased with the turnout and activities of the day.
The launch area is 1.4 miles East of Buskirk, just past Beck Road or one half mile west of Eagle Bridge on Route 67.
