HACKENSACK RIVERKEEPER INC

Mission Statement: The primary Mission of Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. is to provide representation for the natural living resources of the Hackensack River. This representation is manifested in Hackensack Riverkeeper's environmental advocacy, education and conservation programs. The focus of Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. is to protect and defend the environmental quality of the eco-system of the estuary, river and watershed and the quality of life for the people and other creatures that inhabit the Hackensack River watershed. Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. will carry out its mission through a combination of both formal and informal environmental education projects focused on raising the level of awareness and sensitivity of the people of the Hackensack River watershed. Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. also advocates the responsible restoration and conservation of the various fish and wildlife habitats that exist within the watershed. By assuming the role of citizen steward for the watershed, Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. will participate in a proactive manner to promote sustainable development. It is our intention to work with local, county and regional planners to ensure that all planning decisions address effects on the watershed. Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. will also participate in the remediation of historic damage caused by the human community. To this end, Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. will seek the best possible "eco-logic" and economic solutions to the myriad problems that have been caused by the unfettered growth that has taken place within the watershed. Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. will help local, state and federal agencies identify all sources of pollution and work with those agencies to ensure compliance with and enforcement of all environmental laws and regulations. Should the local, state and federal agencies demonstrate inability or unwillingness to enforce the laws and regulations to protect our natural resources, Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. will assume the role of citizen prosecutor in order to extract justice for the people and the eco-system of the watershed.