(Posted 3/18/09)

New Guide Available To Help Hudson River Valley Communities Conserve Natural Areas

Communities in the Hudson Valley looking for help in protecting natural resources can now tap into a new handbook, Conserving Natural Areas and Wildlife in Your Community: Smart Growth Strategies for Protecting the Biological Diversity of New York*s Hudson River Valley, released today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The guidebook provides a roadmap for municipalities to use their local powers to protect valuable natural resources. It includes *How They Did It* profiles of numerous Hudson Valley communities that already have consulted successfully with DEC to protect their natural areas, wildlife habitat and water bodies.

The book can be downloaded at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/50083.html on the DEC website. To learn more about biodiversity programs and assistance offered by the Hudson River Estuary Program, visit the DEC website or contact Karen Strong, Biodiversity Outreach Coordinator, by email at klstrong@gw.dec.state.ny.us or call 518-402-8878.