Hudson River Navigator

New River Navigator: Vincent Tamagna was appointed by Governor Pataki and the USDA/NRCS as the "Hudson River Navigator" in September 2003. As a long-time Hudson River enthusiast and Putnam County legislator, he has been directly involved in Hudson AHRI efforts for several years. No transition was therefore necessary for him to begin his new role, through a grant to the Hudson River Valley Institute (www.hudsonrivervalley.net) at Marist College. Even though the Hudson Navigator position was vacant between August 2002 and September 2003, the Hudson AHRI has achieved some notable successes in 2003, thanks to the groundwork laid by the first River Navigator, Eric Scherer, USDA/NRCS, and the continuing efforts of committed community partners and Vinny Tamagna. As the Hudson River Navigator, Vinny prepared and submitted an application for Putnam County's designation as a "Preserve America" community. Thanks to his efforts, Putnam County was selected and First Lady Laura Bush presented this prestigious award at the White House on Jan 15, 2004, where Vinny accepted the award for the County.

Over a decade of experience in government has enabled Vinny to focus on environmental, preservation and economic development issues. He currently serves as a Putnam County Legislator, President of the Lower-Hudson/Long Island Resource Conservation and Development Council and a District Director of the Soil & Water Conservation District. Vinny has been an advocate for the Hudson River Valley and the protection of the environment balanced with economic development/smart growth and tourism. He worked with Governor Pataki and New York State to develop 12 Patriot Gardens. Vinny is also working to develop the Hudson River Valley Lighthouse Trail to preserve the historical significance and the restoration of lighthouses along the river. He has worked actively to revitalize, preserve and protect the character of many communities in the Hudson River Valley. He is also involved with agricultural preservation and the development of a local food network, by working with the Lower Hudson-Long Island Resource Conservation and Development Council and partnering with the USDA and the NYS Department of Agriculture he initiated the "Fresh Off the Barge" which brings fresh New York State agricultural products to consumers via a barge on the Hudson river.