This plan is the result of the collaborative efforts of the more than 80 Bronx River Alliance partners
to develop a framework that will ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach to restoring wildlife
habitat and water quality in the lower Bronx River—the eight-mile stretch within New York City.
Although restoration efforts have been underway since the 1970s, the intensified focus since 2001 on
restoring wetlands and wildlife habitat and on improving storm water capture in the watershed requires technical guidance and integrated vision. This plan details a comprehensive, consensus-based approach
to improving the environmental health of the river by setting overall restoration goals, creating a context
for evaluating future restoration projects and strategies, and addressing specific pollutants that
compromise habitat restoration.

The Bronx River Alliance and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Natural Resources
Group (NRG) work closely with grassroots organizations and community residents and also play a
collaborative role in the various agency-led initiatives regarding the Bronx River. The New York City
Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), New York
City Soil Survey, and Westchester County Planning Department all actively work towards the improvement of the Bronx River within their own missions and timelines. As important stewards of large
portions of the Bronx River watershed, the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) influence
the river’s health through the management and operations of their facilities. Within this context, the
Bronx River Ecological Restoration and Management Plan provides local practitioners with a blueprint
for future restoration and gives recommendations for the work of agencies and organizations.