Riverkeeper Christens The 'Bob Boyle' In Honor of Founder

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The group charged with protecting one of the Hudson Valley's most important natural resources has a new vessel at their disposal and a powerful new monument to its roots on the water.

Earlier this month, Riverkeeper christened its new boat, named in honor of the late Bob Boyle, who founded Riverkeeper in 1966. The newest vessel in the fleet is dedicated to expanding the science work Riverkeeper conducts on the Hudson. The new addition will increase Riverkeeper’s capacity to monitor water quality and serve as the eyes and ears of the river, according to the organization.

At the christening, Boyle’s widow, Kathryn Belous-Boyle, ceremonially doused the boat with champagne. Boyle's children as well as Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, Ossining Town Supervisor Liz Feldman, and a number of Riverkeeper board members were also in attendance. Riverkeeper President Tracy Brown, Patrol Boat Captain John Lipscomb, and Science Director Shannon Roback spoke at the event.

"By increasing Riverkeeper's on-the-water presence, the Bob Boyle allows us to assess and meet the next generation of challenges facing the Hudson. We're proud to name this worthy vessel after Riverkeeper's founder, who was steadfastly and selflessly dedicated to science for the public good," Riverkeeper President Tracy Brown said. "Riverkeeper is deeply grateful to Senator Pete Harckham for securing the New York State funding for the purchase of the Bob Boyle, and our board member Emmanuel Morlet for providing the scientific equipment."

The Bob Boyle is a refurbished 25' Parker with a new Yamaha engine. Her namesake, Robert H. Boyle (1928 – 2017), was a respected investigative journalist, avid outdoorsman, environmental activist and the author of several books, including "The Hudson River: A Natural and Unnatural History."

Over the course of his career fighting for a healthy Hudson River, Boyle discovered the PCB contamination of the striped bass population, negotiated the settlement in the historic Storm King case, led the fight to stop the Westway highway project, and brought dozens of polluters to justice.

"When I took the job at Riverkeeper 24 years ago, Bob Boyle said to me, 'Do science.' That was his mandate," Riverkeeper Boat Captain John Lipscomb said. "This vessel makes it possible for us to do even more science, and I’m proud to be honoring Bob's wishes and his legacy. The Riverkeeper water quality monitoring program came out of a demand from the public to know, how’s the water? Since 2008, we’ve been answering that question with rigorous testing. The Bob Boyle allows us to dig even further into that work and to dedicate more resources to our ongoing patrols of the river."

Riverkeeper monitors water quality at hundreds of sites on the Hudson River and its tributaries, from New York City to the Adirondacks. Samples are tested at Riverkeeper's Kingston lab and onboard the Bob Boyle, which Riverkeeper has outfitted with water quality monitoring equipment.

"I am grateful to organizations like Riverkeeper for their commitment to protecting and restoring the Hudson River and safeguarding drinking water supplies in New York," Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. "Since its founding in 1966 as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, Riverkeeper has engaged in advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science, and the law. Their dedicated staff and volunteers continue to engage in critical scientific studies that advance our understanding of the Hudson River ecosystem. Riverkeeper’s team remains steadfast in their efforts to advocate for the maintenance of clean, safe drinking water for nine million New Yorkers, as well as improved public access to the Hudson River. It is my sincere hope that Riverkeeper’s activities will inspire others to become agents of positive change within their own communities."

After a toast at the christening, the Bob Boyle set off on the Hudson with the family of its namesake on board.

Find out more about Riverkeeper on the organization's website.

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