2015Sweep

Riverkeeper began as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association (HRFA), an environmental watchdog and enforcement organization founded by a group of concerned fisherman in 1966 under the leadership of Bob Boyle. Tom Whyatt served as HRFA’s first “Riverkeeper” in the early 70’s, monitoring the Hudson for pollution. In 1983 the HRFA launched a patrol boat, and hired John Cronin as the first full-time Hudson Riverkeeper, creating a Riverkeeper organization based on his work. The HRFA changed its name to Riverkeeper in 1986.