October 29, 2024
Annapolis, Maryland – Scott Cuppett, Program Manager at Cornell University’s Water Resources Institute and the Hudson River Estuary Program with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), was awarded the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership’s (ACFHP) prestigious Melissa Laser Fish Habitat Conservation Award on October 21, 2024, at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 82nd Annual Meeting.
Pictured below: Scott Cuppett and Jessica Coakley, ACFHP Chair
Scott’s 25-year career reflects an enduring commitment to conserving Atlantic coastal and estuarine habitats. Known for his vision, dedication, and exceptional leadership, Scott has developed and led several cornerstone initiatives across New York State that continue to safeguard fish habitats. His pioneering work on the “Trees for Tribs” program (NYSDEC) has provided free trees and shrubs to streamside landowners, mobilizing volunteers to protect the Hudson River’s tributaries while educating communities on the value of riparian buffers. This program has connected countless individuals with conservation efforts and strengthened communities throughout the region.
Scott also played a key role in establishing the Hudson River Watershed Alliance (HRWA), which fosters collaboration between watershed groups and government agencies in stream conservation. Since its inception, the HRWA has grown to support over 20 watershed groups, providing essential technical support and fostering a shared commitment to preserving aquatic habitats.
As a staunch advocate for improving fish passage, Scott has influenced habitat restoration policies across New York by championing dam removals and culvert enhancements to improve aquatic connectivity. Under his guidance, the Hudson River Estuary Program and its partners have assessed over 60% of road-stream crossings in the estuary watershed, developed 23 municipal road-stream crossing management plans, and supported projects that led to the removal of five dams and the restoration of eight culverts.
The Melissa Laser Fish Habitat Conservation Award honors the legacy of Dr. Melissa Laser, a founding ACFHP steering committee member and visionary biologist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Melissa was instrumental in developing the Strategic and Operational Plan for the Restoration of Diadromous and Resident Fishes to the Penobscot River. Her work included coordinating fish passage projects across the North Atlantic, managing ESA-related actions for Atlantic salmon, and leading habitat research and restoration in Maine’s Sea Run Fisheries Program. The award recognizes individuals who, like Melissa, demonstrate exceptional dedication to restoring and protecting Atlantic coastal and estuarine habitats.