We are Saddened by the Loss of Greg Auriemma:

Statement by NJ Sierra Club

This evening they found Greg Auriemma’s body in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Greg went missing a few weeks ago. He was the chair of our Ocean County group and a long-time active member of the Sierra Club. The search was undertaken in New Hampshire aided by his brother and the NH Fish and Game and NH Outdoors Council. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Greg Auriemma. He was a good friend and a champion for the environment. Our hearts and prayers go out to his friends and family and to all of us who love him. Now is the time for remembering all the great things Greg did; his environmental work and activism will live on. Greg was hiking in the Crawford Notch area of the White Mountain National Forest where he was found. He loved to hike and he loved the White Mountains.

“Greg Auriemma was a long-time Sierra Club member and volunteer. He has worked tirelessly for the club on so many issues, especially those around coastal areas. Greg helped restart the Ocean County Group close to 20 years ago. As chair of the Ocean County group, Greg has worked tirelessly on ocean issues while building the group into one of the strongest in the state. He tackled many important issues from overdevelopment in Ocean County, to the Climate March in D.C. to protecting Barnegat Bay. Whether it’s trying to preserve land for open space, organizing beach clean-ups, or stopping a massive sprawl development, you could always find Greg at the meetings. He was a big advocate for the oceans and marine issues as well as an avid hiker.

“Greg was one of the strongest voices in our club on climate change, sea level rise, and rebuilding after Sandy. He’s also been very active in politics and enjoyed getting involved in campaigns. He was integral in upgrading the Metedeconk River to a Category 1 waterway as well as protecting Trader’s Cove in Brick. He also helped closed Oyster Creek and the gas pipeline that would attach to it. He was recognized by President Obama as a ‘Champion of Change’ for his efforts. He was also involved in fighting the Keystone XL pipeline. There is not an issue on the coast that he hasn’t been involved in.

“Greg has been a very trusted friend and advisor. He was a leader in the club and well-respected. He’s worked on so many issues but still wanted to do so much more. I considerate him a friend, ally, and confidant. Greg’s legacy is that when you drive around Ocean County you see preserved land, open spaces and parks. When you see pristine streams and a beautiful ocean, that’s part of his legacy too. Protecting the environment was truly what Greg was all about. Our thoughts go out to his family but also should take comfort in all that he has done to make our environment a better place.”