Unknown assailants apparently cut the cables and stripped the bolts that connected the 500-pound, $10,000 engine to the boat, and dragged it to a waiting vehicle, leaving a trail of markings on the pavement.

The Edward Abbey, which was dry-docked at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus, was being fitted for the organization’s 2008 Eco-Program season, which features tours, bird-watches, clean-ups and other environmentally-friendly activities.

But the theft has left the program in jeopardy.

"Right now I don’t know if this was an act of vandalism against Hackensack Riverkeeper specifically or if the thieves simply saw it as a target of opportunity," said Riverkeeper Captain Bill Sheehan. "All I know is that these bastards haven’t just stolen from me, but from everyone who depends on us."

Riverkeeper officials have asked anyone with information on the crime to contact Hudson County Sherriff’s Officer J. Steneck at 201-915-1300.