DEC Releases Strategic Plan for State Forest Management

ALBANY, NY (09/03/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the release of a draft "Strategic Plan for State Forest Management." The plan will guide management of the 786,000-acre state forest holdings and is available for public review and comment through Oct. 29. Key goals of the draft plan focus on eco-system health and diversity, economic benefits, forest conservation, recreation and sustainable management.

"Two years ago, New York's state-owned forests were 'green certified' by international forestry standards – a designation awarded to only 10 percent of the world's forests. This management plan builds on that momentum," Commissioner Grannis said. "The plan integrates proven land-management techniques with the most up-to-date research available. As a result, this plan will provide invaluable guidance for years to come on key issues such as harvesting timber from state forests, strategic planting to ensure diversity of species, protecting soils and protecting forest health against invasive species."

This is the first time DEC has produced a strategic plan for all the state's forest holdings. In addition to outlining a vision for sustainable management, the plan provides a template for state foresters to develop individual unit management plans for dozens of forest units over the next decade.

There are 442 state forests, located in every region of New York. And this doesn't include Adirondack and Catskill parks, home to the constitutionally protected Forest Preserve. The first state forest, Hewitt State Forest in Cortland County, was purchased by the state in 1929. The most recent acquisition is the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest, purchased in June.

Managed by professional foresters, state forests play a major role in New York's landscape by:

• Allowing for the sustainable use of natural resources.
• Providing watershed protection.
• Serving as a valuable source for the state's forest products industry.
• Providing hundreds of thousands of annual visitors with access to lands for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, boating, snowmobiling and other activities.

"New York's state forests are a tremendous environmental and economic resource," said Robert K. Davies, State Forester and Director of DEC's Division of Lands and Forests. "New York began purchasing forestlands some 80 years ago in response to serious environmental challenges. Today, thanks to the vision of those early leaders and the efforts of several generations of DEC foresters, the nearly 800,000 acres of state-owned forests are some of the most productive, healthy and valued woodlands in New York."

"Under the leadership of Bureau of State Land Management Chief Dave Forness, our central staff and regional foresters did an incredible job in developing this first ever, comprehensive plan," Davies added. "This forward looking document reflects the dedication and passion our staff has for the stewardship of our state forest system."

Davies also cited Justin Perry, Rob Messenger and Dylan Walrath of the Division of Lands and Forests for their work on the plan.

Electronic copies of the draft plan are available online at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/64567.html. To request a CD, send an e-mail to stateforestplan@gw.dec.state.ny.us, or mail a request to Strategic Plan for State Forest Management, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4255.

Comments can be e-mailed to stateforestplan@gw.dec.state.ny.us or mailed to Strategic Plan for State Forest Management, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4255.

Public Hearing Schedule

Nine hearing have been scheduled. Each meeting will consist of two parts: 1) 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., informal information session with DEC staff; 2) 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., public hearing.

Accommodation for people with disabilities will be made upon request to Justin Perry by calling (518) 402-9428 or by e-mailing stateforestplan@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

The hearing schedule: