ALBANY - Surrounded by "forever wild" Forest Preserve, it's easy for Adirondack and Catskill residents to forget that there are state lands where people can harvest timber.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation sent a reminder of that Friday as Commissioner Pete Grannis announced the release of a draft Strategic Plan for State Forest Management.
This is the first time the 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.
The plan will guide management of 786,000 acres of state forest holdings and is available for public review and comment through Oct. 29.
Key goals of the draft plan focus on ecosystem health and diversity, economic benefits, forest conservation, recreation and sustainable management.
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 state purchased its first state forest, Hewitt in Cortland County, 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 source for the state's forest products industry, and allowing hundreds of thousands of annual visitors for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, boating, snowmobiling and other activities.
"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," 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."
Nine public hearings have been scheduled. The hearing at the DEC Region 5 headquarters in Ray Brook is on Sept. 21 and will consist of two parts: an informational session from DEC staff from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a public hearing from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
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.
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.