New York Forest Resources & the Council of Forest Resource Organizations
2011
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• Trees are Important to All of Us! • Forest History and Current Challenges • Council of Forest Resource Organizations • The Working Forest • The Urban Forest
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• The Challenges Ahead • Invasive Insects & tree diseases • Timber Theft, Vandalism, & Illegal Dumping • Property Taxes • Parcelization and Development • The Need For Silviculture
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• Poor Markets for Low Grade Wood • The Need for Information & Technical Assistance • Member Organizations
Trees are Important to All of Us! Forests currently cover almost two thirds of the landscape, and trees are found in every community. In both urban and rural areas they provide economic, environmental, and recreational benefits including: • Watershed protection • Timber products, pulpwood, and biomass for energy production • Wildlife habitat • Beautification of homes, streets, roadsides and parks • Increased property values • Tourism & recreation
Forest History and Current Challenges
Council of Forest Resource Organizations
New York’s forests have experienced tremendous changes over the past four centuries. The rich, diverse forests we see today stand as a testament to nature’s resilience. In 1770, approximately 90% of the state was covered by forests. But by 1870, following decades of clearing for new farms, heavy cutting, and burning, forests were reduced to just 22% of the total area. Today, forests are back and now
The Council is an ad hoc committee of representatives from a wide range of organizations who share a common interest in perpetuating forest resources and the values and benefits they provide. The Council is working to encourage sound management of forests wherever they occur in New York State. Our goal is to keep healthy, productive trees and forests for a variety of benefits for current and future generations.
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The Working Forest Wood is renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and far more energy efficient in its manufacture and use than are products made from steel, aluminum, plastic or concrete. Furthermore, growing forests and the lumber they provide store large amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, adding to the potential for global warming. With proper silviculture, forests can sustainably grow high value timber that is in demand worldwide. Forests are also managed for a variety of other products including firewood and maple syrup which, along with timber, are important sources of income and employment in rural areas.
The Urban Forest The term “urban forestry� may sound contradictory and yet our streets, parks, yards and greenspaces are where most people learn to appreciate trees and their many benefits. Numerous studies show the mental, physical and educational benefits of trees: Patients recuperate faster with views of trees from their window; stress levels are lower in treed environments; children learn better after they spend time outdoors surrounded by greenspace. However, in order to survive and make positive contributions, trees must be properly selected, planted, and maintained.
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New York Forest Resources & the Council of Forest Resource Organizations
The Challenges Ahead Although forests made a “come-back� in the 20th century, new pressures are being placed on them. These include:
Invasive Insects & tree diseases New non-native pests have been introduced which threaten to damage or destroy millions of trees in communities and woodlands across New York State if they cannot be controlled. These threats must be promptly & effectively dealt with to protect our trees and forests.
Timber Theft, Vandalism, & Illegal Dumping Forest landowners sometimes discover that valuable timber has been cut and stolen from their woodlot, or that their property has been damaged or vandalized by trespassers. Consequently, it is very important that law enforcement personnel at every level have the proper training and expertise to enforce existing laws to deter these crimes.
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Property Taxes Ever higher property taxes discourage long term investments in forestry because returns are relatively low if the land is only used for growing timber. Property tax abatement for managing & maintaining working forest land is an important financial incentive to encourage sustainable forest management.
Source: Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. CPI data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistitcs, Northeast Urban Consumer Price Index
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New York Forest Resources & the Council of Forest Resource Organizations
Parcelization and Development Suburban sprawl, with its accompanying infrastructure development and urban/rural interface conflicts, continues to encroach upon farms and forests all across the state – accelerated by high taxes and low forest productivity. This means a loss of open space and wildlife habitat. When woodlands are subdivided, timber harvesting becomes more expensive because of the cost of moving equipment and preparing a job site.
The Need For Silviculture Silviculture is the science behind growing the most valuable trees in the shortest period of time. Although forestry and silviculture were introduced in New York over a century ago, most landowners do not use a forester when they sell timber. They do not understand the importance of leaving enough desirable trees for the next harvest. Consequently, timber productivity per acre is one third of Europe’s where silviculture is widely used. Woodland owners need good information and market based incentives to encourage greater investments in silviculture. The health of the forest products industry is directly related to timber resource quality, and silviculture is the best way to improve both value and productivity. New York Forest Resources & the Council of Forest Resource Organizations
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Poor Markets for Low Grade Wood There is an abundance of low quality timber in most woodland - usually because the valuable trees were cut years ago. These poor quality trees slow or prevent the growth of better trees, but because values are low it is often difficult to find a buyer. New markets for low grade trees would give landowners an opportunity to improve future productivity by selective thinning to provide growing space for high value timber.
The Need for Information & Technical Assistance Programs which are focused on improving forest stewardship and urban forest management, such as Cornell Cooperative Extension, DEC ReLeaf Forestry programs and volunteer citizen tree commissions, are an effective non-regulatory way to help improve the management of trees and forests throughout NYS.
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For Further Information about the Council of Forest Resource Organizations in New York State contact:
Member Organizations Audubon New York
Audubon New York ’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats to benefit humanity and Earth’s biological diversity. Using internationally accepted criteria, Audubon New York has identified 136 Important Bird Areas across New York State , many of them in the forested landscapes. Building on several ye ars of original research, we and our partners are reaching out to forest landowners through workshops, printed materials, and our website, with a goal of helping them to integrate bird-friendly management into new or existing management plans for their forested properties.
Adirondack Landowners Association
The ALA’s cornerstone then and now, was and is, good stewardship. Membership in the Adirondack Landowners Association is open to individuals and organizations owning land in the Adirondacks who support its goals of protecting private property rights and promoting good stewardship
Catskill Forest Association
The Catskill Forest Association promotes forest stewardship in the Catskill Region by forest landowners, timber harvesters, foresters and the general public. CFA advocates quality forest management to improve the health of the forest, preventing threats to the forest ecosystem, and supporting conservation efforts.
Empire State Forest Products Association
ESFPA is a nonprofit organization for businesses and individuals dedicated to improving the business climate for the forest products industry while promoting management of New York’s forests to meet the resource needs of today and for future generations.
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The Nature Conservancy
The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. In order to achieve our mission the Conservancy works with partners to protect priority conservation areas throughout the state. During the Conservancy’s 59 year history, we have supported conservation alongside sustainable forestry and recreation through the protection and easement of nearly 700,000 acres of lands and waters in New York.
LOGO HERE
LOGO HERE
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection manages the city’s water supply, providing more than 1.1 billion gallons of water each day to more than 9 million residents
New York Farm Bureau
Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volunteer organization financed and controlled by member families for the purpose of solving economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural industry.
New York Forest Owners Association LOGO HERE
The New York Forest Owners Association is a not-for-profit organization which promotes sustainable forestry practices and improved stewardship on privately owned woodlands in New York State.
New York Society of American Foresters
The mission of the Society of American Foresters is to advance the science, education, technology and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish standards of professional excellence; and to use the knowledge, skills and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society.
New York State Tree Farm
Tree Farm recognizes forest management on small, family-owned forests, and certifies that the practices meet internationally recognized Standards of Sustainability. The mission of or volunteer foresters and Tree Farmers is to put more good forestry on more acres and keep it there.
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New York State Urban & Community Forestry Council NEW YORK STATE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY COUNCIL
New York State’s Urban and Community Forestry program is a partnership of public, private and volunteer organizations and individuals that fosters comprehensive planning, management and education throughout New York to create a healthy urban and community forest and enhance quality of life.
New York (SFI) Sustainable Implementation Committee
SFI Inc. is a fully independent, charitable organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management. We work with conservation groups, local communities, resource professionals, landowners, and countless other organizations and individuals who share our passion for responsible forest management.
SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry LOGO HERE
The mission of the college is to advance knowledge and skills and to promote the leadership necessary for the stewardship of both the natural and designed environments.
Watershed Agricultural Council’s Forestry Program
The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City watershed region.
Jim Waters, CFRO Chair (518) 586-3054 jwaters@catskill.net
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