In This Issue

From ThePresident

The economic, ecological, and social benefits our forests provide are wideranging. Accordingly, our forests must be appropriately supported so these benefits are available for generations to come. The New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) “was founded in 1963 to encourage well-informed management of privately owned woodlands in New York State and to promote, protect, represent, and serve the interests of woodland owners.” Throughout these years the forested land area in New York State (today, almost 19 million acres, covering about 65% of the state) has steadily increased and the resulting benefits of these well managed forests are shared across the environmental and social spectrum.

The primary and most obvious benefit of sound forests is the production of the oxygen we need to live, and the absorption of the carbon dioxide we exhale. In addition, our forests purify the air we breathe by absorbing airborne pollutants, which has been linked with a reduction of asthma prevalence and a decrease in asthma symptoms in vulnerable populations. Forests are essential in maintaining clean water, cooling the earth, fighting floods, stabilizing soils, decreasing soil and water pollutants, and affecting weather patterns. Forests provide food sources and medicinal compounds for our needs. Trees can reduce cooling needs in summer and heating needs in winter. Forests provide wood for housing, furniture, paper, and other products used in daily life. Woodlands are vital for biodiversity, and provide habitat to numerous species of fish and wildlife. Forests also provide opportunities for recreation, exploration, and relaxation for those that seek it.

NYFOA is committed to providing our members with the educational opportunities to steward their woodlands so that generations to come can enjoy the benefits that our forests contribute to our world. I encourage our members to utilize all the resources available to achieve their forest management objectives. I encourage others interested in the thoughtful management of private forestlands to consider joining NYFOA and supporting our mission. And I thank all our volunteers for their time and efforts in support of NYFOA’s mission throughout the years and helping to ensure our woodlands continue to be well managed.

NYFOA’s annual Spring Program is scheduled for April 25, 2020 in Syracuse, NY. Please save the date. The program will concentrate on long-term family forestland protection and estate planning. The agenda and details will be forwarded and posted on our website when finalized.

Although not a literary critic, I would recommend the book “The Big Burn” by Timothy Egan. It chronicles the creation of The United States Forest Service and the efforts of Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot to establish our National Forests. Although a history book, it reads like a novel. It would be a good read on a cold winter’s night.

–Art Wagner NYFOA President

The mission of the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is to promote sustainable forestry practices and improved stewardship on privately owned woodlands in New York State. NYFOA is a not-for-profit group of people who care about NYS’s trees and forests and are interested in the thoughtful management of private forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

Join!

NYFOA is a not-forprofit group promoting stewardship of private forests for the benefit of current and future generations. Through local chapters and statewide activities, NYFOA helps woodland owners to become responsible stewards and helps the interested public to appreciate the importance of New York’s forests. Join NYFOA today and begin to receive its many benefits including: six issues of The New York Forest Owner, woodswalks, chapter meetings, and statewide meetings. ( ) I/We own ______acres of woodland. ( ) I/We do not own woodland but support the Association’s objectives.

Name: _______________________ Address: ______________________ City: _________________________ State/ Zip: ____________________ Telephone: ____________________ Email: _______________________ County of Residence: ___________ County of Woodlot: ____________ Referred by: ___________________

Regular Annual Dues:

( ) Student $15

(Please provide copy of student ID) ( ) Individual/Family $45 ( ) Life $500

Multi-Year Dues:

( ) 2-yr $80 ( ) 3-yr $120

Additional Contribution:

( ) Supporter $1-$49 ( ) Contributor $50-$99 ( ) Sponsor $100-$249 ( ) Benefactor $250-$499 ( ) Steward $500 or more ( ) Subscription to Northern Woodlands $15 (4 issues)

NYFOA is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) taxexempt organization and as such your contribution may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Form of Payment: Check  Credit Card Credit Card No. __________________________________ Expiration Date ________V-Code______ Signature: _________________________ Make check payable to NYFOA. Send the completed form to:

NYFOA

P.O. Box 541, Lima, New York 14485 1-800-836-3566

www.nyfoa.org