ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has proposed updates to the state’s forestry regulations aimed at simplifying the management and sustainability of private woodlands. Sean Mahar, the interim commissioner of the DEC, announced these proposed changes on Friday that aim to update the existing Real Property Tax Law Section 480a, often referred to as the Forest Tax Law. The DEC will host two virtual public comment hearings on January 21 and has set a deadline for public input by January 27.
The DEC’s revisions are designed to make it easier for forest landowners to engage in sustainable practices, ensuring healthful, well-managed forests that are crucial for economic support and environmental preservation. Notably, private forests constitute about 74% of New York’s total forest land area, highlighting the significance of encouraging long-term, sustainable management under professional guidance.
Introduced in 1974, the Forest Tax Law encourages the sustainable management of privately owned forests to produce ongoing forest crops, which supports a stable forest economy. Mahar stressed the importance of the program in growing and sustaining future forest lands and remarked that the updates are intended to bolster this longstanding environmental conservation program.
The feedback from a 2022 draft, which included public comments, has been integrated into these latest regulations, reflecting a responsive approach to stakeholder input. New regulations will extend the validity of approved forest management plans from 15 to 20 years, requiring fewer updates, which should lessen administrative burdens for landowners.
Additionally, the proposed adjustments include more flexibility for landowners in scheduling forestry treatments, switching from annual to decadal planning windows. This change will help align management activities with the most optimal forestry practices and economic cycles.
To strengthen sustainability, the DEC aims to increase the forestry requirements for landowners, mandating sufficient forest regeneration efforts and prohibiting high grading – a practice where the most valuable trees are harvested at the expense of the forest’s long-term health.
Educational standards for consulting foresters are also set to be standardized, ensuring that all professionals working within the Forest Tax Law framework meet consistent, state-wide expectations.
These proposed regulatory changes are set to take effect on March 1. The DEC offers details on these changes and the upcoming hearings at their dedicated webpage. Stakeholders are encouraged to view the draft rules and submit comments via email or traditional mail to further influence the finalization of these key regulatory updates.
To participate in the comment period or for more information on how to attend the virtual hearings, individuals can access details through the specific webpage provided by the DEC.
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