September 12, 2008

COUNTY LEGISLATURE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES KONST INITIATIVE TO MAINTAIN AND PROTECT COUNTY FOREST

Legislator Kathy Konst (D-Lancaster) announced that the Erie County Legislature took action on her legislation to maintain and protect the Erie County Forest as a precursor to next year's development of a comprehensive forestry management plan.

Erie County forest lands are situated in the towns of Concord, Sardinia, Holland, Boston, North Collins and Eden, but they also are an asset to all of the residents of the county.

"The responsible stewardship of the Erie County Forest requires staff of the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to periodically perform necessary maintenance activities, including the clean up of debris that has been strewn by forces of nature across the forest floor," Legislator Konst said.

Legislator Konst noted that the regeneration of the Erie County Forest cannot be achieved absent the regular and routine removal of felled trees and other debris on the forest. Doing so also mitigates the incidence of forest fires.

"Such routine maintenance further ensures that the forest floor is cleared of old and rotting wood, thereby making way for tree seedlings and the more rapid growth of existing trees by giving them suitable space to grow and mature," she said. "In addition to removing trees that have been felled by high winds and seasonal rain, ice and snow storms, it is an accepted and environmentally sound procedure to remove diseased trees to keep the diseases from spreading to healthy trees."

Legislator Konst has a keen interest in the Erie County Forest for two reasons. A substantial portion of the forest is located in her legislative district. Beyond that, Konst serves on the County Legislature's Energy and Environment Committee, under whose jurisdiction fall all issues regarding the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry.

"The long-term stewardship of the Erie County Forest calls for the development of a comprehensive Forest Management Plan that incorporates the concerns and recommendations of various stakeholder groups, including nearby homeowners and environmental organizations," Legislator Konst said. "Such a comprehensive and inclusive Forest Management Plan will be under development in 2009, and will go a long way to preserve and regenerate the Erie County Forest for generations to come."

She also believes the productive re-use of forest materials obtained as a result of regular and necessary maintenance activities in the County Forest is in the best interest of the county taxpayer.

"Lastly, the recreational interests of Erie County residents will be served by the clearing of trails for snowmobiles, cross county skiing, hiking and horseback riding," Legislator Konst concluded.

Back to District 5 Homepage