Discussion: Clear-Cut Logging Debate in the Adirondacks
Where do you stand with regards to clear-cut logging? The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will soon be voting to change the way that it regulates clear-cuts that are greater than 25 acres on private lands within the Adirondack Park (State lands remain Forever Wild Forest Preserve that will not be logged) with a new General Permit. The new regulations would rely more on third party organizations to certify that the landowners are following certain sustainable, best management practices and police those landowners. Currently the APA reviews, permits and enforces its clear-cut regulations.
While active timber lands have been decreasing over the years in the Adirondacks, there are still tens of thousands of acres that are actively logged and clear-cut logging is one management method that is used in many different areas.
I worked in Maine for several years, actually working on permitting for logging operations and I can see both sides of the issue. I hate climbing a mountain and looking across the vista and seeing large swaths of the forest cut and basically open fields, but at the same time, I understand for many of our operations in the northeast, clear-cut logging is an economical way to harvest and if done correctly, does actively manage the timberlands in a positive way that keeps them regenerating.
While active timber lands have been decreasing over the years in the Adirondacks, there are still tens of thousands of acres that are actively logged and clear-cut logging is one management method that is used in many different areas.
I worked in Maine for several years, actually working on permitting for logging operations and I can see both sides of the issue. I hate climbing a mountain and looking across the vista and seeing large swaths of the forest cut and basically open fields, but at the same time, I understand for many of our operations in the northeast, clear-cut logging is an economical way to harvest and if done correctly, does actively manage the timberlands in a positive way that keeps them regenerating.
- North Country Radio has a good write up on the current debate in the Adirondacks that you can read, or you can listen to the audio. There are also plenty of links for more information.
- A copy of the draft General Permit for public review
- Q&A from the Adirondack Park Agency on the draft General Permit
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