Tonight’s Show: New York’s Forest Tax Law

CFA-On-The-Air: From the Forest
Wednesdays 6PM – 7PM
WIOX ROXBURY 91.3FM or www.wioxradio.org

According to the Council of Forest Resource Organizations (CFRO), “New York State has significant forest assets that are privately held & stewarded. These forests contribute important natural services & economic benefits to our communities, including but not limited to clean water & air, recreation, forest products, & wildlife habitat. However, without improved incentives, current high property taxes on forestland in the State discourage most landowners from making long-term commitments to sustainable forest management. This has also led many Landowners to liquidate forest assets to pay for taxes rather than manage the resource to produce a higher valued crop over time & maintain ecosystem services.” For many decades, New York’s Forest Tax Laws have been highly controversial. Finally, they are being brought back to the political table. On tonight’s show, we’ll uncover what is currently being discussed in Albany about New York’s forest taxation programs. Tune in at 91.3 FM or stream online @ www.wioxradio.org to learn more.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
It’s quiet. Went for a walk last night around 7PM. A beautiful, big, white winter moon shined it’s night light through hemlock and pine branches laden with snow. Each branch acted as a natural sound barrier. Upon reaching the waterfall near the road, even the stream was muffled by Monday’s snow-fall and last week’s growing encasement of ice. A layer of snow upon the road also muffled the rumbling of rolling car-tires as they passed by. It seemed like people in their houses are also more quiet, at least from the road. A wall of snow helps to insulate each dwelling’s inner life from the outside world as I passed by. Just like melted snow on a beaver lodge indicates an active home, smoke rising from the chimney also can indicate some sort of human occupation is going on. Truly a winter thing.

May the forest be with you,
Ryan Trapani
Education Forester
Catskill Forest Association

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