DEC Regional Director
Mr. Marc Moran
21 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz, NY 12561-1696

Dear Mr. Moran.

As a resident of Putnam County I would like to express my views on the DEC’s proposed changes to the UMP for the Highlands Region. In particular I am strongly opposed to the Model Forest Program that is being proposed for Mt. Nimham in the town of Kent.

I believe we should permit this forest to mature with minimal logging and intrusion. This course will provide much more benefit to New Yorkers than logging ever would. The forests of the Highlands are a national and regional treasure in an otherwise highly developed suburban area. Mt. Nimham provides wonderful recreation for New Yorkers.

I cannot see any logic behind the stated goals of this project – why experiment on the health of our watershed by building roads and cutting trees? The only answer I can think of is to give foresters a raison d’etre, something to justify their existence.

I feel DEC has been less than open in the way it has handled development of the Mount Nimham Model Forest Project. From the outset local governments, especially the Kent Conservation Advisory Council and adjoining property owners, should have been involved in the decision making process or, at the very least, informed and given ample opportunity to offer advice, suggestions and objections if any had arisen.

Thank you for helping to protect and preserve the Hudson Highlands.

Respectfully,

NK
Garrison