December 5, 2003

Commissioner Erin M. Crotty
Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-1010

Dear Commissioner Crotty:

I am deeply disturbed about the impact the Amendment to the Hudson Highland Unit Management Plan will have on the Mount Nimham Multiple Use Area.

I first hiked to the top of the Mount Nimham Fire Tower when I was six years old. Over the years, I have seen dramatic demographic changes occur in Putnam County. You have inappropriately chosen to place the “Nimham Model Forest” in a densely, populated suburban area. Take the plan somewhere else. We do not want the tree and other vegetation reduction, clear cutting, use of herbicides, planned fires, and construction of Coles Mills Logging Road to occur in our neighborhood.

The DEC has not been willing to substantively address and accommodate the issues raised by local residents and local government agencies. You have defied the public trust by intentionally trying to hide the proposed amendment from local residents and local government agencies.

Select another location. Leave us alone.

Sincerely.

RW
Carmel

Cc:
George Pataki, Governor
Vincent Leibell, State Senate
Sandra Galef, State Assembly
Sue Kelly, Congress