Subject: Nimham
To: jawieger@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Cc: forests@planputnam.org

To: Jeff Weigert

Re: Nimham forest

I have written to you before about my opposition to the proposal for a model forest on Nimham, but I also wanted to share with you the following. I recently received a note from an Austrailian acquaintance thanking me for taking him to Nimham this fall. He and his wife were visiting New York City and wanted to see something of U.S. country. They were advised to go to Vermont. Instead I drove with them for ninety minutes to Nimham and took them on a long hike. They could not believe the beauty of a place so close to New York City and they are telling their friends "Why go to Vermont? Nimham in New York is so beautiful!" I have had similiar reactions from people from South Africa and France who have also visited. It is eye opening to see a place that you are used to through fresh eyes. The combination of forest and water, the diversity of trees and colors, the fire tower, Hawk Rock, the multitude of hiking paths so impressed these foreign visitors. They enjoyed themselves also visiting the Carmel courthouse and the statue of Sybil Luddington, buying from local stores and craftsmen and eating in local restaurants. I have great respect for forestry but Nimham just is not the place for a logging based demonstration project. The first plan was right. Nimham is a place for recreation and even tourism.

Thank you for your time and attention

JC