Subject: Model deforestation project- Mt. Nimham, Kent, NY
To: jawieger@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Cc: jmgreen@bestweb.net

Dear Sir: I have been reading about your proposal to destroy one of the most beautiful natural forest habitats in NYS under the guise of a "Model Forest" program. As someone who has been active in environmental affairs in my own town of Putnam Valley which adjoins the town of Kent, I can only say, "leave it to the DEC to come up with something as screwy as this." For years I have sat on the town appointed advisory committee for Lake Oscawana and begged the DEC for help in preserving this magnificent aquatic resource that serves over 1,000 taxpaying residents and their families, to practically no avail. Where was the DEC when we asked for help in solving our weed and pollution problems? Where IS the DEC as we attempt to implement stormwater regs or wetland and steep slope laws to protect our lake? Probably over in Kent, trying to shove this "Model Forest" program down the throats of a community that has stated loud and clear that they don't want it!

As a highly taxed Putnam County resident who continues to live here and pay these outrageous taxes only because this is such a beautiful place to live, I am joining in the chorus of voices: Lay off Nimham Mountain and the Town of Kent. Leave those trees and creatures alone and let them live and prosper in their God given habitat.

If you bureaucrats in the DEC need something to occupy your time, come over to Put Valley and help us save our lakes- Oscawana, Lk. Peekskill, Roaring Brook. You would be infinitely more useful.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

PV
Putnam Valley