December 31, 2003

SUBJECT: Opposition to Mount Ninham Model Forest Program.

Dear Mr Wieger,

Thanks for the opportunity the DEC has given the public to comment on DEC's
proposal to create a 'model forest' of a portion of Mount Ninham, in Putnam
County, NY.

I am writing to oppose the project.

As a Hudson Highlands hiker for many years, and I have seen what timbering
can do to an area. Specifically, I witnessed the result of timbering in Cold
Spring along an access trail to Mount Taurus. The site sucked the spirit
from the day; we talked about it at lunch and we talked about after the
hike. It was so disheartening. A forest should not be disheartening.

Forestry and recreation often represent conflicting values. Gifford Pinchot,
father of American forestry, represented the economic side of the debate as
he sought early on to make forests sustainable. John Muir, father of
American conservation, wanted to preserve land in its natural state. In that
pursuit, Muir was steadfast. Many of us are too.

Later in life Pinchot said this: "Conservation means the greatest good to
the greatest number for the longest time."

We think Pinchot would say that Mount Ninham better serves future
generations as an important local recreational, educational, and
spirit-lifting experience, not as a model forest.

Thank you,

Dr Peter Rostenberg

Fishkill Ridge Caretakers, Inc www.fishkillridge.org & Clove Creek Watershed Council (a coalition comprised of the Beacon Sloop Club, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Riverkeeper, Concerned Residents of East Fishkill and the Fishkill Ridge Caretakers.