Adirondack Park Agency Delays Logging Rules

The Adirondack Park Agency has delayed action on a simplified permit process for clear-cutting Adirondack forest tracts of more than 25 acres.

Under a new General Permit proposal, the Adirondack Park Agency says a simplified silvicultural treatment that “meets jurisdictional clearcutting thresholds” would encourage sustainable forestry practices.   Protect the Adirondacks is one of several environmental groups that wants the state agency to reject the proposal. Executive Director Peter Bauer says the APA has not proven a new permit process is needed.

Adirondack Council Spokesman John Sheehan notes that a regular permit requires public input and a vote of the agency’s commissioners. That would not be required with the proposed General Permit.

Empire State Forest Products Association President and CEO Eric Carlson says what’s being referred to as clearcutting is a misnomer,  and the new permitting process has been needed in the Adirondacks for some time.

Adirondack Park Agency Spokesman Keith McKeever says the Agency has never taken consideration of the General Permit off the board.

McKeever says the APA is still accepting public comments and plans to meet with stakeholders within the next two weeks.