For Release: Thursday, April 9, 2009
DEC Invites Public Input on Hill and Hollow Unit Management Plan
Meeting Slated for on April 30 in Tully, Onondaga County
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has begun developing a unit management plan (UMP) for the "Hill and Hollow Unit," which encompasses 7,346 acres in Cortland and Onondaga counties and covers two state forests (Morgan Hill and Kettlebail) as well as the Labrador Hollow Unique Area.
DEC is seeking the public's input in helping establish long-range goals for management of these lands and will hold a public meeting at Tully High School in Tully on Thursday, April 30, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The public's participation is vital in the creation of UMPs, as it provides staff with valuable information and insight about public-use demands.
The meeting will begin in an "open house" format that will allow the public to interact with DEC staff and view displays. There will be a brief presentation by DEC Region 7 forestry staff about the unit and the unit management planning process. The meeting then will return to an open house format. Comment cards will be available, which can be turned in at the meeting or mailed at a later date.
The draft UMP supports multiple-use goals through the implementation of specific objectives and management strategies. Management of the forests will ensure the sustainability, biological diversity and protection of the unit's ecosystem, and will optimize the many benefits that these state lands provide. The multiple-use goals will be accomplished through the integration of compatible and sound land management practices.
The Hill and Hollow Unit Management Plan will be based on a long-range vision for the management of this area. Specific goals and objectives are based on the rapidly evolving principles and technologies of ecosystem management, balanced with the increased demands for public use.
The plan will be developed to address management activities on this unit for the next 20 years, with a review due in 10 years.
UMPs represent the collaborative effort of DEC staff and the public in forging a future, long- term plan for the states forests. Anyone unable to attend the public meeting is encouraged to provide input in the form of a letter or e-mail. Comments should be sent or e-mailed to:
Mark Zubal
NYS DEC Region 7 Lands & Forests Office
1285 Fisher Avenue
Cortland, New York 13045-1090
mlzubal@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
All comments should be submitted by June 5, 2009.
