WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Took a hike on a portion of State Forest Preserve last week. Some of this area used to be cleared for agriculture at one time. Now some of these areas have gone from growing cows to growing beautiful sugar maples. Tree cutting inside State Forest Preserve is unconstitutional, but tapping trees for syrup? There was some talk about it years back, but not sure where it went. Maple sugaring may be one industry that both preserves the forest and isn’t in conflict with forest recreation, especially since it occurs in late winter when few are in the woods. It certainly is less impacting than a ski center or some parking areas/campgrounds. A potential opportunity? Who knows. There sure is a lot of sugar up in those hills.
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association