LOCAL LAW NO. "M" FOR 2021
A LOCAL LAW CONCERNING THE CUTTING, REPLACING AND
PRESERVATION OF FOREST LANDS BY COUNTY AUTHORITIES
Introduced: 11/8/21
By: Messrs. Perlee, Drake, Grimm, Langdon, Ms. Lockhart, Messrs. Mauriello, Tunny and Ms. Whalen
SECTION 1.
Legislative Intent.
Trees play an essential role in the survival of our planet. Trees mitigate temperature fluctuation and lower air temperatures. Trees prevent soil erosion, regulate the hydrology of soil and groundwater levels and absorb surface water, preventing it from flowing into built up and paved areas that contain pollutants that contaminate our waterways. Trees provide aesthetic comfort to urban landscapes and help delineate and buffer areas of current and future development. Through photosynthesis trees sequester harmful carbon dioxide and release life giving oxygen. Certain species which were once abundant in our County, such as the White Pine and Black Locust, are particularly effective at carbon sequestration. By regulating the exchange of energy and water between earth's surface and atmosphere, trees are our planet's primary defense in the battle against global warming. If the present rate of tree removal and death is not addressed, we will lose our last tree, and with it the planet, in less than 200 years' time. It is the intent of this law to create a replacement protocol related to the cutting of forested lands of one-half acres or more owned by Albany County and to create an Albany County Forest Preserve which shall serve to help ensure the preservation and enhancement of the total amount of forest land within Albany County.
SECTION 2.
Protocol related to the cutting of forest lands owned by Albany County.
No area of forested land of one-half acre or greater owned by the County shall be disturbed and developed unless:
(a) an inventory of trees to be disturbed and /or removed is made and filed with the Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District ("ACSWCD"). The survey...
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