This calculation is based on the assumption that the Preserve will be subjected to intensive management, including regular burning of the entire 2,000 acres every ten years. The Commission has not come anywhere near that number. The Commission is mandated by state law to develop a plan to manage the Pine Bush using controlled burns. Last June, the Commission adopted a fire-management plan for the Pine Bush. Save the Pine Bush is asking that this plan be declared invalid because it does not address the issue of meeting the goal of burning 200 acres per year.
Safety is an important issue.
Save the Pine Bush does not wish to see wild fires in the Pine Bush. The only way to stop wild fires is through controlled burns. The Pine Bush will die without fire. As may be expected, this lawsuit went over like a lead balloon with the Commission. After all, theoretically, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission and Save the Pine Bush have the same goals, preservation of our beautiful Pine Bush ecosystem.