2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 5

René Germain, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 211 Marshall Hall, Syracuse, NY 13210; 315.470.6698; rhgermai@mailbox.syr.edu

The concept of sustainable forestry is currently progressing towards a set of guiding principles that can be measured and demonstrated. This paper describes how the integration of scientific research, continuing education and public outreach at the New York City (NYC) Watershed Model Forests present an ideal opportunity for developing, monitoring and demonstrating the principles of sustainable forestry in the context of a large-scale working landscape over broad temporal terms.

The New York City water supply system is one of the largest surface storage and supply systems in the world, supplying high quality drinking water to nearly nine million metropolitan consumers, approximately half of New York State?s total population. More than 75% of the nearly 2,000 square-mile total watershed is forested, with the majority of these lands in private ownership. The watershed?s working forests contribute to a viable rural economy while simultaneously acting as a natural filter for water quality. As with so many watersheds around the globe, the NYC Watershed exemplifies the urban-rural interface, thereby providing an excellent backdrop for the model forests to serve as research sites for studying the complexities of watershed management, while simultaneously demonstrating and promoting forest stewardship.

The Model Forest Program encompasses 4 sites geographically distributed throughout the entire New York City watershed. To facilitate public outreach and encourage widespread participation throughout the year, each Model Forest will be linked to an environmental education center. Each Model Forest is being delineated into a series of experimental treatment blocks demonstrating various forest management activities. Treatment blocks are determined through the use of forest cover type maps, topographic maps, aerial photos and forest inventory. Each treatment block will demonstrate silvicultural prescriptions and thinning regimes used to perpetuate forest stands for long-term timber production and other values (i.e., shelterwood, clearcut, seed tree, patchcut, timber stand improvement, etc.), wildlife habitat enhancement techniques, scenic vistas for recreation and aesthetics, and control areas without manipulations. A continuous forest inventory system will provide baseline data required to assess various forest management options. To further assist with temporal comparisons and facilitate education and outreach, photo points will be used to document and interpret pre- and post-harvest conditions.

As a long-term institutional resource for private landowners, loggers, forest industry and other professionals, the Model Forests will provide unprecedented opportunities for these audiences to better understand and manage for the multiple values associated with their local natural resources. As a result, those audiences who contribute directly to the quality and protection of the environment will hopefully become well-informed stewards of the watershed forests and recognize their potential contributions to a thriving working landscape.