DEC proposed 480a revisions, Part II

Here's a few other thoughts on the upcoming changes to New York's Forest Tax Law:

The Department should certify stumpage value upon the approval of a Notice of Commercial Cut. Landowners should submit the terms of sale as evidence of value.

As the plans are used for a public benefit, the revisions should finally address what is considered public information. This should include plans and the notice of cut, with timber volume and value.

One year is insufficient to complete cuts. Change the time frames to give more flexibility for weather, markets, and logger capacity. Section 199.6 (a) suggests that the work needs to be completed within ten years; the time frame needs to be specified.

Replacing reporting requirements with a DEC template would be welcome if there is one state-wide template. Don't let the regions determine what is accepted.