“The bill at its heart says forestry is important to the people of New York and it’s value and contributions are appreciated,” said Kevin S. King, ESFPA’s Executive Vice President. “This is an important message in these difficult economic times and one which our members are deeply grateful for.”

This new law not only raises the visibility of forestry and protects the forest from theft but also demonstrates when business and conservation interest work together things get done.

“When people and groups work together towards a common interest the process works, the Legislature responds,” said King. “The Legislature’s near unanimous passage of this bill (the combined votes total 183 to 15) is a clear reflection of this. It is refreshing to be able to work with so many groups, groups that are sometimes at odds, to achieve this positive result. We look forward to continuing to work with the many partners who made this bill happen.”

“We have been working in partnership with forestry people for the last several years. Our research is showing that forest management activities can have positive impacts on bird populations and we believe that much good can be accomplished through collaborative efforts,” said David J. Miller, Executive Director of Audubon New York.

“We are grateful that – in the final day of this final week of the 2003 legislative session – Senator Little has made it a priority to correct this long-standing injustice,” said Adirondack Council Executive Director Brian L. Houseal. “The Adirondack Council has been urging the Legislature to pass a bill like this for many years.”

Many different groups supported this bill and contributed to its development and ultimate passage. In addition to the Adirondack Council and National Audubon, this bill has enjoyed the support from the New York Farm Bureau, New York Forest Owners Association, Catskill Forest Association, New York State Timber Producers, and the Adirondack Landowners Association to name a few.

“NYFOA commends the Legislature in taking the bold step of addressing the issues of right to practice forestry and timber theft.” said Daniel Palm, Executive Director of the New York Forest Owners Association. “Passage of this bill is of major importance to the 500,000 private forest land owners in New York State as it addresses two major issues they face. Allowing the right to bring suit in the event of timber theft on their property and ensuring if theft occurs that realistic damages can be recovered are important incentives to allow continuing stewardship of New York's privately held forest land.”

"Farmers have long depended on the sale of timber from farm woodlots to help augment farm income -- especially when commodity prices are low. This legislation will provide landowners with significant protections, from municipalities attempting to restrict the practice of forestry and from those wishing to illegally profit from the theft of timber from farm landowners. New York Farm Bureau appreciates the dedication and effort put forth by Senator Little and Assemblyman Parment to forge an agreement on this important issue," said John W. Lincoln, President, New York Farm Bureau.

“The ALA congratulates the State Senate and Assembly on passage of this important and long overdue legislation,” said Frank Clark, Counsel for the Adirondack Landowners Association which represents the owners of 32 private clubs, preserves and individuals, who collectively own approximately 250,000 acres of forested land within the Adirondack Park.

“The Catskill Forest Association would like to commend and thank this legislature for passing the forestry bill dealing with timber theft and providing a vehicle whereby a DEC review can be set up to advise towns on harvesting ordinances. This legislation has been long-needed,” said Jim Waters, Executive Director of the Catskill Forest Association (CFA). CFA represents private, non-industrial landowners in the six counties that make up the Catskill Region of NY.

“These forest landowners have put a lot of years of hard work and money into growing an agricultural crop that we all depend on in our daily lives,” Waters added. “Many of our landowners have had the ill-experience of having their timber taken from them with little to no recourse. Other landowners have had their timber rights infringed upon, and in some instances, taken almost completely away by towns that have adopted ill-thought-out timber harvesting ordinances. The Legislature’s passing of this legislation will help protect landowners’ rights. Thank you for your work, listening and passage of this legislation!”