ACTION ALERT:
Tell Albany to "Repeal the Tree Tax"
Support S.6818 by Senator Young and A.6638 by Assemblyman Parment
Forest landowners have been absorbing property tax increase long enough. Now, New York State is providing guidance for towns to raise the assessments on trees.
State law has requires towns to assess trees, however, it has been inconsistently applied. Recent efforts to change forestland assessments are resulting in significant increases in the assessed value of forest parcels.
Trees don’t demand local services. They don’t use water or sewer. They don’t require garbage pick-up and they don’t go to school! They shouldn’t be taxed for these purposes.
Taxing trees is bad public policy. The results of shifting local tax burdens onto forest owners are changing uses, land conversion, thoughtless harvesting and even liquidation.
This issue is receiving attention in Albany. However, your help is needed to assure that lawmakers appreciate the importance of addressing this now. ESFPA has been working with other forest landowner groups and we have made it easy for you to communicate with the Governor and your elected representatives. Use the "Send Letter" menu or click here to send your letter now.
NEWS CLIPS
Albany Times Union
Syracuse Post Standard
Rome Sentinel
Buffalo News
Elmira Star-Gazette
Olean Times Herald