Red pine trees planted in the 1930’s harvested, new generation of trees and shrubs planted
From IMPACT,
The recent logging that removed tall red pine trees near the trailhead parking area for Phillips Creek State Forest is part of the Sustainable Forest Initiative managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation foresters.
Historically, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) had three camps in Allegany County. The CCC camp at West Almond had a large nursery to grow seedlings that were planted to re-establish forests on farmland to control erosion and provide a renewable resource to be harvested by future generations.
We are now in the generation that is benefitting from the hard work the young men accomplished in the 1930’s throughout our great nation. The tall Red Pine trees have reached their maturity and have been harvested as part of the Sustainable Forest Initiative, to clear the way for the planting of seedlings that will provide a more biodiverse habitat for plants and animals. Various native tree and shrub species were planted on April 30 by IMPACT volunteers and NYSDEC forestry staff. The seedlings are protected from deer browse by bright blue tree tubes.
An additional initiative is the future prospect to build an accessible trail that can be enjoyed by people with limited mobility. The tree removal is Phase I of the work that is needed to construct a trail that will have a surface to allow the public with limited mobility to enjoy the outdoors.
When complete, the new trail will be approximately one mile long and have a gentle grade and surface that someone in a wheelchair and other mobility devices can navigate and enjoy the outdoors. IMPACT is seeking grants and donations from individuals, businesses, and other sponsors who would like to see the accessible trail become a reality for the community and visitors.
Save the Dates:
June 7 National Trails Day
Hike led by Nicole Mungwitz
August 23 IMPACT Signature Event in Memory of Pam Schu and Gail Bartas
5K Trail Run/Hike and 10K Trail Run.
If you would like more information on events, how you can join IMPACT and donate volunteer time and/or funds to this worthy endeavor, go to www.impactfriendsgroup.org or email impactfriendsgroup@gmail.com.
