I have a Love-Hate Relationship with the Albany Pine Bush. It is an …

• urban unique
• wildlife preserve

The Albany Pine Bush’s strengths are are ..

• It is conviently located near the city of Albany, you can take either take a bus and walk to get there, or drive a short distance from the city
• It is a fascinating Pine Bush/sand-dune ecosystem, with fantastic views of the Heldebergs and Catskills and wildlife close to the city.

At the same time those strengths are it’s greatest weakness …

• In many ways the preserve is over-regulated and over-governed by the overbearing Albany Pine Bush Commission
• The Madison Avenue and Karner East Barriens are overused, dominated by joggers and those walking dogs
• There are too many restrictions on hunting, camping, and even hiking and nature observation — such as a ban on traveling off of trails except in the taking of wildlife.

The Adirondack Forest Preserve model might not work in Albany Pine Bush Preserve, but a hybrid model could work. The Commission should try to work more with the public’s desires and demands, and have friendly processes and policies that show that they are there to work with the public rather then restrict access.

Urban preserves are a tricky balancing act. It means easy access to yahoos and those who don’t know basic respect. There are far greater human demands compared to relatively unknown state forests, far off the beaten track.