One of my pet peeves is state lands is where there has been a recent clear-cut timber harvest and hiking trails are not cleared of logging trash. Logging is important part of managed forests, but it’s one of many uses.
Unsalable tree tops and other brush or so-called “logging trash” has an important role as wildlife habitat. The logging trash will rot away and leave valuable soil for trees and forest to grow up and around. Leaving logging trash on steep slopes will help prevent erosion.
If a hiking trail, a campsite, a road, or other public access-way exists in a forest, the DEC should preserve access to it. Hunters, hikers, campers, and outdoorsmen need access. Trees marked previous for trail crossings, camping, or other signs, and then timbered should be replaced with other signs or markers.
