This bill prohibits leasing state-owned forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas, and unique natural areas for gas or oil exploration, development, or production. It amends New York's environmental conservation law to explicitly exclude these specific public lands from being leased for fossil fuel activities. The policy change directly affects state land management decisions, preventing future leases for oil and gas operations on these protected areas. The law applies to lands including state forests, wildlife areas, and designated unique natural sites, with no exceptions for gas or oil projects. This represents a concrete policy shift in how certain state lands may be used for energy development.
S 543 creates a tax credit for New York landowners who commit to forestry stewardship or habitat conservation on eligible land. Landowners with at least 25 contiguous acres certified as valuable wildlife habitat or suitable for recreation (e.g., fishing, hunting) can claim a credit equal to 25% of real property taxes paid on that land, up to $10,000 annually. To qualify, land must be part of a 5-year agreement with the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, recorded publicly, and maintained under approved conservation plans. This credit directly affects private landowners managing conservation-eligible properties, reducing their personal income and business franchise tax burden.
This bill amends environmental law to exclude certain timber harvesting activities from permit requirements for lands used for agriculture or forestry. Specifically, it allows farmers and landowners to selectively cut timber using USDA Forest Service's current best management practices - including temporary skidder trails and machinery - without needing a permit. The exclusion applies only to active agricultural or silviculture lands, and does not cover non-agricultural structures or filling activities. Wetland rules still apply once farming or forestry activities end. The change takes effect immediately.
Requires forest management plans, subject to the approval of the department of environmental conservation, for certain lands subject to a conservation easement purchased by the state; forbids clearcutting on such lands without such forest management plan; increases the jurisdiction of the Adirondack park agency over clearcutting.
Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.
This bill (S 3434) allows farmers and landowners on active agricultural or silviculture lands to selectively cut timber without needing a permit, provided they follow USDA Forest Service's current best management practices for temporary equipment use. It specifically excludes this activity from permitting requirements, while still requiring permits for non-agricultural structures or filling. The exemption applies only during active farming or forestry use; once those activities stop, standard wetland protections resume. The bill takes immediate effect.
Relates to enacting the "New York deforestation protection act"; provides that the department of environmental conservation shall adopt rules to protect forest resources related to timber, pests and invasive species and water and land management.
This bill amends New York's environmental conservation law to explicitly include preserving the "unique qualities of the nighttime sky" as a state policy goal. It directs state agencies to prioritize protecting natural night skies in designated areas like the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves, state parks, farms, and open spaces. The policy change requires agencies to consider nighttime sky preservation when managing land use and development, alongside existing environmental goals. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Enacts the "New York urban and community tree planting and forestry program act"; provides for education, technical assistance and support for tree planting and forestry projects in urban areas and disadvantaged communities.
Enacts the "New York urban and community tree planting and forestry program act"; provides for education, technical assistance and support for tree planting and forestry projects in urban areas and disadvantaged communities.
