N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 46-0101: Legislative declaration and intent

§ 46-0101. Legislative declaration and intent.

The pitch pine-scrub oak barrens or pine barrens in the city of Albany

and towns of Guilderland and Colonie and known as the "Albany Pine Bush"

or "Pine Bush" is a landscape of rare and endangered natural communities

and species identified by the New York natural heritage program. Its

location at the center of a major urban area makes it especially

valuable as an open space resource and, if properly managed, as a

passive recreation area and educational laboratory.

Both state, municipal and private actions have been taken to protect

the remaining Albany Pine Bush. Because of the fragile qualities of the

Pine Bush and its dependence on periodic fires, effective, coordinated

management of the remaining Albany Pine Bush is essential.

The legislature hereby declares it to be in the public interest to

protect and manage the Albany Pine Bush by establishing an Albany Pine

Bush preserve consisting of dedicated public and dedicated private land

and a commission made up of representatives of state and local

governments and private citizens to manage the preserve for purposes of

its protection and controlled and appropriate recreation and education

purposes.