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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970

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Legislation Update – February 2014

The Governor’s Environmental Plans—

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo presented his State of the State address in mid-January and although the environment was not a major focus, he did lay out some proposals worthy of note.

  • The Governor plans to invest in 50 public access sites on state lands. This will enhance the ability of outdoor recreationists to use these natural areas.
  • He proposed a new biomass heating initiative to transition homes from heating oil to locally sourced sustainably harvested low grade wood. This would reduce use of a fossil fuel, but it is important that the fuel wood be harvested without significant damage to the state’s forest resources.
  • Also on energy issues, the Governor wants to continue to promote the use of solar power in the state. The existing NY Sun initiative encourages solar panels on schools and other public buildings.
  • A major part of the Governor’s speech was devoted to ongoing recovery from the super storms of recent years, and improving the ability of the state’s infrastructure to withstand future such events. In addition to “hardening” the infrastructure by protecting water treatment plants, the electric grid, etc., there are proposals to buy out homes in vulnerable areas, restore protective wetlands, and promote natural infrastructure.
  • On the down side, Cuomo called for promoting business in the state by removing regulatory barriers. This could result in less environmental review and protection.
  • The Governor also proposed expedited review of energy transmission projects that use existing corridors. This may be an issue locally as a new electricity transmission line is planned along the Marcy South line through Delaware and Otsego Counties.
  • What you can do—Tell Gov. Cuomo you support his alternative energy initiatives, and green infrastructure improvements, but do not want to see the environmental review process in the state weakened.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Executive Chambers
Albany, NY 12224
(518) 474-8390
gov.cuomo@chamber.state.ny.us.

 

Andy Mason
Conservation and Legislation

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Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President
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We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

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