Canoe tale shows value of easements

The article “Unwinding on the Kunjamuk,” in your May/June issue was excellent.

While it was mentioned that the lands on both sides of the Kunjamuk River, nearly twenty-four thousand acres, are owned by the Lyme Timber Company, it is important to note that these lands are permanently conserved via the acquisition of perpetual working-forest conservation easements by the state Department of Environmental Conservation in 2006. This was part of a large DEC-initiated conservation easement transaction funded by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.

This is a great example of how working-forest conservation easements allow for the continued sustainable harvest of forest products while keeping the property undeveloped and open for public recreation.

Sean Ross, Hanover, NH
Ross is director of forestry operations for Lyme Timber Company