Rath names proposed bill after late Amherst naturalist Bruce Kershner

Sen. Mary Lou Rath, R-Williamsville, chair of the Senate Tourism Committee, has introduced legislation titled the "Bruce Kershner Heritage Tree Preservation and Protection Act," aimed at protecting the state's remaining old-growth trees and forests.

Mr. Kershner, formerly of Amherst, passed away in February. He was an award-winning environmentalist and author of 12 nature books, including "The Secret Places of Western New York and Southern Ontario."

"Bruce Kershner was a staunch advocate for our old-growth forests," Rath said. "He discovered over 300 old-growth forests across the northeast, where no one believed they still existed. By preserving and protecting these remaining forests, including the Zoar Valley, this measure is intended to carry on Mr. Kershner's efforts."

The proposal would protect 35 tree species that date to 1850. Currently, there are approximately 400,000 acres of old-growth forest in the state, primarily in the Adirondacks. Western New York, including Zoar Valley, has more than 700 acres.

Although most of the primeval forests that once covered New York State and the entire Northeast were cleared many years ago as settlers first moved west to develop farms and communities, there still remain small vestiges of this original forest.

Originally, most remained uncut because the terrain where they are located was so challenging that logging was impracticable and farming impossible.

The bill focuses on the concept heralded by Mr. Kershner that if these forests are allowed to be destroyed, they are probably gone forever and not replaceable within this lifetime.

The bill, S.4637, which has bipartisan support, is sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Sam Hoyt.