Community Meeting Recap: Restoring the Forest, Enhancing the Trails
The Chenango Greenway Conservancy hosted a community meeting Thursday evening to share important updates about the future of the Stone Quarry property — from forest health to new trails — and to hear directly from the community.
Board President Sharon Pelosi opened the meeting by welcoming attendees, followed by Board Member and forester Chris Sprague, who introduced the Forest Management Plan and its long-term vision for the site.
Forest Management: A Plan for Long-Term Health
Chris emphasized that this project is about more than removing trees — it’s about restoring the land for generations to come. The goals of the forest management plan include:
Improve forest productivity and health for long-term sustainability
Conserve and enhance cultural and scenic assets of the site
Provide multiple-use recreation trails that serve the community
Chris then introduced Tim Russell from Green Fire Forestry, who has been hired as our lead forestry consultant. Tim explained the urgency of the project: the emerald ash borer has infested the forest’s ash population, requiring a heavy density cut to salvage what Ash timber available to remove dead trees and allow space for new growth.
🌱 Reforestation Project Goals
As Tim shared, the reforestation plan focuses on the following:
Mitigate hazards posed by dead, standing trees
Allow for native forest regeneration, retaining species other than ash
Prepare for future management by limiting woody debris through sale or use of marketable material
Protect soil and water quality by requiring contractors to follow NYS Forestry Best Management Practices
Actively monitor the timber harvest and follow through with post-harvest remediation
Complete the harvest as soon as practicable, and begin restoration work as soon as weather allows
While the goal is restoration, the temporary impact on aesthetics was acknowledged. With such a heavy cut planned, the landscape will look different for a time. No date is set yet for the start of the work, but once it begins, the site will be temporarily closed for safety. The project has been put out to bid and we are currently waiting for contractor interest.
Addressing Community Concerns
Community members raised important questions, including the impact on wildlife and drainage concerns. The forestry team assured attendees that:
Any treatment products used will not harm water sources or pets
The project adheres to strict environmental standards
Maps were shared showing where the cutting will take place and how drainage and runoff will be mitigated
Trail Improvements on the Horizon
The Greenway also shared updates on how we’re using funding from our Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant:
Upgraded trail signage throughout the property
Design and construction of a new switchback trail to make access to the Stone Quarry Face easier and safer for all visitors
We’ve engaged professional trail designers at Penn Trails, who are creating a route that will use existing logging roads to reduce erosion and preserve the natural landscape.
Thank You for Your Input
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. Your contribution matters as we work to restore the forest and expand access in ways that balance ecology, recreation, and community values.
We’re committed to:
Transparent communication
Responsible, science-based stewardship
Creating inclusive outdoor spaces for all
Stay tuned for more updates as this project moves forward.
