The highest court in New York heard arguments on Wednesday for a case that could redefine what âtimberâ means in state law, and change what size trees can be cut on state Forest Preserve land.
Lawyers for the Protect the Adirondacks environmental group and state Department of Environmental Conservation were arguing an eight-year lawsuit brought by the former against the latter, which led to a DEC tree-cutting moratorium, halting construction on snowmobile trails and other trails around the Adirondack Park.
At the heart of the issue is whether the DECâs cutting of trees under 3 inches in diameter is allowed or banned by the state constitution.