Clear Cutting in the Hills
Clear cutting has been occurring on the Landmark property in Oswegatchie Hills since early 2024. As a reminder, in 2017 an application was approved by Inland Wetlands Agency (IWA) “as of right” for “non-regulated activity” for a tree farm… to be known as River Valley Farm” on the property.
Since early last year, when clear cutting began, we have coordinated efforts with Save the River-Save the Hills and our legal counsel, Save the Sound, to seek ways to stop the clearing. Don Danila, board member, and Kris Lambert, president, spoke at multiple Inland Wetlands Agency (IWA) meetings to request a review of Landmarks’ actions.
During the IWA’s March 2025 meeting, a letter of concern from Save the Sound was read into the meeting minutes. At that same meeting, a memo from Gary Goeschel, the town’s Inland Wetlands Agent, was submitted. Mr. Goeschel stated that Landmark’s actions of clear cutting are in ”compliance with” [actually ”exempt from”…] the regulations. Tree clearing for the purpose of establishing a farm, e.g. a tree farm, is allowed under the agricultural exemption. Mr. Goeschel also stated that, in speaking with property owner Glenn Russo, he learned they plan to continue clearing cutting for the tree farm.
At this point it appears that we have exhausted all possibilities to bring the operation to a halt. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
Excerpt from Mr. Goeschel’s memo dated February 26, 2025:
The applicant’s narrative states that the tree farm is approximately 230-acres and they are proposing to “selectively harvest the native hardwoods on the various sections of the property and plant in their place.” As noted at the Sept. 11, 2017 IWA meeting, the minutes record the applicant addressing a possible phasing of the cutting operation: “We are looking at 5 acres and depending on how it goes they will expand to more areas… never any intention of limiting it to a specific amount of acres.” Together it appears that the applicant proposed selective harvesting and replanting on the entire farm area, about 230 acres. The IWA determined that this was an ‘as of right’ farming operation and exempt from wetlands permitting requirements.”
For further information, referenced documents are on the town of East Lymes website: ”https://eltownhall.com/government/boards-commissions/inland-wetlands-agency/”. Or watch the video of the March IWA meeting at “https://youtu.be/kThs32sa6Ak?si=zPqUc7DV31_2qRcL” (from approximately 51 minutes).
Since early last year, when clear cutting began, we have coordinated efforts with Save the River-Save the Hills and our legal counsel, Save the Sound, to seek ways to stop the clearing. Don Danila, board member, and Kris Lambert, president, spoke at multiple Inland Wetlands Agency (IWA) meetings to request a review of Landmarks’ actions.
During the IWA’s March 2025 meeting, a letter of concern from Save the Sound was read into the meeting minutes. At that same meeting, a memo from Gary Goeschel, the town’s Inland Wetlands Agent, was submitted. Mr. Goeschel stated that Landmark’s actions of clear cutting are in ”compliance with” [actually ”exempt from”…] the regulations. Tree clearing for the purpose of establishing a farm, e.g. a tree farm, is allowed under the agricultural exemption. Mr. Goeschel also stated that, in speaking with property owner Glenn Russo, he learned they plan to continue clearing cutting for the tree farm.
At this point it appears that we have exhausted all possibilities to bring the operation to a halt. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
Excerpt from Mr. Goeschel’s memo dated February 26, 2025:
The applicant’s narrative states that the tree farm is approximately 230-acres and they are proposing to “selectively harvest the native hardwoods on the various sections of the property and plant in their place.” As noted at the Sept. 11, 2017 IWA meeting, the minutes record the applicant addressing a possible phasing of the cutting operation: “We are looking at 5 acres and depending on how it goes they will expand to more areas… never any intention of limiting it to a specific amount of acres.” Together it appears that the applicant proposed selective harvesting and replanting on the entire farm area, about 230 acres. The IWA determined that this was an ‘as of right’ farming operation and exempt from wetlands permitting requirements.”
For further information, referenced documents are on the town of East Lymes website: ”https://eltownhall.com/government/boards-commissions/inland-wetlands-agency/”. Or watch the video of the March IWA meeting at “https://youtu.be/kThs32sa6Ak?si=zPqUc7DV31_2qRcL” (from approximately 51 minutes).
Hills photo from July 2023.
Photo credit, Peter Huoppi, The Day
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Photo from January 2025. Cleared land is outlined in black
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