The Catskill Center is hosting Selinda Brandon, Wildlife Biologist at the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Fish and Wildlife will talk about the DEC’s Young Forest Initiative – what is it, what can landowners do, what are the benefits.

Wildlife need all types of habitat to survive, including young forest. In the early 1900's New York State was more farmland than forest, but today 63% of the landscape is forested and is shifting to predominantly mature trees. While mature forests are home to several species, others need young forests.

DEC is undertaking a new initiative to considerably increase young forest habitat on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across the state. Declining species such as the Golden-winged Warbler and New England cottontail will benefit, as well as popular game species like American Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse.