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Jan. 20, 2018
Valley News
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• EDITION •
COALITION RENEWS PUSH FOR REFORM OF FOREST TAX LAW Expanding access to program will benefit environment, economy, say advocates By Pete DeMola EDITOR
PLATTSBURGH | Forestry associations, environmental groups and state lawmakers are asking the governor to prioritize reform of a program designed to preserve timberlands by giving private forest owners tax breaks and other incentives. Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed a series of reforms to the Forest Tax Abatement Program last year, but the issue failed to gain traction. Now as the governor prepares to roll out his 2018-19 budget plan on Tuesday,
the group is renewing its push to see the reforms become law.
UP TO 80 PERCENT
Commonly known as 480-a, the state Department of Environmental Conservation-managed program offers private landowners who own at least 50 contiguous acres of timberland tax deductions and other economic benefits in exchange for sustainably managing the forests on their property through long-term planning.
The plans serve as somewhat of a blueprint for the parcels, mapping out work schedules, objectives for forest health and provisions to maintain wildlife habitat. The program offers up to an 80 percent reduction of property assessment. But while 75 percent of the state’s forests are privately held, only 7 percent of eligible landowners participate, according to the governor’s 2017 State of the State agenda. » Forest tax Cont. on pg. 14
Supporters of reforming the state’s Forest Tax Abatement Program say the measure will help bolster the local economy while also safeguarding against climate change.
Local lugers prepare for Winter Games Two weeks of World Cup lead to South Korea
Stock photo
PyeongCh ang 2018
By Keith Lobdell
Thee World of Outlaws Dirt Track racing series will make a stop in Plattsburgh July 25. The series is the premier show in dirt track racing. Photo by Paul Arch/RPW
STA FF W RITER
SARANAC LAKE | For Chris Mazdzer and Erin Hamlin, the weeks heading into the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, are much like any World Cup season. The pair of luge competitors will race in two more World Cup events before the games, with the races helping to determine seedings for the Olympic competition. “The biggest thing right now is the transition between the tracks,” said Mazdzer, the Saranac Lake native has previously participated in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic Games, placing 13th individually and 6th in the team relay at the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia. Mazdzer said he is feeling confident heading into South Korea.
ELITE DIRT TRACK SERIES COMING TO PLATTSBURGH Airborne to host World of Outlaws July 25 By Keith Lobdell STA FF W RITER
» Olympics Cont. on pg. 13
PLATTSBURGH | One of the most popular motor sports dirt racing series will be coming to Plattsburgh this July. The World of Outlaws will be at the Airborne Park Speedway July 25 for a night of racing, promising the fastest times anyone has seen on
the half-mile track. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 29, with organizers promising to add more information through the World of Outlaws channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more in the coming weeks. » Airbourne Cont. on pg. 4
Find additional stories online at suncommunitynews.com This week stories include Winter Carnival posters on sale now
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Essex County Public Health seeks national merit
Accreditation program being worked on