Resident is concerned by deforestation in Orleans County

Editor:

This was a text sent to Assemblyman Steve Hawley on September 15.

Dear sir:

As I was driving the other day, I couldn’t help but notice that on route 31A, just west of the Route 31A and 98 intersection, someone had bulldozed another 10 acres of forest and piled the trees all along the surrounding hedgerows, to be burned at a later time.

Do you sir realize how long it will take to consume the debris from these activities! All the residents in that locale will have to endure the smoldering mess for weeks. How can this type of activity  be allowed in a time where environmental consciousness is on the rise?

As you know, we face a deforestation crisis right here in western New York already. And the people I used to call farmers just keep killing all that remains! They are working real hard, it seems, to foment the next dust bowl.

I believe with all your knowledge as a former farmer you must be capable of seeing this. I’m asking sir that you take a stand, do the right thing and help preserve what is left of rural habitats in your district. I do not often ask for a reply but this time I am asking for a reply from you.

From your friend,

John Metzler

Albion