Forest Management Plan

Using Resources Wisely…. That’s the Girl Scout Way!

Using resources wisely means taking care of the natural resources under our care, including our forests.

GSNENY stewards 886 acres of forests in and outside of the Adirondack Park of New York State. Four of our camp properties: Hidden Lake Camp, Camp Is-Sho-Da, Camp Woodhaven and Lake Clear Camp- have forests that we are responsible for. Most of our forests are second growth forest, growing from abandoned pastures and heavy deforestation more than 100 years ago.

In addition, many of our camps contain important waterways that connect to important water sources and must be properly managed. The protection of the pristine Lake Clear, Glowegee Creek, or ultimately Lake George, we have an important role in protecting clean water in Northeastern New York.

What makes for a healthy forest? toggle arrow

Wide variety of trees, to make the forest more resilient (able to bounce back, withstand threats, stay healthy)
Trees of all different ages growing to have multiple age classes of trees
Robust root systems to control erosion and protect water sources
Habitat that supports diversity of plants and animals, birds and more
Natural defenses that keep insects and disease below levels that harm plants and animals
Conditions ideal of human needs of that forest (in our case, to keep camp safe for Girl Scouts).

Why do we need to manage our forests? toggle arrow

Keep the forest healthy, so that it can prevent erosion, mitigate climate, store more carbon, and provide oxygen essential to our survival.
Forest management captures and promotes growth of new, better trees. Without it, trees struggle for resources like sunlight and water, and have high mortality rates.
Manage against invasive species (plants and pests)
The goal is to choose the most desirable trees and remove the competing, less desirable ones to improve overall forest composition. This allows more growth to occur on the best trees. Just like when you grow a garden- to grow the best crops, you must pull the weeds.

Where is GSNENY doing Forest Management? toggle arrow

All camps have been assessed and have a Forest Management Plan.
Hidden Lake Camp, Camp Woodhaven and Camp Is-Sho-Da are slated for tree harvesting. Work is expected to be conducted on these sites in MY24 and MY25.
Lake Clear Camp is not scheduled to be harvested in the immediate future. The forester recommends that we revisit this in 10 years.
Service Centers and Camp Meadowbrook do not have forests.

Why is GSNENY using a Professional Forester? toggle arrow

GSNENY has engaged the services of Ben Pokon, Consultant Forester, Milesquare Forestry Services. Ben was introduced to us by Deb Boyce.
Deb Boyce, Northwoods Forest Consultants. Deb is a longtime supporter of Girl Scouts, and was on the list of consultant foresters published by DEC. This list contains foresters who have certain qualifications and meet certain requirements to gain this endorsement by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation. She is winding down her forestry business and is facilitating a transition for her clients to Ben.
Ben conducted property assessments in the summer of 2023.
Many invasive species are present, causing harm to healthy trees. In some cases, entire tree areas are expected to die. Dead trees are dangerous to hikers, campers, and trail access.
Professional foresters and loggers are equipped to perform the tasks safely, with expert knowledge and are best suited to knowing how to protect our trees, water, and animals, as well as the areas of camp most used by humans.
We need to have a well-documented plan for how our forests are to be managed over time, which we did not have. None of the properties have been logged or assessed in 20 years or more.
Each of our targeted waterways connect to varying levels of protected waters (for spawning fish, trout and in one case drinking water). Professionals will ensure that water will be protected from silt/runoff and riparian shade will be left intact. Riparian management means things like: establishing a buffer strip of area that is not touched, intentionally leaving shade in certain areas, leave cavity trees for critters who live in them, etc.
No rare or endangered species were noted, but Camp Woodhaven has a blue heron rookery that will be protected, and Lake Clear Camp (LCC) has common loon- a species of interest in NYS. (note: LCC is not slated for forest management at this time).

What Are The Threats to Our Forests’ Health? toggle arrow

Invasive species: An “invasive species” is defined as a species that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes).
- Emeral Ash Borer
- Spongy Moth Caterpillar
- White Pine Needle Disease
- White Pine Blister Rust
- Beech Bark Disease
- Beech Leaf Disease
- Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
- Butternut Canker
- Wildfire (made more complex when there are high numbers of dead trees)

Invasive plants tend to completely occupy a site to the detriment of native plant and tree species. It is recommended that invasives be removed by the landowner whenever encountered.
Overgrowth of trees leads to high mortality among them, as they struggle to get adequate sunlight, water, and room to grow.
Fire risk made more complex in areas where there is an abundance of dead trees.
New York State has the highest concentration of invasive species in our forests, of all the states; especially concentrated along the I-87 corridor.

What Best Practices Will Be Used At Our Camps? toggle arrow

Erosion confined to logging trails to keep sediments out of waterways
Maintain trail conditions for aesthetics (better hiking trails for you!), using existing trails wherever possible.
Riparian Management Zones to maintain quality and unique habitats along streams and waterbodies. Ex. Buffer strips, shade, leave cavity trees for critters who live in them.
Wildlife habitat aligns with timber management: diverse structure, increase browsing opportunities, enhanced cover (for deer, turkey, grouse, woodcock, hare, rabbits, bears, migratory birds).
Timing will be based on when there is an abundance of seeds of the kinds of trees we want to grow. Logging during peak seed times helps “plant” the seeds in the dirt, for the best chance at growing.

How Will This Impact My Girl Scout Experience? toggle arrow

There will be a Girl Scout program with our forester, about forest health in spring 2024. IN addition, it is a great opportunity for Troop Leaders and Juliette mentors to tie into America’s Tree Promise with GUSA, and badge work in our Outdoors Pillar: Environmental Stewardship: Eco Learning, Eco Friend, Eco Camper, Eco Trekker, Eco Explorer, Eco Advocate; Outdoor Journeys

There may be troop or Girl Scout project possibilities, including tree planting, trail marking or educating others about our waterways, invasives and more! Stay Tuned.
In the short term, you may hear sawing and see log piles. There will be times when machinery will be coming in and out, and you may have to stay off the roads during those times. We will work to minimize work while girls are present.
You may need to share access to certain areas with the project. We may ask you to stay off of certain hiking trails that are being managed, for your safety while they are working there.
The treetops and branches will be piled in the woods (vs ‘cleaned up’) so that animals can make dens and homes in them. It looks “messy” but creates ideal conditions for growing and for animals to use for shelter
In the longer term, the logging trails will enhance current trail conditions! There is a whole network of skid roads through camp that will also make great trails. If you’re interested in participating in mapping and marking new trails, let us know!
There will be fewer dead trees at risk of falling, and more possibility for firewood for your camp outs! (Some dead trees will intentionally be left for animal homes.)

Who Do I Contact To Talk About This? toggle arrow

If you have questions or would like more information to plan your Girl Scout programming, please email customercare@girlscoutsneny.org and we will route you to the best person to assist you!

The Girl Scout Tree Promise toggle arrow

All over the world, deforestation and climate change are damaging the planet. Trees help cool communities, reducing the heat island effect created by buildings, machines, and pavement. They also provide habitat for wildlife, create shade on hot summer days, clean water, and remove asthma-causing air pollution.

Join Girl Scouts to make the world a better place as we plant, protect, and honor trees with the Girl Scout Tree Promise. Learn how to solve community problems and use team-building skills to sow seeds of change with family and friends today!

CLICK HERE to download a free activity guide, track your impact, and find out how to earn your Tree Promise patch!

Girl Scouts Support Healthy Forests toggle arrow

Environmental Education Badges:

Daisy Eco Learning, Brownie Eco Friend, Junior Eco Camper, Cadette Eco Trekker, Senior Eco Explorer, and Ambassador Eco Advocate

CLICK HERE to learn more!

Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors

Be Your Most Out There Self!

You don’t need access to a national park or the woods to enjoy the outdoors! So put yourself out there with us and participate in our Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge.

Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with improved mood, focus, and confidence—whether you spend that time becoming a rockstar at rock climbing or making a splash in the puddles around your neighborhood.

Download our free activity sheet HERE with 50+ fun activities to see what’s possible right outside your own front door today!

GSNENY Plastic Pledge toggle arrow

Click the image to download the pledge!

Girl Scouts Love State Parks toggle arrow

It’s time to lead the way at your favorite state parks and help create a better planet for all!

How?

By heading out to explore your local state parks during this year’s Girls Scouts Love State Parks Weekend!

On September 14 and 15, you can participate in self-guided tours, family hikes, watersports, stargazing, and more, all while fostering a clean environment for everyone to enjoy with Pick Up America.

Whether you’re joining in person or virtually, your FREE passport activity sheet will guide you toward adventure! So download our activity sheet, unlock a new patch HERE and remember you have everything it takes to lead the way!  

Given the high temperatures, before you head out, remember to be safe by bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat, and using the buddy system during your outdoor activities.

Girl Scouts Love State Parks is offered in partnership with the National Association of State Park Directors and is made possible by THOR Industries.

For a listing of Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2024 activities within GSNENY, click HERE