Albany Pine Bush: Stewardship in Action

Appropriate stewardship secures the future of the Pine Bush. Stewardship also protects our investment in the Preserve and ensures the survival of the diverse ecological communities that are home to a remarkable number of unique and threatened species.

Prescribed Fire

Many stresses threaten the Pine Bush ecosystem today. Foremost among them is the exclusion of natural fires. Periodic fires, more than any other factor, have shaped and maintained the character of the Pine Bush plant and animal community. In this the Pine Bush is not unique. Many natural communities depend on fire to recycle nutrients and maintain the competitive balance among species they support. To restore this balance, Commission partners have an established program of prescribed, controlled fires - always putting safety and smoke management first. Together New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, the City of Albany, the Town of Colonie and other partners have participated in the successful burning of nearly 600 acres since 1991. More information on Pine Bush Prescribed Fire.

Future stewardship activities will depend, in part, on continued research by academic institutions such as SUNY Albany, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, Siena, the College of St. Rose, Union College and many local grade schools.