What Is Happening to This Albany New York Forest? Watch the Tree Removal Video

What is happening within the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in Albany, New York? If you have not visited or even driven around much of it's 5 square miles you'd be stunned to see what it looks like today. Acres of trees have been removed and the clearing process is fascinating to watch.

Check out the video below as officials wipe out acres of trees and shrubs. Why are they doing this? Is a housing development planned? What's going on?

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I drive through the Albany Pine Bush every weekday on my way to work and find the preserve to be a uniquely beautiful 3,000 plus acres of sand dunes, wildlife and pine trees. Although this ecosystem is fire dependent these recent changes are not due to a prescribed burn.

There is a sign situated along Kings Road that states "Pardon our appearance. More Pine Bush coming soon". Breathe easy, there are no plans for a housing development. The clearing of trees is actually beneficial to the preserve.

According to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, Inland pine barrens, such as the Albany Pine Bush, depend on occasional disturbance to survive. Typically fire is used to disturb and in turn rejuvenate the Pine Bush. The clearing of trees acts as a similar disturbance.

Forest thinning can reduce the chances of a wildfire. Through thinning, land managers can remove surface fuels such as brush and dead, dying, or weak trees that would feed a growing forest fire. - National Forest Foundation

We have reached out to the Albany Pine Bush for more insight and will update their intentions soon. In the meantime watch this fascinating video of tree removal taking place at the Albany Pine Bush.