NYC Forest Ecology Forum 2019

Representing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), we addressed the effects of deer over- browsing on the overall forest health in NYC. Over 400 participants joined the Forest Ecology Forum to discuss the threatened existence of Staten Island’s forests due to over-browsing by deer. Unfortunately, this will eliminate groundcover and the forest understory that provide critical wildlife and pollinator habitats. Additionally, it lowers the tree seedlings and saplings’ survival rate, ensuring eventual forest decline and demise.

Program Highlights Included

  • Keynote by Staten Island Borough President James Oddo.

  • Dr. William McShea, research ecologist at the Smithsonian Institution’s Conservation Ecology Center, described The complex relationship between deer, forests, and wildlife habitat.
  • Dr. Susan Elbin, NYC Audubon’s Director of Conservation and Science, presented on the deterioration of forest health and severe declines in passerine birds that have been experienced in recent years.
  • A panel discussion led by CUNY CSI’s Biology and Environmental Sciences Departments involved the representatives from the forum’s organizers and partners and NYC’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Location

City University of New York College of Staten Island (CSI CUNY)

Services Provided

Public Outreach & Education
Interagency Coordination
Team Building & Leadership
Habitat Restoration & Management
Conservation Planning & Advocacy