…The recently introduced bill by Senator Rachel May and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles (S.5603/A.7550) would give partial property tax relief to landowners statewide who agree to permanent easements agree to permanent easements to protect private forest land from development while increasing carbon storage, in response to the stated need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the State.  This is a worthy objective and using easements instead of fee purchase is a good way to proceed. However, there are several concerns when viewed from the perspective of the private landowner concerning timber harvests, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, type of easement, and property tax relief. …Carbon sequestration is an important function of New York’s forests and woodlands. …While it may seem counterintuitive to those unfamiliar with modern forestry, data show that sustainably managed forests yield substantial climate benefits. The data does not support the common misconception that older forests always provide superior carbon benefits.