A Benchmark for Stony Brook University (Ashley Schiff)

The forty year anniversary of Ashley Schiff's death is not only a benchmark in time but also a time to benchmark ways in which the Ashley Schiff Park Preserve can be protected forever. This past October, The Friends of the Ashley Schiff Park Preserve organized an event for friends, new friends, and family. Besides the formal dedication, pictured below, a video presentation, guest speakers, and food made for a great day.

WHO WAS ASHLEY SCHIFF?

As a naturalist, Ashley Schiff enjoyed taking his students outside to experience nature. As a scientist, he published, "Fire and Water," a book that critically challenged US Forest Service thinking. The book is still used as a college textbook today.

Upon learning that he chained himself to a tree to stop a bulldozer from cutting it down, and in his writing of organizational issues and forestry management, I knew I had found a kindred spirit. "Sunrise Fire," a book I authored, also deals with these issues.

WHAT IS THE ASHLEY SCHIFF PARK PRESERVE

The Ashley Schiff Park Preserve is located just south of main campus. Its twenty-six acre woodland of oak and maple trees is a place to explore and experience Long Island's natural heritage. But because the preserve hasn't been legally protected, bulldozers still threaten. According to New York State Assemblyman, Steve Englebright, what is needed is some very special legislation.

BENCHING MODELS OF PROTECTION FOR THE ASHLEY SCHIFF FOREST PRESERVE

Protecting a preserve within a state university campus is tricky. Dr. Lee E. Koppelman, Stony Brook, Department of Political Science, considered benchmarking to be a good idea, and so Quality Parks began to benchmark models of protection. For example:

• The Appalachian State University Nature Preserve is a sixty-seven acre natural area utilized for educational and recreational purposes. I contacted the Biology Department Chair who will be sending me more detailed information regarding its legal status.

• The Nature Preserve of Binghamton University, according to its manager and who is now working on its management plan, faces similar challenges. Both Stony Brook and Binghamton are New York state universities. This may strengthen proposed legislation because it will help both campuses.

MAKE A PLEDGE

Would like to see more environmental stories like this? Then please make a pledge at: http://www.firstgiving.com/qualityparks.

For more information, contact Quality Parks, P.O. Box 143; Port Jefferson, NY 11777-0143; 631-473-6760 - www.qualityparks.org.

Sources

• http://www.geo.sunysb.edu/a-schiff/ and for aerial photograph
• http://rieee.appstate.edu/facilities-and-resources
• http://naturepreserve.binghamton.edu/Main.html