The statement is not entirely accurate.  DEC is certainly moving and they are clearing out records--but only those that have been appraised as non-archival,  have gone through the legal process for obtaining a disposition authorization, and have reached the end of their legal retention period.  The State Archives and Records Administration (SARA) has worked closely with DEC over the years to evaluate many, perhaps most, of the records of DEC for permanent historical, legal, and operational value.  We have identified many, many of these records as worthy of continued preservation either at DEC or as part of the State Archives.  In fact, I can truthfully say that a much greater percentage of records at DEC are archival than in most State agencies due to its critically important mission.  We have worked particularly closely with DEC records management officials in the past year or two to carefully review all existing records retention schedules to ensure that records are appropriately retained or disposed of during the agency move.

I am forwarding this reply, along with the original request, to our expert on DEC and its history and records, Dan Lorello.  He may be able to respond with either the information or some leads on how to find that information.


Thomas (Tom) D. Norris
Manager of Records Advisory Services
NYS Archives and Records Administration
[log in to unmask]
(518) 473-8499

>>> <[log in to unmask]> 11/16/99 09:44AM >>>
I can't answer your question, but I can suggest that with the new undersized DEC building, even the records you were able to find will disappear.  This will be bad tidings for any DEC unit which relies on historical data.  NOTE:  DEC is moving to a new building in a year or two.  There is little room in the new building for files and records.  Employees are being told to cut half of our holdings -- without comperable assistance regarding scanning or sorting.  Much will be lost.

In a message dated Tue, 16 Nov 1999  9:30:50 AM Eastern Standard Time, David Pachan <[log in to unmask]> writes:

> To whom can help,
>
> I work for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in the department of lands and forests. I have a question concerning the total percent of forested land in New York State befoe the 1900's.
>
> Here is what I have so far:
>
> Forest land cover figures-- forest land is defined as land with at least 10% stocking of trees of any size, or that formerly had such tree cover and is not currently developed for a non-forest use.
>
> Total land area of New York State-- 30.2 million acres
>
> 1900-- 7 million acres--appox. 23%
> 1925-- 9 million acres--approx. 30%
> 1953--15.1 million acres-- approx. 50%
> 1968-- 17.3 million acres-- approx. 57%
> 1980--18.5 million acres--approx. 61%
> 1993-- 18.6 million acres-- approx. 62%
>
> As early as we can go will be greatly appreciated.
> Thank you very much for who ever can assist me.
>
> David