Honor Otsego Land Trust

Senate Resolution No. 861 BY: Senator SEWARD COMMENDING the Otsego Land Trust upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the NEW Environmental Stewardship Award by the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of organizations and individuals who are committed to the preservation of our natural environment and the enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive features of our surroundings, and to the economic well-being of the areas in which they exist; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Otsego Land Trust upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the NEW Environmental Stewardship Award by the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, to be recognized at its Annual Spring Dinner celebrating "Sustainable Success in Otsego County" on Tuesday, March 28,

2017, at SUNY Oneonta; and WHEREAS, Since 1986, the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce has served the businesses and communities of Otsego County with programs and services designed to foster strong economic growth and make the county a great place to live and work; and WHEREAS, The Otsego Land Trust is being honored with this auspicious award in recognition of its positive impact on Otsego County; and WHEREAS, This vital organization has truly enhanced the environment of the county by protecting its land and waters; and WHEREAS, Partnering with more than 100 landowners, Otsego Land Trust has saved 11,000 acres that will be forests or fields forever; and WHEREAS, Otsego Land Trust has been instrumental in helping landowners protect their land by hosting community programs; and WHEREAS, In addition, the Otsego Land Trust provides access to the Blueway, seven sites of over 500 acres open to the public for such activities as hiking, including ADA trails, as well as birding, canoe and kayaking, fishing, and outdoor recreation for both county residents and tourists to enjoy; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, the Otsego Land Trust has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of the Otsego Land Trust is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Otsego Land Trust; and WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud the efforts of organizations such as the Otsego Land Trust which work tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings for the benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Otsego Land Trust upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the NEW Environmental Stewardship Award by the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Otsego Land Trust.