In 1998, new state legislative authorization for the Tug
Hill Commission (permanently establishing the Commission
within New York State’s Executive Law, Article 37,
section 847) noted Tug Hill’s “lands and waters are important
to the State of New York as municipal water supply,
as wildlife habitat, as key resources supporting forest
industry, farming, recreation and tourism and traditional
land uses such as hunting and fishing.” Other legislation
in 1998 (Chapter 419, Laws of 1998) supported
the State’s purchase of conservation easements in the
Tug Hill region, adding it to similar provisions that apply
in New York’s Adirondack Park, Catskill Park and watershed
of the City of Rochester.
The commission uses a grassroots approach to help
create a sound environment and economy for this special
rural region of New York State. The commission’s approach
is viewed by many as a model for fostering environmental
protection and appropriate rural economic
development in a way that retains “home rule.” The nine
members of its governing body are all residents of the
region