by: Tim O'Brien (page: B2)
A lie to say, "O my forest has trees
that block the sun, and when I cut them
down I don't answer to anyone."
-- from A Campfire Song, by 10,000 Maniacs, 1987
ALBANY -- Nine years after penning those words, singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant joined the chorus of critics calling for a law barring logging in state parks.
Merchant, who appeared at the Palace Theater Friday night, attended a news conference earlier in the day to back legislation to make the state parks forever free from commercial logging. During a five-stop concert tour in New York state, Merchant has asked her audience to sign postcards opposing a plan to allow commercial logging in Allegany State Park.
On Sunday, Gov. George Pataki announced he was abandoning that proposal, but his critics say he has refused to support a permanent ban on commercial logging and has not ruled out other ways of removing old-growth forest.
Merchant, a native of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, joined state Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo, environmental activists and legislative aides who crowded the state Capitol conference room eager to see the former Maniac.
"Despite Governor Pataki's announcement last Sunday, the issue is far from resolved," Hoyt said. "I for one am gratified the governor took this positive first step. What the governor did not say is more important than what the governor did say."
Pataki spokesman Michael McKeon said the governor has made clear how he stands on commercial logging in Allegany State Park.
"No need to rebut -- we're all on the same side," he said. "The governor has sent a very clear indication of his feelings on commercial logging in Allegany State Park. We are in the process now of doing a full analysis of all state parks."
Asked if Pataki supports or opposes Hoyt's bill, McKeon said, "he'll take a look at it if and when it passes."
Merchant said she became involved after getting a letter from Hoyt last November. One week ago, she began a series of concerts in New York state where she told her audience about the issue and asked them to sign the postcards. About 2,000 did so, one-third of those attending the shows.
In addition, Citizens Concerned for the Environment gathered 100,000 signatures on petitions supporting a permanent ban on commercial logging.
"I've lived my entire life in New York state," Merchant said. "My mother was born two miles from the border of (Allegany State Park). It was just natural that would be our forest. Most of our summers were spent in the park."