There is a development proposal for a 42 acre parcel near Brickyard Falls before the Manlius Town Board right now, on land that is very similar geologically to Three Falls Woods.  Building on the karst topography of the edge of the Onondaga Escarpment is problematic, as the fissures in the limestone create unpredictable hydrology, channeling water - or sewage, if septic systems are used- into aquifers, streams, or wells.    Sinkholes are also common to karst areas.   Any plans for development on this kind of landscape need careful evaluation and consideration. 

The 2009 Draft New York State Open Space Plan is available for public review and comment until February 27th.  The Onondaga Escarpment Nature Corridor was listed in the 2006 NYS Open Space Plan's supplemental list.  The 2009 Plan no longer has a supplemental list, and no sign of the Onondaga Escarpment Nature Corridor!  This is your chance, as a member of the public, to make sure that the Onondaga Escarpment Nature Corridor (includes Three Falls Woods) is included in this plan.  This listing is crucial to seeking grants for land acquisition and preservation.   There is a Public Hearing at the State Fairgrounds (Martha Eddy Room) on January 22, 2009 from 7-9 PM. 

2008 is proving to be a fantastic year.  We're thrilled with the new Town Supervisors in Manlius (Mark Tetley) and Dewitt (Ed Michalenko) - both have been extremely responsive and enthusiastic.  The Covenant which protects a portion of Three Falls Woods is being challenged in court, but we are optimistic that it will prove once and for all that this land is meant to be left in its natural state.  And, we've given our website a major makeover!!  Our old site suffered from being too beautiful - it had been designed in Dreamweaver, and when the volunteer who created it moved on, we had no way to update it.  So here's to a fresh, new site!