Assemblyman Andrew Molitor (R,C–Westfield) and Sen. George Borrello (SD-57) are sponsoring legislation (A.10161) that would allow Chautauqua County to swap several small, isolated parcels of reforested land for a larger, more accessible property that can better serve residents and future generations.

The parcels identified in the bill are currently difficult to access and are not being used for recreation or conservation. The legislation would allow the county to discontinue those underutilized parcels only after acquiring and dedicating replacement land of equal or greater value.

“This legislation allows Chautauqua County to manage its public lands more effectively while strengthening long-term environmental stewardship,” said Molitor. “We are not reducing protected land. We are improving how it’s organized and used.”

The bill includes safeguards to protect the public interest. If the discontinued land is ever used for any purpose outside what the legislation allows, it must be restored and maintained as reforested land under county law.

Molitor emphasized that the proposal modernizes the county’s land holdings and better aligns conservation areas with existing parkland.

“This is about smart land management,” said Borrello. “By consolidating small, isolated parcels into larger, more practical acreage, we are investing in conservation, responsible governance and the long-term benefit of Chautauqua County residents.”