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Erwin Unit

The 3,797-acre Erwin Unit is situated in the towns of Erwin and Addison in Steuben County. It includes three areas - Erwin Wildlife Management Area which was acquired in 1928, Erwin Mountain State Forest which was acquired by the state in 1964, and McCarthy Hill State Forest, acquired in 1965. The plan details management activities for a 10-year period, from 2007-2017. Public participation has been sought via mailings on October 15, 2004 and a public meeting was held on April 26, 2007, at the Erwin Town Hall in Painted Post. Public comments were accepted on the draft plan until May 26, 2007. Any comments received after May 26, 2007 will not be included in the final plan.

The plan offers general information on the unit's history and geology, an inventory of the unit's resources, such as mineral resources, vegetative types and stages, fish, wildlife and habitat, and a summary of identified issues, such as access, vegetative management and oil and gas leasing. It also describes the proposed goals and objectives and policy considerations in managing the unit.

The vision of the plan is to ensure the biological integrity, improvement and protection of the unit. This shall be done within the multiple use concept of management, which strives to serve the needs of the people of New York State by providing a broad based, biologically diverse ecosystem.

Proposed Management Actions in the UMP include:

  • The general maintenance and improvement of the facilities, and public access to the state land;
  • The management of the vegetation and wildlife. Timber management by logging an average of 94 acres per year, creating about 30 additional acres of open fields, and maintaining them with mowing and/or fire;
  • The construction of one parking lot, and improvements to others, to increase public safety and access;
  • To comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines for any future increase in recreational facilities;
  • Creating and maintaining small water hole amphibian activity centers, wetland enhancement;
  • To utilize Best Management Practices (BMP's) to protect soil and water resources during timber sales, gas well site construction, or any other construction or management activity;
  • To recommend exclusion of natural gas drilling in areas with sensitive habitat or intensive recreational use;
  • The potential acquisition of adjoining land from willing sellers;
  • All gas, other mineral activity, construction or timber activities will be monitored;
  • To enhance and monitor wildlife species diversity and protect rare and endangered species of plants and animals;
  • Work in partnership with current and future volunteer groups or organizations such as the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Local towns/villages, Schools, Youth programs, DOT, OPRHP, and the Ruffed Grouse Society etc. on projects that enhance the administration and/or public use of these state lands.

Erwin Draft Unit Management Plan (pdf, 1.05 Mb)