Coon Hollow State Forest

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Coon Hollow State Forest (Schuyler Reforestation Area # 4) is located about 9 miles north of Coopers Plains, near the hamlets of Monterey and Beaver Dams, in the Allegheny Plateau. It covers approximately 2,456 acres in the towns of Orange and Dix in Schuyler County.

Trail on Coon Hollow

History
This area was settled beginning in the late 1700's. As noted in numerous other state forest descriptions, agricultural abandonment occurred relatively early (1910-1929) on the hilltop lands occupied by this state forest.

These lands were purchased by the State starting in the late 1930s, for timber production, recreational use, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat. In the 1930s, this area was the site of work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was established by the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide employment opportunities for men during the Great Depression. Conservation projects completed here include the planting of pine and spruce trees and construction of water holes.

The CCC was quite active on this and adjacent state forests in the early days. In 1935 camp S-123 was established on Pine Creek Rd, in nearby Sugar Hill State Forest. The CCC camp was closed October 31, 1941, with the pending start of WWII, so later plantings were done by inmates and/or DEC staff. In 1940 they planted 1 acre of Scotch pine and Japanese Larch to control erosion. Then in 1941, 21.5 acres were planted with white spruce.

In 1958, the State Department of Corrections opened Camp Monterey Conservation Work Camp on nearby Sugar Hill State Forest. The prison camp was built on Evergreen Hill Rd because the old CCC camp was located on a busy road. Initially, the prison had 50-60 inmates and 30-40 employees. Today it has the capacity for 300 inmates and provides employment for up to 200 people. The inmates provide labor for numerous projects on state forest land and to neighboring towns and parks. Inmates planted 119 acres on this forest in 1961, 205 acres in 1962, with additional planting in 1963, 1964, and 1967.

State forests now provide opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities. They also provide wood for New York's forest products industry, a major part of New York's economy.

Field Notes
Hunting and trapping are popular in this forest.

As many of the plantations established by the CCC and inmates, reach the end of their natural life (75-100 years of age), they are converting to natural hardwood stands.

Today, Coon Hollow and all state forests in New York are managed for multiple benefits to serve the needs of the people of New York. Sustainable management practices ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities and clean water.

State Forest Regulations
Anyone enjoying the use of this state forest must observe the following rules which protect them and the forest environment:
1. Do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
2. If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and downed trees only. Never leave a fire unattended. Use fire rings where provided. Extinguish fires completely before you leave. Be careful with fire and cigarettes in the forest.
3. All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off road use of motorized vehicles, such as ATVs, trail bikes and four-wheel drives is not allowed, except where specifically permitted by signs, posted notice or by DEC permit. Do not block roadways and trail entrances.
4. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a forest ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trail.
5. No permanent structures should be established, including tree stands or blinds.

Directions
From I86, take Exit 42 (Coopers Plains), head north on Meads Creek Rd. (County Rte. 26 / County Rte. 16). In the hamlet of Monterey you have two choices, continue straight and the forest will be on your right shortly; or turn right onto Chambers Rd.

From State Rte. 414, head north on County Route 19. Parking is on the shoulder.

Comments and Suggestions
State forest lands are owned by all New York State Residents and represent a significant natural heritage for future generations. The Department of Environmental Conservation strives to manage these lands for the best long-term interests. We appreciate your help. If you have suggestions on how we can improve the management of these lands, please let us know. Address your concerns to the Lands and Forests DEC Region 8 Bath Sub-Office.
For further information on management activities:
Contact State Land Management Working Group, DEC Bath Sub- Office 607-776-2165. (M-F; 8:30 am to 4:45 pm)

Important Telephone Numbers
Fire and Law Enforcement : 585-226-6706 or 911
State Forest Office (M - F; 8:30 am to 4:45 pm) 607-776-2165