State Forests Outside the Preserve

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages more than 760,000 acres of State Forests, which include Reforestation Areas, Multiple-Use Areas, Unique Areas and State Nature and Historic Preserves, throughout New York State. These lands are highly valued for the recreational opportunities they provide and for their contributions to ecosystem health. Over 475 miles of formal recreational trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, horse riding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. These properties are enjoyed by campers, hunters and trappers as well as by orienteering and geocache enthusiasts. On some of these lands, timber management is used as a tool to enhance biodiversity and to create habitat features that might be lacking in the landscape. Other portions are managed to protect and enhance rare, threatened or endangered species.

In addition, DEC manages approximately 720,000 acres of Conservation Easements. These easements have been purchased on lands that still remain in private ownership. The purposes of conservation easements vary, but can include the protection of open space, public access, working forests, unique habitats, and rare and endangered species.

For a listing of state-owned public lands, please see the Places To Go web page.

Tips for Using State Forests

Please observe the following, which protect you and the forest environment:

Do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and downed trees only. Never leave a fire unattended. It is recommended that you do not transport firewood because it could spread invasive insects. For more information on firewood see the Firewood and Invasive Insects web page.
All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off road use of motorized vehicles, such as ATV's, trail bikes and four-wheel drives is not allowed, except where specifically permitted by signs, posted notice or by DEC permit.
Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a forest ranger. For a listing of forest rangers, see the Forest Ranger Roster web page.
Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trails.
No permanent structures should be established, including tree stands or blinds.
For more information regarding use of State Lands contact the appropriate DEC Regional Office responsible for the area.

Hunting, Trapping and Fishing on State Forests Outside of the Adirondack and Catskill Preserve

State forests are open to public hunting, except in intensive use areas. Big game hunters seek white-tailed deer and black bear in the fall, while others lie in wait for ducks or pursue ruffed grouse and other small game like the snowshoe hare. Furbearers such as beaver, fisher and river otter are sought by trappers.

The many lakes and ponds, rivers and streams support thriving communities of game fish. In many remote ponds, DEC is working to restore and maintain the native brook trout. Suitable waters are managed for other "salmonids" such as lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Anglers can also find an abundance of feisty "warm water" fish, like smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch and bullheads.

Hunting, trapping and fishing licenses are sold at town offices and numerous retailers of outdoor equipment, where you may also obtain regulation booklets. For more information regarding hunting, places to hunt in New York, trapping or fishing on state lands, please see the Outdoor Recreation web page or contact the appropriate DEC Regional Office.

More about State Forests Outside the Preserve:

List of State Forests - A list of DEC managed State Forests
History Of State Forest Program - The State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931 set forth the legislation which authorized the Conservation Department to acquire land by gift or purchase for reforestation areas.