Hatch Creek State Forest
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Hatch Creek State Forest (Chautauqua #10) totals 1,283 acres and is located in the town of Gerry, south of Sinclairville in central eastern Chautauqua County. This forest provides opportunities for many outdoor recreational activities and is home to a variety of wildlife species. Hatch Creek State Forest is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers.
History
Most of the land comprising Hatch Creek State Forest was purchased in the 1930s, and was the focus of numerous projects by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCCs, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the Depression. CCC projects included the construction of roads and the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in open areas on the property.
Field Notes
Numerous wildlife species can be found in Hatch Creek State Forest, including white tail deer, ruffed grouse, rabbit, and turkey.
Conifer and hardwood timber management is practiced at Hatch Creek State Forest. The conifer stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually managed by a series of partial harvest thinnings, which provide openings for sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwoods. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity.
Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and regenerate naturally. Periodic thinning of the forest through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees adequate growing space. This practice helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife, and source of future crop trees. Some hardwood stands contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. These stands were actually harvested prior to state ownership.
Recreation
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting is allowed on the property; be sure to abide by all applicable game laws. Various hunter and trapper harvest records are available for the towns and for Wildlife Management Unit 9K that covers Hatch Creek State Forest.
Recreational Trails
There are three state forest roads on the property: North Forest Road, South Forest Road, and Hodge Forest Road. In the summer, these roads can be used for mountain biking, walking/hiking, and horseback riding. In the winter, they are popular for cross country skiing and snowmobiling. A local snowmobile club called "Lake Effect Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club" maintains approximately 2.1 miles of trail within Hatch Creek State Forest. The trail connects to various other snowmobile trails that travel off state property. Please be respectful of adjacent landowners.
Organized trail events need to have their coordinators obtain a Temporary Revocable Permit for use of the trails prior to the event. These can be obtained by contacting DEC's Falconer Office at 716-665-6111.
State Forest Regulations
- State lands belong to all of us. Help care for this area and enhance the enjoyment of it for yourself and those who follow by observing these simple guidelines:
- What you carry in - carry out. Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
- If you are planning to camp for more than three nights or have a group of ten or more, obtain a permit from a forest ranger. Do not camp within 150 feet of water, roads or trails.
- If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and down trees only.
- 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.
- No permanent structures shall be established, including tree stands or blinds.
- Please do not deface, remove, destroy, or otherwise injure any tree, shrub, flower, fern, moss or other plant, rock, fossil, or mineral found or growing on State lands.
- Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.
Directions
From Sinclairville take Route 60 south to Old Chautauqua Road. Turn east on Old Chautauqua Road and travel for 2 ½ miles to South and/or North Forest Roads. There is a yellow pipe gate at the entrances that is normally open. In the winter these roads are not plowed and are used for the snowmobile trail.
Important Phone Numbers
State Forest Office (M-F 8-4 PM): 716-665-6111
Forest Ranger (Evenings, Weekends and Holidays): 716-771-7180 or 716-771-7105
Emergencies: 911
