Panama State Forest
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Panama State Forest (Chautauqua #4) spans 1,224 acres in the town of Harmony, located south of Panama in the southwestern portion of Chautauqua County. This forest offers numerous recreational opportunities and provides habitat to a variety of wildlife species.
History
In the 1930s, Panama State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC. The CCCs, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the depression. CCC projects within Panama State Forest included the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in the forest's open areas.
Field Notes
Panama State Forest is home to various wildlife species, including white tail deer, ruffed grouse, rabbit, raccoon, and turkey. There are also occasional fox, mink and bear sightings. The abundance of different habitat types created by forestry management within the property make Panama State Forest an ideal location for wildlife viewing. The forest also provides habitat for a variety of songbirds, especially near heavily harvested areas where there is thick seedling-sapling cover.
Hardwood and conifer timber management is actively practiced at Panama State Forest. The forest's 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. These thinnings provide openings of 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 more growing space. This 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. While some stands contain large trees and give an illusion of old growth, these stands were actually harvested prior to state ownership.
Recreation
Panama State Forest is a perfect setting for numerous outdoor recreational activities, including picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, fishing and birdwatching. The forest is traversed by the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail. The trail corridor navigates the State's various woodlots and access trails. Only bicycles, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the trail; motor vehicles are not allowed.1.2 miles of the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail trail within Panama State Forest are maintained by the Parks Division of Chautauqua County's Department of Public Works. Organizers of trail events need to obtain a Temporary Revocable Permit for use of the trails prior to the event. These can be obtained at the Falconer DEC Office at 716-665-6111.
Hunting is allowed within Panama State Forest, which is part of the 9J Wildlife Management Unit. When hunting, please be sure to abide by all applicable game laws.
Access for People with Disabilities
There are five access roads off of Goshen Road that make Panama State Forest accessible to persons with disabilities. Special use permits can be obtaining by contacting the Allegany DEC office by phone at (716) 372-0645 . With this permit designated roads can be accessed using motor vehicles. Otherwise these access roads are closed to public traffic.
State Forest Regulations
State lands belong to all of us. Please help care for this area and enhance your experience and the experience of those who follow for 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, you will need to 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 drive vehicles is not allowed.
- No permanent structures shall be established, including tree stands or blinds.
Driving Directions
From Panama, take County Route 10 west 1 mile to Goshen Road. Proceed south approximately 0.5 miles. Panama State Forest will be on both sides of the road as indicated by signs.
Important Numbers
State Forest Office (M-F 8-4 p.m.): (716) 665-6111
Forest Ranger (Evenings, Weekends and Holidays): (716) 771-7180 or (716) 771-7105
Emergencies: 911
