Vandermark State Forest

Hardwood log landing on an old gas well site for a
timber sale which featured the harvest of over-
mature red oak

Vandermark State Forest, also known as Allegany #7, totals 2,384 acres. The state forest is located in Allegany County in the town of Ward and borders County Route 10. This area provides opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, fishing, bird watching, nature photography and hunting.

The 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 and provides for various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.

History

In the 1930s, Vandermark 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 included the construction of roads and the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.

Field Notes

Wildlife

Hunting, fishing, and trapping are allowed on the property. Be sure to abide by all game laws in affect through the N.Y.S.D.E.C.

Timber Management

Conifer - The 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 - Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. 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. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth--such is very premature as these stands have been harvested prior to state ownership.

Recreation

Trails

Forest roads (which are not plowed unless a timber sale is in progress), old gas well roads, and logging trails are available for hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. The Allegany County Federation of Snowmobilers, Inc. have marked trails which they maintain through this state forest. ATVs are prohibited.

Hunting and Fishing

Hunting and fishing (Vandermark Creek) are allowed on the property. Campers can set up at the log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access. Permanent tree stands and ATVs are prohibited. Be sure to abide by all game laws in affect through the N.Y.S.D.E.C. More information can be obtained from your local DEC office by calling 585-268-5392.

Skiing, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

Allowed on the property, but there are no designated trials.

Access for People with Disabilities

None. Contact DEC for accessible recreation on state lands nearby

State Forest Regulations

Vandermark State Forest offers many recreational opportunities, such as, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. 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

To reach Vandermark State Forest take State Route 244 to the intersection with County Route 10 and head south for almost 4 miles to enter the state forest which borders both sides of the road.

Important Numbers

State Forest Office (M-F 8-4 p.m.): 585-268-5392

Forest Ranger (Evenings, Weekends and Holidays): 585-567-2187 and 585-415-1521

Emergencies: 911