Palmer's Pond State Forest
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Load of softwood logs on the Geitner Forest Road
heading to the sawmill from Palmer's Pond.
Palmer's Pond State Forest, also known as Allegany #4, totals 3,645 acres. The state forest is located in Allegany County in the town of West Almond and is divided by Interstate 86. This area provides opportunities for 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, Palmer's Pond 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
The Palmer's Pond State Forest has 12 miles of marked trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. Two large parking areas opposite each other on the Miller Road are trailheads for two 5-mile loops for multi-purpose recreational use. ATVs are prohibited.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing are allowed on the property. Campers can set up in the parking areas and also 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 effect 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 and on the multi-purpose trails. The Allegany County Federation of Snowmobilers, Inc. have marked trails which they maintain through this state forest.
Access for People with Disabilities
None. Contact DEC for accessible recreation on state lands nearby.
State Forest Regulations
Palmer's Pond State Forest offers many recreational opportunities, such as, hunting, fishing, hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing. 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.
- 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 ATV, 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 Palmer's Pond on this state forest, from Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and County Route 2 to the Town Highway facility, turn left over the bridge and bear right onto the North/South Road for about 2 miles to the first road to the right, Geitner Forest Road, which will go to the pond (about 1 mile).
To reach the parking areas on Miller Road from Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) onto Miller Road (which is on the north side of the interstate overpass) for about 1.5 miles.
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
