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Plumbottom State Forest

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Plumbottom State Forest, also known as Allegany # 20, totals 1,666 acres. This state forest is located in Allegany County in the Towns of Amity and Ward. The forest provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities such as, hiking, snowmobiling, camping, horseback riding, and hunting. It 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 habitat for wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.

History

In the 1930s, Plumbottom State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC. Established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the CCC provided employment opportunities for young men during the depression. CCC projects included construction of roads and planting thousands of pine and spruce trees in open areas.

Field Notes

Healthy trees remain after thinning
Healthy trees were marked and remained standing after
undesirable trees were removed in a hardwood thinning.

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 thinnings. These thinnings provide openings of sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwood. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedling to grow to maturity.

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 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. Often these large trees represent survivors of timber harvesting prior to state ownership.

Recreation

Plumbottom State Forest offers many recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing.

Hiking

There is a 1.5 mile multi-purpose recreational trail. Forest roads (which are not plowed unless a timber sale is in progress) and logging trails are available. ATVs are prohibited.

Skiing, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking, and Horseback Riding

Allowed on the property, but no designated trails.

Snowmobiling

Allowed on the property.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed on the property; be sure to abide by all game laws in effect through the NYSDEC. Campers can set up at log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access. Permanent tree stands and ATVs are prohibited. More information can be obtained from your local DEC office by calling 585-268-5392.

Access for People with Disabilities

None.

Tips for using State Forests

State lands belong to all of us. Please 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, you will need to obtain a permit from a forest ranger. Camping is not allowed 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 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 Plumbottom State Forest from Interstate 86, exit 30 (Belvidere), south on State Route 19 into Belmont, turn left onto State Route 244 for about 3.5 miles, near the bottom of a steep hill, make a very sharp right turn onto Old Withey Road, go .25 miles and turn left onto Saunders Hill Road, after .5 mile bear left onto the Reddy Road which leads into the state forest.

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