English Hill State Forest
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English Hill State Forest (Allegany Reforestation Area #11) is located in the Towns of Granger and Grove in Allegany County. It covers a total of 1,395 acres.
History
About one quarter of the acreage was cleared for agriculture in the early 1800's, but by the 1930's most of the fields had been abandoned. The earliest aerial photos of the area, from 1938, indicate that several fields were abandoned much earlier, possibly before 1900.
Field Notes
The forest cover types on English Hill State Forest are a mixture of native hardwood species and planted conifers. The hardwood stands are managed through a series of thinnings, which remove the lower quality trees and give more growing space to the best quality trees. The hardwood tops are generally left in place to rot and recycle their nutrients back into the soil. The decaying tops also provide bedding and nesting cover for wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
Periodic thinnings in the red pine plantations have allowed the native hardwoods to seed in the sunlit openings. Many of the pine stands have reached maturity, and the remaining overstory is now being removed to allow the hardwoods to grow. These "early-successional" hardwood stands provide an important habitat component for a variety of songbird species, as well as ruffed grouse and woodcock.
Recreation
Hunting
Flowers decorate the forest floor
at English Hill State Forest
The area is a popular destination for both small game and big game hunting. Be sure to abide by all game laws in affect through the NYSDEC.
Snowmobiling
New York State Snowmobile Corridor Trail S34A passes through English Hill State Forest. More information may be found on the website of the New York State Snowmobile Association. A link is provided in the column to the right.
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.
Directions
English Hill State Forest lies northeast of the Hamlet of Short Tract and is accessible via several town roads between County Routes 15 and 16.
Important Numbers
State Forest Office (M-F 8-4 p.m.): 585-466-3241
Forest Ranger (Evenings, Weekends and Holidays): 585-403-9574 and 585-415-1521
Emergencies: 911
