North Harmony State Forest

North Harmony Management Unit comprises two state reforestation areas encompassing a total of 3,886 acres. The unit is located in the Towns of North Harmony and Harmony in the western center of Chautauqua County, north of Panama and southeast of Sherman.

Starting in the 1930s, these lands were purchased by the people of New York State for timber production, recreational use, watershed protection and wildlife habitat. These areas now offer opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities. They are a source of raw material for the forest products industry, which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers.

The Civilian Conservation Corps

In the 1930s, North Harmony Management Unit was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC, established during the administration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the Great Depression. At North Harmony, the corps planted thousands of pine and spruce trees in open areas, worked on protection activities, such as blister rust control and identified boundary lines.

Forest Land Management

The forests of North Harmony are managed to produce timber crops, maintain diverse wildlife habitats, provide recreational opportunities, beautify the landscape, and protect water quality, truly multiple-use forest management.

Timber Management

North Harmony's timber stands are classified as either conifer, which means they were planted, or natural hardwoods, which means they regenerated without human assistance.

Conifers

Stands of pine, spruce or larch were planted in old farm fields because they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually grown to an age of 80 to 100 years, depending on species and soil conditions, and are managed with a series of partial thinnings. These thinnings create sunlight openings in the canopy to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwoods. The removal of the conifer overstory in a final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity. Stands may be replanted with conifers, if certain conditions exist.

Hardwoods

Hardwood trees are not usually planted because they spread vast amounts of seed and regenerate naturally. Periodic thinnings through the sale of forest products give the residual trees more growing space. This keeps the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, which provide food and cover for wildlife and are a source of future crop trees.

The stands are managed according to two styles of silvicultural: uneven-aged or even-aged. Under uneven-aged management, trees of all sizes are maintained throughout the stands, which generally contain large trees. This gives one of the characteristics of old growth, but this is only an illusion, because these stands were heavily harvested prior to state ownership. Under even-aged management, all the trees are maintained at approximately the same age, with an overstory harvest releasing a new crop of trees.

Trails

The Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail traverses approximately five miles of the management unit. The trail was built through the cooperation of governments and private individuals. The Parks Division of the Chautauqua County Department of Public Works and the Chautauqua County Parks Commission are responsible for trail maintenance. There is a parking lot on Route 474, and others are planned to provide access for the public.

Various management practices may be observed by users. These practices may at times disrupt trail use. Planning for multiple use of forest lands considers all disruptive impacts.

Gas Wells

Several gas and oil wells were developed at North Harmony in the 1980s. The roads for these wells provide restricted access for state forest management and recreational activities; they are not open for general vehicular traffic.

Costs and Benefits

There are many costs to the state for holding land. The state pays a fee in lieu of tax for reforestation areas to towns and schools. In addition, habitat improvement projects, road systems maintenance and administration are some other associated costs.

State reforestation areas help pay their way through timber sales, gas well leases and royalties. They provide forest products, jobs and a source of revenue for the State of New York. All of the management unit provides space for a variety of recreational activities during each season.

State Forest Regulations

Anyone enjoying the use of this State Forest must observe the following rules which protect them and the forest environment:

Do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and downed trees only. Never leave a fire unattended.
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, except where specifically permitted by signs, posted notice or by DEC permit.
Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trail.
No permanent structures should be established, including tree stands or blinds.

Volunteer Projects

DEC appreciates public assistance. Volunteer projects will be considered, if consistent with management policy and legal constraints. Projects are always under DEC supervision.

Comments and Suggestions

North Harmony Management Unit is owned by all of us and represents a significant natural heritage for future generations. The Department of Environmental Conservation would like to do the best job possible of managing these lands for the long-term. We appreciate your help. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve our management of these lands, please contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Lands and Forests Region 9 offices.