Harris Hill State Forest

Harris Hill Management Unit is comprised of three state reforestation areas encompassing a total of 3554 acres. The unit is located in the Towns of Gerry and Ellington in eastern central Chautauqua County.

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

The Civilian Conservation Corps

In the 1930s, Harris Hill Management Unit was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the depression. The projects on this unit included the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in the open areas along with protection activities such as blister rust control and boundary line identification.

Forest Land Management

The forests of this unit are managed to produce forest crops, maintain diverse wildlife habitats and provide recreational opportunities while protecting aesthetics and water quality- multiple use forest management.

Timber Management

The timber stands are classified as either conifer, meaning they were planted; or natural hardwoods, meaning they regenerate without human assistance.

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

Hardwood trees are not usually planted, as they spread vast amounts of seed and thereby naturally regenerate. Periodic thinning of these forest stands through the sale of forest products give the residual trees more growing space. This helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, which in turn provide a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife and are a source of future crop trees. These stands are managed in either of two silvicultural styles, uneven aged or even aged. Under uneven aged management, trees of all sizes are maintained at all times throughout the stands and will generally contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth, such is very premature as these stands were harvested prior to state ownership. With even aged management, all of the trees within the stand are maintained at approximately the same age.

Trails

The Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail traverses approximately 4 miles of the management unit. The trail was built through the cooperative efforts of government and private individuals. Chautauqua County DPW, Parks Division and the Chautauqua County Parks Commission are responsible for the trail maintenance. There is a parking lot on County Route 50 providing excellent access for the various uses.

Users of the trail system may observe various management practices, which may at times disrupt trail use. Planning for multiple uses of the forest lands considers all disruptive impacts.

Gas Wells

Several gas wells were developed 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.

Cost and Benefit

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 many recreational activities during all seasons.

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

Harris Hill 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.