Boutwell Hill State Forest

Boutwell Hill Management Unit is a combination of two state forest areas and the Canadaway Creek Wildlife Management Area. The Unit is located in the Towns of Arkwright, Charlotte and Cherry Creek in Chautauqua County with a total of 5,124 acres. Canadaway Creek has its own map.

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 also a source of raw materials for New York's forest products industry, providing employment and income for many New Yorkers.

The Civilian Conservation Corps

In the 1930s, Boutwell Hill Management Unit 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.

Canadaway Creek Wildlife Management Area

Canadaway Creek WMA is a part of this unit, and is located just north of Boutwell Hill State Forest. The tract is 2,160 acres of hardwood forests interspersed with conifer plantations. The primary objective for the area is to maintain a high-quality habitat for ruffed grouse through a regulated timber management program. Other wildlife species use the area, and also benefit from these practices. The forests in this unit are managed to produce forest crops, maintain diverse wildlife habitat and provide recreational opportunities while protecting water quality and aesthetics, true multiple use forest management.

Timber Management

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.

Trails

The Eastside Overland Trail traverses 8.5 miles of this management unit. The trail was built through the cooperative efforts of government and private individuals. Chautauqua County through the Department of Public Works, Parks Division and the County Park Commission are responsible for trail maintenance. There are also 6.2 miles of designated snowmobile/horse trails in Boutwell Hill State Forest, which is separate from the Overland Trail.

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

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.

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

Boutwell 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.