South Colton Conservation Easement Tract

• Open for Recreation: A Recreation Management Plan (RMP) is being developed for this property. RMPs document natural and man-made resources on conservation easements and are used in planning public recreation consistent with the protection of natural resources and the terms agreed upon in the conservation easement. A draft South Colton Tract RMP will be shared for public comment when completed.
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • ​DEC Region 6 Potsdam Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), 315-265-3090; information.r6@dec.ny.gov
  • Enforcement Matters: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)​
• Location: Towns of Parishville and Colton
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6F
• Map: South Colton Conservation Easement Tract Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The South Colton Conservation Easement is comprised of 1,726 acres. In 2001, The Department of Environmental Conservation and Land Management Development, Inc., finalized this Conservation Easement. A conservation easement is an agreement with the private landowner that can allow restricted or non-restricted public access and protects open space by limiting development. The private landowner may retain the right to manage the property for purposes such as leasing camps and lands to private individuals and sustainable timber production. Logging trucks, skidders and other logging equipment may be present during logging operations. Specific lands and roads may be closed to public access during logging operations. The current landowner for the South Colton Conservation Easement Tract is Park Forestry, LLC.

Featured Activities

Hunting and Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 6F

General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

Hunting and trapping are allowed on the tract in accordance with DEC regulations.

Fishing

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Fishing is allowed on the tract in accordance with DEC regulations.

Camping

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

At large backcountry camping is allowed on the tract. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Snowmobiling

General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Snowmobiling is allowed only on the S86A trail. This trail is maintained through a VSA by the Colton Sno-skippers.

Directions

The South Colton Conservation Easement can be accessed on Morgan Road approximately 2 miles north of State Route 56 (44.533110N, 74.865340W - Google Maps) (leaves DEC Website). There is currently no designated parking lot on the property.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC Website) when recreating on conservation easement land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of South Colton Conservation Easement Tract must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Planning and Management

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public input to develop a draft recreation management plan (RMP) for the South Colton Tract Conservation Easement. For an overview of the South Colton Tract, please view this fact sheet for the property. Under the terms of the conservation easement, DEC owns the rights to maintain roads and trails for motorized use on the property and to permit public hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, paddling, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Specific facilities and recreation opportunities will be identified in the draft RMP. DEC is encouraging the public to share suggestions until April 21, 2023. Please provide suggestions to Peter D'Luhosch; Environmental Program Specialist, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, 190 Outer Main St. Suite 103, Potsdam, NY 13676; or email r6.ump@dec.ny.gov; or by completing this survey.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Goldmine Conservation Easement
• Five Mile Conservation Easement
• Kildare Conservation Easement
• Peaked Hill Conservation Easement
• Preston Lot Conservation Easement
• Grass River Conservation Easement
• White Hill Wild Forest
• High Flats State Forest
• West Parishville State Forest
• Snow Bowl State Forest
• Glenmeal State Forest
• Taylor Creek State Forest

Gas, lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Colton, South Colton and Parishville.

St. Lawrence County Tourism (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoors equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.