West Osceola State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Altmar Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (315) 298-7467; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Redfield, Oswego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: West Osceola State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

West Osceola State Forest encompasses 1,900 acres of forested landscape. Activities such as hunting, trapping and snowmobiling are best suited for the remote and primitive nature of this state forest.

Directions

From NY I-81 Take Exit #36, then follow NY Route 13 toward Williamstown. Make a left onto County Route 17 and proceed north until the intersection with County Route 27, go straight through onto Waterbury Road. Follow Waterbury until Fox Road, make a right. Parking is available off of Fox Road, or you may continue until Redfield Road and make a left, parking areas are available off the road.

• Ryan Road Parking next to the Salmon River (43.508894°N, 75.758992°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of West Osceola State Forest 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

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Upper Salmon River Unit Management Plan (PDF) with Maps Part 1 (PDF) and Part 2 (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Forest Management

The cover types within West Osceola State Forest consist mainly of mature natural hardwood and northern hardwood-hemlock cover types, including species such as red maple, black cherry, white ash, sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch, red oak and hemlock. The conifer plantations planted by the CCC during the 1930s and 1950s can also be found throughout the property, consisting of mainly white pine, red pine, larch and spruce.

DEC foresters are responsible for managing state forests to enhance and maintain a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem for both society and wildlife. These staff strategically employ forest management to develop a balanced mix of young, middle-aged, and old (late successional) forest types that will continue to benefit New Yorkers for many generations to come.

History

As with the majority of other state forests, the land that now encompasses West Osceola State Forest was originally purchased for reforestation by the State of New York during the 1930s. Prior to this, the landscape was comprised of a diverse matrix of crop lands, open fields, forest, meadows and homesteads. Unfortunately, the upland soils of the Tug Hill Plateau are characteristically rocky, highly acidic, and steep. Combined with intense winters common to the region, the fact that many farmers abandoned their properties in pursuit better lands in the mid-West is understandable.

The State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931 provided legislation which authorized the Department of Conservation to acquire land, by gift or purchase, for reforestation areas. These State Forests, consisting of no less than 500 acres of contiguous land, were to be "forever devoted to reforestation and the establishment and maintenance thereon of forests for watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, and kindred purposes" (Article 9, Title 5, Environmental Conservation Law).

West Osceola State Forest was purchased during the 1930's under this program and has been intensely managed to promote forest health, timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. Through the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), who planted thousands of softwood tree seedlings on the newly acquired state lands, the landscape in West Osceola State Forest has been restored to thick woodland; it provides a myriad of economic, ecological and recreational services to hundreds of people each year.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• O'Hara State Forest
• Tri- County State Forest
• Big Brook State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food and dining may be found in the nearby communities of Redfield, Osceola, or Williamstown.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Pulaski.

Oswego County Tourism Office can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks 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, outdoor 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 for information on outdoor guides.