Bog Brook Unique Area

Open for Recreation: Year-round
Fee: Free
Contact Information:
- DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (845) 256-3000; r3admin@dec.ny.gov
- Enforcement Matters: (518) 408-5850 (24/7)
Location: Towns of Southeast and Patterson, Putnam County
Wildlife Management Unit: 3G
Map: Bog Brook Unique Area map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 131-acre Bog Brook Unique Area contains several kinds of wetland, including a rich graminoid fen, a type of freshwater wetland that is rare in New York. Other wetland types include open water, emergent marsh and red maple swamp. Old fields, shrublands and patches of young forest are common on the eastern side of the wetland.

Featured Activities

Hunting and Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 3G

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

White-tailed deer are the main big game species. Waterfowl and other bird species are abundant. Muskrat, red and gray fox, and raccoon are present for trapping. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons and trapping seasons).

Fishing

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

Bog Brook's waters contain chain pickerel, largemouth bass, and yellow perch.

Open water area at Bog Brook.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

The diverse habitats of Bog Brook are home to many species of wildlife. An observation tower overlooking the wetland is located just north of the parking area. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Directions

The Bog Brook Unique Area is located in eastern Putnam County, about 60 miles north of New York City. It can be reached by taking Foggintown Road west from Route 22, 0.5 miles north of the Route 22/Route 312 intersection. The parking area is 0.4 miles west of Route 22 on the north side of Foggintown Road.

All Google links leave DEC website.

Foggintown Road (41.44125°N, 73.58232°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
Route 22 (41.44637°N, 73.57645°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions

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

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) 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 Bog Brook Unique Area 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.

Activity Rules & Regulations

Hunting Regulations
Trapping Regulations
Fishing Regulations
Public Use of Wildlife Management Areas Regulations (leaves DEC website)

The following activities are not permitted in Bog Brook Unique Area:

Using motorized vehicles, including:
- all-terrain vehicles
- snowmobiles
- motorboats
Parking outside of a designated parking area
Using vessels on any body of water
Open fires
Discharging firearms except at wildlife which may legally be taken.

Outdoor Safety Tips

NOTE: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health (leaves DEC website).

How We Manage Bog Brook Unique Area

Wildlife Observation Tower at
Bog Brook Unique Area

View the Habitat Management Plan for Bog Brook Unique Area (PDF, 5.6 MB), approved in May 2021, which identifies the specific target species and habitat goals for the area.

Management at Bog Brook Unique Area have mainly focused on the wetland habitat. In addition to wetland management, DEC periodically mows the fields on the eastern side of the area to maintain habitat for meadow-dependent wildlife species such as bluebirds. Some past examples of wetland management include:

Woody vegetation is periodically removed from the wetland periphery to keep this area free of trees and large shrubs.
A water control structure was constructed at the southern end of the wetland to maintain water at appropriate levels.
Wood duck nest boxes have been installed in the marsh and adjacent uplands.
Biocontrol agents are being used to fight the invasive plant purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Prescribed fires are used to reduce the abundance and vigor of common reed (Phragmites australis).

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

Putnam County Tourism website (leaves DEC website)

State Lands and Facilities

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, 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 (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.

Department of Environmental Conservation