The acquisition from the Nature Conservancy expands East Otto State Forest north of the existing property to total 2,071 acres. The area is part of Wildlife Management Unit 9M and 9H, and contains a mix of sizes and species of trees, as well as manmade ponds and wetlands.

The addition of forests, portions of Utley Brook, and additional access to Cattaraugus Creek will provide increased recreational opportunities for the public, expand wildlife habitat, support ecosystem health and conserve natural resources. Immediate DEC plans for the property are to post signs to signify boundaries and conduct a full property assessment with emphasis on important species that are part of the Zoar Valley ecosystem.

DEC acquired the property for $2.39 million from The Nature Conservancy through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. The EPF supports New York’s 30×30 initiative, which commits to conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030.

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Niagara Frontier Unit Management Plan. 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. Forest management provides raw materials for the forest products industry, which is a source of employment and income for many New Yorkers. The tree growth is managed for wildlife by creating and maintaining various habitats for species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey. They are also managed for recreational opportunities and watershed protection.

East Otto State Forest Illustration courtesy of NYSDEC

According to the DEC, the history of this area begins in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps carried out forestry projects on this property. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment for young men during the Great Depression. Projects included the planting of thousands of pine, larch and spruce trees in the open areas on the property, and as can be noted in many areas of Western New York. This property was mostly farmland at one time. A cheese factory, which was commonplace before the invention of refrigeration, was located on this property as well. The transportation of milk over great distances was not routine as it is today. In order to bring milk to market, it was made into cheese, which was easier to transport and store.

The most common recreational use of this area is hunting and primitive camping. No formal hiking trails exist on the property but old skid trails and farm roads provide some opportunities for hiking. Access is free. Make sure you go “tick protected.”

View the updated map and information on the NYSDEC East Otto State Forest webpage at https://dec.ny.gov/places/east-otto-state-forest. For specific questions, contact the DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), 716-372-0645, or email region9@dec.ny.gov.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

April 24-26: Hawkeye Bowmen Archery, Spring Thaw Primitive Shoot, 7 a.m. to noon, course closes 2 p.m., $15, under 12 free; 13300 Clinton St., Alden.

April 25-26: NYS Youth Turkey hunting Weekend, for youth hunters 12-15 years of age with licensed mentor adult; hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise through noon. Visit dec.ny.gov.

April 26: NYS Hunter Education Course, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Evans Rod and Gun Club, 864 Cain Road, Angola. Students register online: https://decals.events. Students must complete homework prior to class.

April 26: NYS Hunter Education Course, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls. Students register online: https://decals.events. Students must complete homework prior to class.

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Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com at least 10 days in advance.