General Information
McDonough State Forest (Chenango
Reforestation Areas # 1 and 11) is
13,781 acres located ten miles West of Norwich,
in the gently rolling hills of the Allegheny Plateau. From the fire tower
atop Berry Hill, the forested landscape unfolds like a richly textured
tapestry of lush sylvan growth. Plantations of spruce and pine define the
boundaries of long abandoned farm fields and natural woods form an ocean
of foliage that would remind the town's namesake, Commodore MacDonough, of
some distant sea. On closer inspection one will discover that the forest
offers a diversity of habitats and histories ranging from the graveyards
and stone fences of Roger's Street to ancient hemlocks and ice age
formations along the Finger Lake's Trail.
McDonough State Forest has the distinction of
being the first reforestation area in Chenango County, and soon after
acquisition, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) were dispatched to plant
millions of trees, construct bridges, roads and ponds and conduct other
forest improvement activities. The first Chenango County CCC camp was a
tent barracks located near Steers Pond that provided temporary
accommodation for 180 African American enrollees. A more permanent camp
was established in McDonough in June 1933 and could accommodate 200 men.
Camp # 3 was active through 1941 and during its eight year history 1,500
men passed through its gates. A stone chimney located southeast of Bliven
Pond along State Route 220 marks the site where Camp # 3 once stood. The
DEC has recently
restored the chimney and establish a historic site
and day use area to recall the camp and the efforts of the CCC.
McDonough State Forest is home to one of two
fire towers in Chenango County. The Berry Hill tower is located at the end
of the Bowman Lake State Park trail just off County Route 10 between
Preston and E. Pharsalia. The structure is a 59’ 3" International Derrick
tower provided to New York State by the US Forest Service and erected by
the CCC in 1934. The Berry Hill tower ceased operation at the end of the
1988 season and was officially closed in early 1989 when the DEC
determined that towers were no longer effective and decided to phase them
out of service. However, the tower was placed on the National Historic
Lookout Register in 1993. It is still maintained and accessible to
the public. Visitors are allowed to ascend to the top and take in the
magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.
A number of recreational opportunities are
available on McDonough State Forest. Both the Finger Lakes Trail and the
New York State Corridor Snowmobile Trail pass through the forest, and many
of the unpaved town roads are ideal for mountain biking and horseback
riding. Whaley's Pond, Bowman Creek, Mill Brook and some of their smaller
tributaries offer good fishing opportunities, and the upland woods support
diverse wildlife populations. For good food, drink and local news, make a
stop in the hamlets of McDonough and East McDonough. Bowman Creek State
Park is centrally located within the McDonough State Forest and provides
camping, swimming and other developed recreational facilities.
Today, McDonough and all State Forests in New York are managed for
multiple benefits to serve the needs of the people of New York.
Sustainable forestry practices will ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a
diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities and
clean water. The underlying State Forest management philosophy is to
consider today's natural resource demands while not compromising
opportunities for future generations.
Directions
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To gain access to this
historic State Forest, from Oxford, take State Highway 220 heading West.
The entrance to the Forest will be located to the North. Look for the
historic chimney and the State Forest sign.
Emergencies &
Law Enforcement
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Weekdays, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, call (607) 674-4036.
Evenings, weekends and holidays, call (607) 674-9766 or 674-9555.
Information provided by
DEC |
