The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced access limitations at Harwood Lake and Multiple Use Area, located off State Route 98 in Farmersville, Cattaraugus County, to allow dam rehabilitation work to take place March 31 through September.
The extensive project will involve installation of wave wash protection, reconstruction of the dam embankment, installation of a new spillway, clearing and armoring of the auxiliary overflow spillway, and wetland restoration. Construction will also affect areas below the dam.
While the lake, the main parking lot and car-top boat launch areas off Lake Avenue, and the southernmost parking area off Rt. 98 will remain accessible to the public, access to the dam berm, the parking area closest to the dam, and all areas below the dam embankment will be restricted to construction personnel until the project is completed. Work at the site is expected to continue through September.
The project also requires a lowering of the lake elevation approximately 3.5 feet, which will limit fishing and other water-based recreation access. Due to the extended drawdown, DEC will not stock Harwood Lake with trout this spring. However, DEC will stock increased numbers of trout in 2025 in both nearby Allen and Case lakes to accommodate the loss. DEC expects to resume spring trout stocking in Harwood Lake in 2026.
For more information about the Harwood Lake Multiple Use Area, visit DEC’s website.
For information about alternative recreation areas, visit DEC’s Find Places to Go webpage.
