East Branch Fish Creek North Conservation Easement Tract

• Open for recreation: Limited, Please see below under Specific Rules

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Lowville Office: (M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm), (315) 376-3521, [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: Towns of Montague, Martinsburg, Osceola, and West Turin, Lewis County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6N
• Map: East Branch Fish Creek North Consevation Easement Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 14,110-acre East Branch Fish Creek North (EBFCN) is private property with a conservation easement held by the DEC on behalf of the people of New York State. The property consists of about 12,710 acres of former Lyons Falls Pulp and Paper lands and 1,400 acres of former Technopulp lands north of the G&W Road. The conservation easement grants DEC the right to allow public use of the lands for certain recreational purposes.

Signs have been posted to help the public determine what activities are allowed during different times of the year. See specific rules section for restrictions on featured activities. Please respect posted signs. Please contact the Lowville Sub-office, normal office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with any questions about activities on the property.

Directions

There are two main roads that allow access to EBFCN, the G&W Road which is accessed from State Route 26 following Carpenter Hill Road which becomes Tabolt Road and the Maple Ridge Road through the Lesser Wilderness State Forest. Some of these roads are seasonal use roads, and are used as snowmobile trails during the winter.

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

• International Road Parking Area is located at the intersection of International Road and G&W Road. A kiosk is provided with additional information and educational signs. (43.65392°N, 75.597831°W) Google Maps
• Maple Ridge Road Parking Area is located at the end of Maple Ridge Road 2.5 miles west of the intersection of Maple Ridge Road and Graves Road. (43.693909°N, 75.570659°W) Google Maps
• There are a number of cleared areas along the open roads which can be used for parking. Vehicles should not be parked in a manner that blocks roads or gates.

Rules, Regulations, and Outdoor Safety

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

All users of EBFCN 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.

Site-Specific Rules for the Easement

EBFC Headwaters Flow Grounds Compartment

• Fishing, hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, trail biking, and other non-motorized recreation use is allowed.
• The public is not allowed to trap, use snowmobiles, use ATV's, or use horses and related animals.
• The public is excluded at all times from specifically posted zones, 5 acres in size, surrounding the leased camps on the property.
• The public can be excluded from designated zones closed for logging for specific periods of time.

Mad River Headwaters and Page Pond Compartments

• Public recreational use during the big game (rifle) season is not allowed. (Hunting Regulation)
• Fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, trail biking, and other non-motorized recreation is allowed when the compartments are open.
• The public is not allowed to hunt, trap, snowmobile, use ATV's, or use horses and related animals on these lands.
• The public is excluded at all times from specifically posted zones of up to 5 acres in size, surrounding the leased camps on the property.
• The public can be excluded from designated zones closed for logging, for specific periods of time

Planning and Management

DEC manages public recreation on these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the East Branch Fish Creek Conservation Easement Recreation Management Plan (PDF).

The recreation management plan was amended in 2016 (PDF) to allow additional public access opportunities on the unit by creating a 20 mile foot/ski trail.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands & Facilities

• Tug Hill State Wildlife Management Area
• Grant Powell State Forest
• Sears Pond State Forest
• East Osceola State Forest
• East Branch Fish Creek State Forest
• East Branch Fish Creek South Conservation Easement Tract
• Lesser Wilderness State Forest
• Whetstone Gulf State Park

Where to find amenities

• Gas, food, other supplies, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Lowville and Turin.

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

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 for information on outdoor guides.