East Otto State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), 716-372-0645; [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 East Otto and Otto, Cattaraugus County and Town of Collins, Erie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9M and 9H
• Map: East Otto State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || DECinfo Locator

East Otto State Forest covers 2,071 acres. The most common recreational use of this area is hunting and camping. It contains a mix of sizes and species of trees and also has manmade ponds and wetlands. The area has been managed to provide young forest habitat. No formal trails exist on the property but old skid trails and farm roads provide some opportunities for hiking.

Directions

From East Otto, take County Route 12 west and turn right onto Utley Road, then left onto Traffic Street. The culvert on Traffic Street is out of service, so access is best from the east end of Traffic Street.

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

• Traffic Street Parking Area (42.425199°N, 78.778198°W) Google Maps
• Kriedeman Forest Road First Spur Parking Area (42.439276°N, 78.780969°W) Google Maps
• Kriedeman Forest Road Second Spur Parking Area #1 (42.436919°N, 78.784718°W) Google Maps
• Kriedeman Forest Road Second Spur Parking Area #2 (42.437588°N, 78.784351°W) Google Maps
• Stickney Pond Parking Area (42.437994°N, 78.790715°W) Google Maps
• Kriedeman Forest Road Third Spur Parking Area (42.438339°N, 78.793071°W) Google Maps
• Kriedeman Forest Road End Parking Area (42.440478°N, 78.793885°W) Google Maps 

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 East Otto State Forest 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.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Niagara Frontier Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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.

State Forests are managed for multiple uses. Forest management provides raw materials for New York's forest products industry, a source of employment and income for many New Yorkers. They are 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.

Timber Management

Conifer - The stands of pine were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. These will be converted to hardwoods by removing the conifer overstory and allowing the hardwood seedlings that usually exist in these stands to grow into a new hardwood forest.

Hardwood - Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. Thinning of the forest through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees more growing space. This helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife, and future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees that appear to be old growth. This is almost always not the case. These stands were harvested prior to state ownership or managed during state ownership to favor large trees. Many other stands are mature and ready to regenerate. Thinning stands and removing the overstory promotes regeneration of new seedlings. Forest stands that are dominated by species that require direct sunlight for reproduction are managed in this way. Some small experimental clear cuts were done on this property. The regeneration of the experimental clear cut area was successful. It has been proven that this regeneration method will work on this state forest. Forest stands that contain oak species may require the use of fire or other types of disturbance to maintain this forest type.

History

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) 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.

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.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area and Unique Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, lodging, food and other supplies and dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Gowanda and Springville.

Cattaraugus County Tourism 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.