North Harmony State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Dunkirk Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 363-2052; [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 Harmony, North Harmony and Sherman, Chautauqua County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9J
• Map: North Harmony State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

North Harmony State Forest totals 2,561 acres and is used for many outdoor recreational opportunities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, and hunting. It also serves as a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers as well as various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.

The forest is home to Wiltsie Marsh, located just off of Wiltsie Road in the town of Sherman. Also known as Two Ponds, Wiltsie Marsh is a man-made marsh that was built with federal funds during the 1950s. Marsh reconstruction efforts took place in the summer of 2007 to repair beaver damage to the dike.

Directions

To the Route 474 parking area: From Panama, take Route 474 west for 1.5 miles to the Route 474 parking area and trailhead for the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail.

To Wiltsie Marsh: From Panama take North Street north for 0.2 miles to School Street, then turn left. After about 1 mile, turn left on Wiltsie Road and continue for about 2 miles. The access road to the marsh will be on the right.

To Jasper Park: From Panama take North Street north for 0.2 miles to School Street, then turn left. After about 1 mile, School Street becomes Warner Road at the intersection with Wiltsie Road. Continue north on Warner Road for 0.75 miles to Jasper Park and the Warner Road parking area. The Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail is just west of here as Warner Road continues to the west.

• Route 474 parking area (42.07508 -79.518167) Google Maps
• Warner Road parking area (42.096357 -79.496736) Google Maps

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

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 North Harmony 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 Chautauqua Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Timber Management

The forests of North Harmony are managed to produce timber crops, maintain diverse wildlife habitats, provide recreational opportunities, beautify the landscape, and protect water quality - truly multiple-use forest management.

The existing stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. The stands are usually managed by a series of partial harvest thinnings, which encourage the natural regeneration of native hardwoods by providing openings for sunlight. Removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest enables the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity.

Hardwood trees are not usually planted because they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. Periodic 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 source of future crop trees.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Whalen Memorial State Forest
• Panama State Forest
• Alder Bottom Wildlife Management Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Clymer and Sherman.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Clymer and Sherman.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Clymer, Panama and Sherman.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Clymer and Sherman.

Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks 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 online 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 online 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.

History

In the 1930s, North Harmony State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, CCC provided employment opportunities for young men during the Great Depression. CCC projects included the construction of roads and the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.

Wiltsie Marsh was built with federal funds during the 1950s. Decades later, due to old age and heavy beaver activity within the marsh, the dike was in danger of washing out which could cause potential downstream flooding, road damage, and loss of valuable marsh habitat. To address this threat, DEC's Divisions of Forestry, Wildlife, and Operations collaboratively undertook an extensive marsh repair and reconstruction project during the summer of 2007. Renovation efforts included cleaning and reconstructing the dike control box in an attempt to prevent it from washing out and to protect it from future beaver damage. During the marsh renovation project, fish were relocated to the front pond and then were netted and restocked into the large pond following project completion.