Wellman Multiple Use Area

• 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: Town of Busti, Chautauqua County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9J
• Map: Wellman Multiple Use Area (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Wellman Multiple Use Area totals 447 acres and provides opportunities for many outdoor recreational activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. There are no designated trails but non-motorized recreation is allowed throughout the property, including on gas well roads.

This land was purchased by the state in the 1960s for timber production, recreational use, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat. Thousands of pine and spruce trees were planted in the open areas on the property. The diverse cover types allow a variety of wildlife species to thrive, including deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.

Directions

From Jamestown, take Busti-Sugar Grove Road southwest for roughly 7 miles to reach the intersection with Kortwright Road. Turn right and continue west 3 miles to reach the multiple use area at the intersection with Wellman Road.

There are no designated parking areas on the unit but roadside parking is available. The multiple use area is located at 42.009445°N, 79.367501°W Google Maps. 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 Wellman Multiple Use Area 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. 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

Stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually managed by a series of partial thinnings. These thinnings provide openings of sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwood. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity.

Hardwood trees are not usually planted as 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 keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife, and a source of future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. Often these large trees represent survivors of timber harvesting prior to state ownership.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Hill Higher State Forest
• Watts Flats Wildlife Management Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

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 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.