New York State Forests
New York State Forests are administered by the Division of Lands and Forests of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). New York State Forests include reforestation, multiple use, and unique areas; and state nature and historic preserves, with approximately 600,000 acres (2,400 km2) classified as reforestation areas and approximately 100,000 acres (400 km2) classified as multiple use lands. Land within the Adirondack Park or the Catskill Park is not included as part of the State Forest system.
The purpose of state forest management in New York is to promote forest conservation, improve ecosystem health and biodiversity, provide recreational opportunities, and derive economic benefits from forests by employing sustainable management practices. As of 2016, more than 787,000 acres (3,180 km2; 1,230 sq mi) of forests are managed by the NYSDEC; this includes areas designated as state forests, reforestation areas, multiple-use areas, and unique areas, but does not include forest preserve lands within Adirondack Park and Catskill Park.
Permissible activities on New York state forest lands include hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-county skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and camping, although some properties prohibit some of these activities. Motorized vehicle use is prohibited except for on specified roads and trails. Camping for longer than three consecutive nights, or in groups of ten or greater people, requires a free permit issued by the NYSDEC; in addition, campsites must be located at least 150 feet (46 m) away from roads, trails, and streams unless previously established by the NYSDEC.
There are four categories of state forest lands established under New York State law; their descriptions are reproduced below.
Lands obtained for reforestation and maintained for watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, and for recreation and related purposes. These areas must have at least 500 acres (200 ha) of contiguous lands that shall be forever devoted to the planting, growth and harvesting of such trees as shall be reforested.
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