The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the upcoming rehabilitation of the dam that impounds Chittning Pond, located north of State Route 20 on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest in the town of Sangerfield, Oneida County.
Chittning Pond is a 70-acre pond that is home to a warm water fishery and provides habitat for a multitude of bird, amphibian, reptile, and mammal species.
Repairs to the 60-year old dam will include the spillway outlet pipes and the low-level outlet works to bring the dam into compliance with current State Dam Safety Regulations. Starting in April, DEC will slowly begin to lower the water level of Chittning Pond to allow for fish to move to deeper sections of the pond. The launching of boats and fishing from the shoreline may not be possible as the water level of the pond decreases. Lowering the water level is necessary to reduce fish mortality during the rehabilitation project.
Construction is expected to begin in June and to continue through the fall. During construction, the Chittning Pond Fishing Access Site, including the parking area on State Route 20, boat launch, and fishing pier, will be closed to public access. Water levels will be restored at the completion of the project. DEC is also replacing the existing fishing pier with one that is more accessible to persons with disabilities and when combined with the project’s other improvements, will help ensure the future of Chittning Pond as a fishing destination.
The improvements are funded with $1.5 million from the NY Works Program. Questions regarding this project may be directed to Scott Healy, Supervising Forester, through email at information.r6@dec.ny.gov or mail NYS-DEC 225 N. Main Street Herkimer, NY 13350.
Photo of Chittning Pond fishing pier provided.
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