In the winter of 2021, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) acquired 100 acres in the Klipnocky State Forest. Already a unique forest, this new property adds a new level of habitat diversity to the area. It is composed of 25 acres of hay fields and 55 acres of early successional habitat that is chock-full of blueberries, thornapple, and dogwoods. The remaining acreage has open ponds that are home to beavers and the occasional wood duck.
The DEC’s West Almond Forestry Office aims to actively managing this property for wildlife including small game such as cottontail rabbits, ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and ring-necked pheasants. Currently, the hay fields provide great cover for pheasants, which are stocked through a joint effort between DEC and the Allegany County Pheasant Program.
The management plan for this area includes rotational mowing of the hay fields to provide nesting cover for birds such as meadowlarks and bobolinks. The early successional habitat will also be mowed intermittently to provide year-round cover and food for upland birds, rabbits, and deer. Established foot trails will be maintained to allow for easy exploration throughout the property for hunters, wildlife viewers, and other recreationalists.
Future projects may include:
- building an ADA compliant duck blind for hunting and wildlife viewing;
- creating food plots in the uplands and wetlands for wildlife;
- establishing switchgrass for upland bird cover;
- planting seedling to benefit wildlife; and
- hosting field trial events that allow bird hunters to train and trial their dogs through a Temporary Revocable Permit.
There is a small parking area located on Gas Springs Road in the town of Almond in Allegany County where the public can access this new addition to Klipnocky State Forest.
Photo of dog in orange hunting vest with two pheasants it retrieved after a successful hunt on Klipnocky State Forest’s new acquisition courtesy DEC.
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