The State DEC has announced the acquisition of more than 190 acres in the Chenango County town of Plymouth to Pharsalia Woods State Forest. The acquisition permanently conserves Round Pond and surrounding wetlands and grows the forest to 9,469 total acres.
“DEC prioritizes land acquisition as a critical strategy to protect New York State’s ecological assets and wildlife populations while helping to achieve our climate goals,” said Interim DEC Commissioner Sean Mahar. “Conservation efforts to protect Pharsalia Woods State Forest will help draw more visitors to the region’s plentiful, year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing.”
“DEC celebrates the permanent protection of the entire Round Pond wetland complex as part of the diverse habitat mosaic of Pharsalia Woods State Forest,” said Region 7 Director Dereth Glance. “Wetlands improve natural resiliency, enhance flood protection, and provide essential fish and wildlife habitat, providing New York’s communities both economic and ecological value.”
Round Pond and the surrounding wetlands provide vital habitat for several rare plants and a variety of resident and migratory bird species. Pharsalia Woods State Forest is part of the 54,409-acre Pharsalia Woods Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society. During migration and breeding seasons, visitors may observe an array of birds, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.
In 2018, DEC constructed an accessible boardwalk and an elevated, covered viewing platform at Round Pond. The platform welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities and offers a sheltered observation point overlooking the pond and the entire wetland complex. Parking is available for five vehicles, including one accessible space. The wetland can also be explored by canoe or kayak.
Pharsalia Woods, in the towns of Plymouth and Pharsalia, provides numerous year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. The forest contains seven miles of the Finger Lakes Trail. The Bullthistle Hiking Club is an instrumental partner in constructing new trails and maintaining six additional miles of existing trails under a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement. From the observation platform parking area, visitors can choose from a network of marked hiking trails, which make short loops through the forest. The parking area is not plowed or maintained during winter months.
DEC purchased the 190-acre parcel using $257,000 from the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
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