Stockton State Forest

{{Infobox protected area

| name = Stockton State Forest

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| photo = StocktonStateForest.jpg

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| photo_caption = Stockton State Forest, November 2020

| map = New York

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| nearest_city = Stockton, New York

| coordinates = {{Coord|42.280776|N|79.397212|W|display=inline,title}}

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| area_acre = 977

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| owner = New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

| website = https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/49442.html

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Stockton State Forest is a 977-acre New York State Forest. It is located in Stockton, New York, between the Chautauqua Lake and Cassadaga Creek watersheds.{{cite web |title=Stockton State Forest |url=https://rtpi.org/stockton-state-forest/ |website=Roger Tory Peterson Institute |access-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319213140/https://rtpi.org/stockton-state-forest/ |archive-date=19 March 2016}} It was established in the 1930s for timber harvesting and land conservation.{{cite web |title=Stockton State Forest - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation |url=https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/49442.html |website=www.dec.ny.gov |access-date=20 January 2021}}

Ecology

Stockton State Forest is home to populations of white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, rabbit, and turkey. Conifer stands of pine and spruce trees were once planted, but are now managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the natural regeneration of native hardwood trees. Marshy wetlands in the forest create habitat for swallows, ducks, and beavers. There are almost 200 species of bird that have been spotted during annual surveys.

Recreation

There are no designated walking trails in Stockton State Forest, but biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and horseback riding are allowed. There are three miles of maintained snowmobile trails. Primitive camping, hunting, and trapping are permitted.

References

Category:New York (state) state forests

Category:Protected areas of Chautauqua County, New York