When identifying a state forest in New York, it’s essential to mention what County or Unit Management Plan it falls in. State Forest names are not unique statewide, they are often reused in different parts of the state, although not in the same county or DEC region.

This can be quite dangerous for example if you were to call 1-800-TIPP-DEC to report a lost hiker. It’s essential that in any report to DEC’s central office, you mention the county or UMP you are referring to. Better yet, if known, mention the parcel, which starts with the counties the parcel is in, then the number of the state forest.

For example, Lost Nations State Forest refers to State Forests Allegany 12 and Saint Lawrence 9. There is no connection between these lands, they are 300 miles apart. If you refer to Lost Nations State Forest in the Allegheny UMP and St. Lawrence Flatlands UMP will avoid any potential confusion.

There are actually 3 separate state forests known as South Hill State Forest, Delaware-Otsego 1 in the Cherry Valley UMP, Chenango 3 in the Between River UMP, and Oneida 23 in the Oneida Hills UMP.