New State Forest may be created in Angelica

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed the acquisition of land in the Town of Angelica by the State of New York for the creation of a New York State Forest. The proposed project involves about 615 acres along County Road 43 in the Town of Angelica. the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation envisions the State Forest being used by the public for a variety of recreational opportunities, including: hunting, fishing, trapping, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping, birding, and wildlife viewing.

Plans and improvements proposed for the State Forest include creation of public fishing access and canoe and kayak launch sites on the Genesee River, conversion of the railroad beds to a multipurpose trail system, and installation of covered pavilions and picnic tables for creation of a day-use picnic area. The creation of a State Forest in the Town of Angelica would be the first such forest created in Allegany County in over 85 years. The acquisition of lands by the State of New York would have the additional benefit of continued inclusion of the property in the town and school property tax assessments, therefore ensuring that the Town of Angelica and the local school district continue to collect property taxes on the property at the same rate as any other privately-owned property in the Town of Angelica. When the Allegany County Legislature meets Monday afternoon (5/13), they'll vote on a resolution supporting the measure.