Allegany County
Public Outreach: On Jan. 1, Forest Ranger Justin Thaine organized and led a hike at Jersey Hill State Forest and the adjacent Karr Valley Creek State Forest in the town of Birdsall, Allegany County, as part of the First Day Hike program. The event was attended by 33 participants despite cold and windy conditions. The hike started and ended at the site of the former Jersey Hill fire tower. A short presentation was given before the walk, with Forest Ranger Thaine talking about Ranger duties, his role in state land protection, the history of the fire tower, and Civilian Conservation Corps work done at State Forests. DEC Forester Theresa Draves also answered questions about forest management on the parcels. Fire Warden/Town of Birdsall historian Howard Hann, a former observer in the fire tower, told the attendees about how the fire tower operated and how towers were used to detect wildfires. Forest Ranger Thaine then led a four-mile loop hike.
Hikers during their walk of the Jersey Hill State Forest and adjacent Karr Valley Creek State Forest
