DEC Announces Creation of Blue Hill State Forest in Cattaraugus County

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the acquisition of more than 1,200 acres in the town of Yorkshire, Cattaraugus County, to create the Blue Hill State Forest. The acquisition - the first State Forest added in the region since 1963 - will preserve critical open space and establishes the forest for watershed protection, timber production, and public recreation.

"Improving forest health is essential for safeguarding water quality, habitat, and opportunities for recreation and healthy, well-managed forests are also an important tool in New York's ongoing efforts to mitigate for and adapt to climate change," Interim Commissioner Mahar said. "Thanks to the dedication of DEC's conservation partners, this historic acquisition will allow residents and visitors in northern Cattaraugus County the opportunity to see first-hand the development of a healthy and sustainably managed forest and the benefits it provides to our environment and communities."

The property contains forests, ponds, fields, and access to Cattaraugus Creek, and was operated as Bluemont Ski Resort until 1979. DEC's acquisition will provide increased recreational opportunities for the public, expand wildlife habitat, support ecosystem health, and conserve natural resources. Blue Hill State Forest will be managed under DEC's Cattaraugus Unit Management Plan. Immediate plans for the property are to post and sign the boundaries, remove the old ski resort buildings, and conduct a full property assessment.

DEC acquired the property for $2.1 million from landowner Kingbrook Funding, LLC, through the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Among the many environmental victories in the enacted 2024-25 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders maintained the historically high level of $400 million in EPF funding. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. The EPF also supports New York's 30x30 initiative, which commits to conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.

Maps and additional information about Blue Hill State Forest can be found on DECinfo Locator.

For more information on DEC's State forests, visit the DEC website. New Yorkers are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands at Blue Hill State Forest and all natural spaces by practicing Leave No Trace™ principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level.