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The Tug Hill landscape includes a mixture of forest lands,
agricultural areas and towns. In the heart of the region, however,
lies a large expanse of contiguous undeveloped forest. The
Tug
Hill forest receives more snow than any other area in New York,
and is one of the state’s most important water resources. The
headwaters of the Salmo and Mad rivers feed the lower Salmon River,
a premier fishing and recreational resource of national significance.
The East Branch of Fish Creek supplies drinking water to the city
of Rome and has been identified as one of the nation’s most
threatened rivers.
Approximate
Acreage: 160,000 acres
Location:
The Tug Hill Forest Core lies at the geographic center of the
Tug Hill Plateau between the Adirondack Park and Lake Ontario.
Lakes:
• Tagasoke Reservoir; source of drinking water for Rome and
Oneida
Rivers & Watersheds:
• Headwaters for several major rivers including Fish Creek,
Salmon, Deer and Mad rivers.
• East Branch of the Fish Creek watershed, one of the country’s
fifteen “Most Threatened Rivers”
Plant Communities:
• Northern hardwood forest
• 70 documented rare plants
Natural Features:
• Several gulfs with gorges up to 200 feet deep
• A plateau rising gradually to more than 2,000 feet at it's
eastern edge.
Habitat
and Animal Life:
• Excellent fisheries and wildlife habitat throughout roadless
areas
• Large mammals like bobcat, fox and deer
• Extensive woodlands for migratory birds
• Fur bearers such as fisher, mink and otter
• Large numbers of waterfowl
• Among the most important wetland complexes in New York State.
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Outstanding Recreation:
• Native trout in Forest Core’s small streams
• Fishing, hiking, camping, trapping and hunting on state-owned
lands
• Annual average snowfall of 20 feet, providing tremendous opportunities
for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Protected Lands:
• Tug Hill State Wildlife Management Area
• Little John State Wildlife Management Area
Existing Development:
• Almost no resident population
• Virtually roadless in the heart of the area
• Little if any year round population and no through roads in
the Tug Hill Forest Core, one of New Yorks' most remote areas
Current Conservation Opportunities:
• 45,000 acres of conservation easements along the Fish Creek
Current Action Step:
• The purchase of easements on 45,000 acres of the Tug Hill
Core Forest and Headwaters Streams would provide tremendous ecological
and economis benefits. This undeveloped forested area serves as headwaters
for several major water bodies and contributes to the high quality
drinking water of the Tug Hill Aquifer. In addition, these lands provide
excellent wildlife habitat, support a major regional forest products
industry, and offer a broad range of recreational opportunities. Please
write
to your Senators and ask them to support the Forest
Legacy program , a potential source of funding for the purchase
of easements on the Tug Hill Wildland.
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