Complements Recent and Future Easement Purchases and Supports Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Land Goals and New York’s 30x30 Initiative 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the acquisition of more than 190 acres in the Chenango County town of Plymouth to Pharsalia Woods State Forest. The acquisition permanently conserves Round Pond and surrounding wetlands and grows the forest to 9,469 total acres.

“DEC prioritizes land acquisition as a critical strategy to protect New York State’s ecological assets and wildlife populations while helping to achieve our climate goals,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “Conservation efforts to protect Pharsalia Woods State Forest will help draw more visitors to the region’s plentiful, year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing.”

“DEC celebrates the permanent protection of the entire Round Pond wetland complex as part of the diverse habitat mosaic of Pharsalia Woods State Forest,” said Region 7 Director Dereth Glance. “Wetlands improve natural resiliency, enhance flood protection, and provide essential fish and wildlife habitat, providing New York’s communities both economic and ecological value.”

Round Pond and the surrounding wetlands provide vital habitat for several rare plants and a variety of resident and migratory bird species. Pharsalia Woods State Forest is part of the 54,409-acre Pharsalia Woods Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society. During migration and breeding seasons, visitors may observe an array of birds, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.

In 2018, DEC constructed an accessible boardwalk and an elevated, covered viewing platform at Round Pond. The platform welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities and offers a sheltered observation point overlooking the pond and entire wetland complex. Parking is available for five vehicles, including one accessible space. The wetland can also be explored by canoe or kayak.

Pharsalia Woods, in the towns of Plymouth and Pharsalia, provides numerous year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. The forest contains seven miles of the Finger Lakes Trail. The Bullthistle Hiking Club is an instrumental partner in constructing new trails and maintaining six additional miles of existing trails under a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement. From the observation platform parking area, visitors can choose among a network of marked hiking trails, which make short loops through the forest. The parking area is not plowed or maintained during winter months.

Bullthistle Hiking Club President Peg Fuller said, “Our Norwich-based hiking club was happy to hear DEC acquired additional acres, which has resulted in Round Pond and surrounding wetlands to be permanently added to the existing state-owned forest to 9,469 total acres. The Bullthistle Hiking Club has maintained hiking trails in the existing Round Pond area property for several years and the acquisition of additional property will open up more hiking opportunities, which include those of us who like to bird watch, photograph the wonders of nature, and just explore the beauty of the forest.”

Chenango Bird Club Secretary Mike DeWispeleare said, "The Round Pond wetland complex is a very special place for area birders. It is the first location in our area harboring a breeding pair of Sandhill Crane, a northern and western species that is slowly expanding its breeding range into New York State. These large birds, with a wingspan over 6 feet, are a thrill to watch as they perform their courtship dancing display and sound off with their unique primeval calls. Pharsalia Woods is also an important breeding area for rare American Goshawk, an apex avian predator in large, forested areas."

DEC purchased the 190-acre parcel using $257,000 from the?State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).?Among the many environmental victories in the Governor’s 2025-26 Executive Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed to maintain 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. 

Making Open Space Available for All
In the 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul prioritized creating and protecting parks and green spaces to ensure more people can enjoy time outdoors. To expand these efforts, the Governor will provide funding for land conservation to protect open spaces, farmland, and increase availability. Recognizing the need for streamlined processes, the Governor will also champion several key initiatives including modernizing the use of title insurance to expedite land acquisitions, granting DEC the authority to independently acquire conservation easements, and reducing the financial hurdles faced by not-for-profit organizations in their land conservation efforts. These changes and investments will empower the state to more effectively protect our natural heritage for future generations.

Maps and additional information about Pharsalia Woods State Forest can be found on DEC’s website.

For more information on New York’s lands and forests, visit?DEC’s website.