The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the temporary closure of the Kriedeman Forest Road at East Otto State Forest in Cattaraugus County, beginning Monday, Aug. 7. This closure is necessary to accommodate a construction and road maintenance project that will rehabilitate Kriedeman Forest Road and improve access to campsites. Contractors will re-grade, shape, and install fresh gravel on Kriedeman Forest Road and rehabilitated ditching along the road will improve storm water management.

The project also includes a parking area reconstruction in addition to the installation of a vault toilet and bear-proof garbage cans to help enhance visitor convenience and safety at the site.

DEC advises visitors to vacate Kriedeman Forest Road and the associated campsites by dusk on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.

The road and campsites are expected to remain closed for six to eight weeks. DEC will notify the public at the conclusion of this project.

DEC also encourages visitors to consider accessing other State properties across Western New York, including:

• Dobbins State Forest
• Cattaraugus State Forest
• Rock City and McCarty Hill State Forests

New Yorkers are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands at East Otto and all natural spaces by practicing Leave No Trace^TM principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level. 

For more information, visit East Otto State Forest - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.