Nearly 700 acres of land are being added to a state forest in western New York.
Officials with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy recently announced the acquisition of more than 689 acres in the towns of East Otto and Otto, Cattaraugus County.
They said they plan to add the land to the East Otto State Forest.
The acquisition expands East Otto State Forest north of the existing property to now total 2,071 acres.
East Otto State Forest is home to 14 campsites, each with a primitive fire ring, that are available on a first come, first served basis.
Officials said the addition of forests, portions of Utley Brook, and additional access to Cattaraugus Creek will provide increased recreational opportunities for the public, expand wildlife habitat, support ecosystem health, and conserve natural resources.
DEC acquired the property for $2.39 million from The Nature Conservancy through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.
