Features
Having grown from its original 2,028 acres (8 km2), Clark State Forest now covers 24,000 acres (97 km2), with many roads and paths. The area also includes 100 miles (160 km) miles of horse trails, ranging from "easy" (for novice riders) to "rugged" (experienced riders only). The existence of these horse trails is one reason why nearby Charlestown State Park did not include them in its development plans. Hunting is allowed, except in those areas designated specifically for more popular recreational activities. Species of wildlife of interest to hunters include deer, foxes, ruffed grouse, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons and woodcocks. All the campsites are by design primitive, and the only other areas in the forest that are allowed for camping are 100 feet (30 m) off the Knobstone Trail. Other recreational pursuits for visitors include hiking, biking, fishing and picnicking. All of these human activities are however of secondary importance to the primary function of the state forest, which is timber management.
Both native and non-native tree saplings are grown within the forest. Trees officially allowed to be sold for lumber within the state forest are between 70 and 100 years old. Often, the chosen trees are felled to provide an area for native deer to live in the open, and to give smaller animals a brush area for their subsistence. Included in some protected areas are the White Oak (160 acres/0.6 km2) and the Chestnut Oak/Virginia Pine (20 acres) Nature Preserves. Other species of tree include black oak, black walnut, pignut hickory, sugar maples, and tulip trees. North of the Schlamm Lake is a fish hatchery.
The lakes of Clark State Forest include:
- Bowen (7 acres/2.8 ha)
- Franke (13 acres/5.3 ha)
- Oak (2.5 acres/1.0 ha)
- Pine (2 acres/0.81 ha)
- Schlamm (18 acres/7.3 ha)
- Shaw (13 acres/5.3 ha)
- Wilcox (5 acres/2.0 ha)
Read more about this topic: Clark State Forest
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