Crews complete improvements to Chittning Pond in Oneida County

SANGERFIELD, N.Y. — Crews recently finished improvements along Chittning Pond in the town of Sangerfield in Oneida County, including rehabilitation of the dam that impounds the pond and an enhanced fishing-access site. 

The 70-acre pond located in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest is home to a warm-water fishery and provides habitat for a multitude of bird, amphibian, reptile, and mammal species. 

“DEC is committed to enhancing and improving facilities and infrastructure on state lands and sites to provide quality recreational experiences and make visiting these destinations safer and more enjoyable for all,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a release. “Chittning Pond is a regional asset for anglers and improvements to the dam and fishing accessibility will help attract more visitors who enjoy largemouth bass and panfish, as well as those just looking for a place to experience Oneida County’s natural surroundings.” 

Repairs to the 60-year-old dam bring the structure into compliance with New York State dam-safety regulations. Work began in 2021 and was completed in coordination with the New York State Office of General Services (OGS). The projects were funded with $1.5 million from NY Works. 

Improvements include: 

• Removing woody vegetation from the upstream embankment slope and placing stone rip rap for wave-erosion protection;

• Repairing a depression on the downstream embankment slope;

• Cleaning and lining the twin service spillway outlet pipes;

• Improving the service spillway-intake structure stop log system;

• Replacing the non-operational low-level outlet sluice gate; and

• Cleaning and lining the low-level outlet discharge pipe

DEC also replaced the existing fishing pier with an access site more accessible to people with disabilities. Combined with the project’s other improvements, the enhanced fishing-access site will bolster Chittning Pond’s status as a regional fishing destination, the department contends. Fish found in the pond include largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, golden shiner, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, white sucker, and yellow perch. The harvest season for largemouth bass began June 15; bass measuring more than 17 inches have been reported at the pond.

The Albert J. Woodford Memorial Forest contains 2,664 acres, the majority of which is former pasture and cropland. Tassel Hill, located in the northern portion of the property, is the point of highest elevation in Oneida County. The state forest was created for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation, and watershed protection.