Upper Otego Creek

The Upper Otego Creek watershed is a verdant reminder of what this region looked like centuries ago when the first settlers arrived, and why we continue to cherish it.

Thick forests line steep hillsides above narrow valleys filled with rich wetlands and clear streams. Brook trout live and spawn in much of Upper Otego Creek and its feeder streams. These sensitive and highly prized fish are considered an "indicator species" that only live in cold, clear running streams and seek open, clean gravel bottoms for spawning. The presence of these native fish is an important sign of the watershed's continued health and vitality.

On the hillsides, large stands of moist sugar maple forests form one of the region's most active working forests and play an important role in our rural economy and way of life. This landscape also supports some of the highest plant and animal diversity in the region.

The high concentration of public lands makes Upper Otego Creek a particularly important focus of activity for the Land Trust as we attempt to connect existing preserved areas and restore integrity to our landscape. Connecting public and private conservation lands strengthens the ecological health of Hartwick, Texas Schoolhouse, and Arnold Lake State Forests, all of which border private lands protected in partnership with Otsego Land Trust