Oxford, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Bethany (New Haven County)

Status: Recognized IBA

Ownership: State of Connecticut

Nominator: Edward Jurzynski, Naugatuck Valley Audubon

Size: ~3,542 Acres

Location: 41° 27’ N, 73° 3’ W

Habitats:
Primary—Mix of habitats
Secondary—Conifer forest, deciduous forest, shrub, swamp, river/stream, pond/lake

Land Use:
Primary—Forestry, nature and wildlife conservation, hunting/fishing, undeveloped, other recreation or tourism
Secondary—Water supply, horseback riding, rifle range

Threats:
Serious—Habitat conversion (invasive plants and succession)

Site Description: Naugatuck State Forest is comprised of mixed hardwoods, pine plantations, laurel thickets, swampy areas, streams, and a hemlock ravine. Particularly important to birds are the early successional habitats from grasslands to shrubland to young forest. The park is enjoyed by picnickers and hikers, and Larkin Bridle Trail is popular with equestrians. Spruce Brook Ravine has long been regarded as one of the state’s most beautiful sites. The waterfalls here are spectacular, especially in the winter when the ice falls and ledges form. In addition to the numerous hiking trails, a portion of the forest has been sanctioned by the state as a rifle range. 

IBA Criteria: Connecticut Endangered and Threatened Species; High Conservation Priority Species; Rare, Unique, or Representative Habitat; Long-term Research and/or Monitoring. 

Birds: Naugatuck State Forest is a wild and undeveloped area between three developing towns. Due to the diversity of habitats, it is an area that is capable of supporting many species of birds. During spring migration, roughly 25 species of Warblers can be spotted, including those of high conservation priority: Blue-winged, Worm-eating, and Canada; as well as Olive-sided Flycatchers. Hemlock Ravine and its cooler climate serve as a nesting habitat for Louisiana Waterthrush, another species of high conservation priority. From late April to August, Whip-poor-wills are rather common. Blue-winged Warblers are fairly common nesters and the early successional habitats support significant populations of other species dependent on this habitat type, including American Woodcock. The site is possibly used as a migratory corridor for Common Nighthawks, which can be plentiful on overcast evenings from mid-August to mid-September. Because the early successional habitat is changing back into woodland, the once common Brown Thrasher is now declining. Certain areas of the forest serve as critical stopover habitat during the fall migration.

Non-avian Resources: In addition to being an important wildlife habitat, Naugatuck State Forest also functions as a site for forestry, shooting sports (in the rifle range), horseback riding, and hiking. Hunting is permitted throughout the forest, which is important to control the size of the deer herd, thereby reducing the impact of deer on the forest and early successional habitats of the forest. High Rock Grove was an important tourist attraction in the late 1800s, when the site was called High Rock Park, and is still frequented today. In late summer, a variety of butterfly species can be found in the brushy fields of the park.

Existing Conservation Measures: The CT DEEP Forestry Division's land management practices ensure a wide variety of habitats within the forest, thereby allowing the persistence of the early successional habitats. Deer hunting is allowed throughout the forest, helping to control the size of the deer herd.

State-listed Species: