New York State Forests are administered by the Division of Lands and Forests of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). There are four classifications:

1. Reforestation Areas
2. Multiple Use Areas
3. Unique Areas
4. State Nature and Historic Preserves

The types of State Forest are further described below. They include approximately classified as reforestation areas and approximately classified as multiple use lands. Land within the Adirondack Park or the Catskill Park is not included as part of the State Forest system.