SOME INTERESTING POINTS ...
Lewis County is situated between the Adirondack Mountains and the Tug Hill cuesta or flat top. Lewis County has an average annual minimum temperature between -20 to -40 degrees
Fahrenheit. These low minimal winter temperatures directly effect what vegetation and species can live in the region. Vegetation in the western portion of Lewis County (Tug Hill Region) is comprised mainly of mixed hardwood, deciduous forest and agricultural fields. Tree species in this region are mainly from the genus of maple (Acer), beech (Fagus), and cherry (Prunus), with some areas of white pine (Pinus strobus) mixed in. Groundcover within this area is dominated by saplings of the tree species listed above, as well as various species of Rhubus. The eastern half of the County (Adirondack Foothills Region) is dominated by species that are more tolerant of a sandier, more acidic soil.
Lewis County Reforestation lands mainly consist of pine plantations. The most common species of pine are Scotch and Red. Very little groundcover is found in the pine plantations, except the various species of Rhubus. Pine needles cover the ground acting as a defense to erosion.
Both the Tug Hill Region and the Adirondack Foothills region have wetland or water resource areas within them. These areas tend to have denser groundcover than that found in upland areas.
The county has over 190,000 acres of agricultural land with a very rural lifestyle. It is said there are more head of cattle than people, some claim a 2:1 ratio. Leading Lewis county in the agricultural area is the production of milk, maple syrup, and wood pulp. The oldest continuosly operating agricultural fair in the United States is here in Lewis county.
The largest concentration of milk production in all of New York state, 500,000,000 pounds of milk produced per year, happens here in Lewis county and this is in thanks to the Black River Valley which is so fertile. There are 380 commercial dairy farms. The well-drained, high - lime soils of the county produce high yields of alfalfa, corn silage, and grass to be foraged. There are several markets for the excellent milk production of Lewis county: Agri-Mark Dairy Coop., Allied Federated Milk Coop., Dairy Farmers of America Inc. Coop., Dairy Lea Coop. Inc., Deer River Bulk Milk Coop., Lowville Dairy Producers Coop., Kraft, Inc., Lewis County Dairy Coop., Local Farmer’s Markets, Oneida - Lewis Milk Coop., and several milk processing plants which are located the neighboring counties.
Kraft, Inc., the largest cream cheese plant in the world, is located in Lowville, NY (county seat of Lewis County). This plant processes about 65% of the milk that is produced in Lewis County.
Of all the counties in New York state, Lewis county takes the lead in the production of maple syrup.
Lewis County has much more to offer than just its agricultural fame. It has so much to offer in the line of enjoyment and recreation. Winter time brings snowmobilers, downhill and cross country skiers, and snowshoers. Spring, summer, and fall bring in canoers, kayakers, golfers, horseback riders, bikers, hikers, campers, anglers, hunters, and other tourists who want to take in the beautiful views and scenery of Lewis County.
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