DEC Announces Water Level Drawdown at Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the start of site preparation in anticipation of a construction project scheduled to begin this fall at the Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The project will make critical upgrades to the water control structure to improve water level management capabilities and allow DEC staff to better manage the marsh habitat of the WMA for the benefit of numerous wildlife species. The construction requires a temporary water level drawdown that will impact users of the WMA.

Upper and Lower Lakes WMA is 8,727 acres in size and was purchased between 1963 and 2006 with funds from the Park and Recreation Land Acquisition Bond Act and the Conservation Fund. The project is being partially funded by and undertaken in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited.

Roughly half of this WMA is made up of a large wetland complex consisting of multiple wetland cover types. The wetlands are among the most extensive in St. Lawrence County and provide important habitat for marsh birds, waterfowl, and aquatic furbearers. The area is located on an important waterfowl migration route between eastern Canada and the Atlantic Coast. The upland portion of the WMA consists of woodland, small blocks of conifers, shrubland, grassland, and agricultural land. Recreational activities available on the area include hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife observation.

The water level drawdown will be significant and begin immediately. It is likely to impact the entirety of the waterfowl and fall trapping seasons. Waterfowl hunters and trappers are encouraged to consider other locations during construction. Construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2024, weather dependent. Water levels will be restored once construction is complete.

For additional information, please contact DEC's Regional Wildlife Office at 315-785-2263.