The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the annual opening of normally restricted access to Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties from Sunday, August 16, to Monday, August 31, 2026. During the 16-day open house, Upper and Lower Lakes and Wilson Hill WMAs in St. Lawrence County, and Perch River WMA in Jefferson County, including the posted refuge and wetland restricted areas, will be open to visitors each day.
Fishing is also permitted on all the WMA’s during the Open House. However, fishing is not allowed in the Nichols Pool at Wilson Hill WMA, and Perch Lake at Perch River WMA will only be open from noon to sunset.
Portions of the WMAs are marked as Refuge or Wetland Restricted Areas and are closed to the public most of the year to allow waterfowl and other listed species to breed and raise young without human interference. The Open House occurs in late summer when breeding is complete, and just before wildlife begins preparing for the fall migration, allowing the public a chance enjoy these special habitats.
Perch River WMA encompasses nearly 8,000 acres in the towns of Brownville, Orleans, and Pamelia. Perch River WMA can be accessed from State Route 12, and Allen, Buckminster, Vaadi, and Perch Lake roads. The Perch Lake proper (accessed by Perch Lake Road) will only be open from noon until sunset each day during the Open House.
Upper and Lower Lakes WMA is located approximately two miles west of the village of Canton along State Route 68 in St. Lawrence County. This WMA, the largest in the region, is an 8,770-acre upland/wetland complex between the Grasse and Oswegatchie rivers.
Wilson Hill WMA in northern St. Lawrence County is approximately six miles west of the village of Massena near State Route 37 and State Route 131. Situated along the St. Lawrence River, the 4,000-acre area consists of several large pools of open water marsh bordered by a combination of dense cattails, brushy wetlands, forest, and upland meadow.
DEC may be conducting habitat and wildlife management projects on the WMAs throughout the 16-day period. Visitors are advised to avoid any machinery and follow instructions on all signage other than the posted Refuge and Wetlands Restricted Area signs.
For additional information about the WMA annual openings, as well as bird lists and maps, contact the DEC's Regional Wildlife Office at 315-785-2263, or visit the Region 6 WMA pages on the DEC website.
