Rome Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Herkimer Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:30PM), (315) 866-6330; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Rome, Oneida County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6P
• Map: Rome Wildlife Management Area Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purpose of Rome Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA and surrounding private lands consist of a vast area of forested wetland adjacent to the 1913 Barge Canal corridor. This large palustrine wetland complex is important to water quality and flood control for the city of Rome. Historically, much of the area was cleared and ditched for agricultural purposes. Agriculture was and continues to be an important aspect of the surrounding landscape.

Directions

Access to the area north of the railroad tracks can only be accessed via the parking area on Hoag Road near the railroad bridge overpass. The lands south of the tracks may be accessed via Route 365 or Hoag Road. The Railroad tracks are private property and may not be crossed.

• Hoag Road, large, dirt, at check station (43.1850014°N, 75.5044022°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Hoag Road (43.1823006°N, 75.5193024°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Rome Wildlife Management Area must follow all Wildlife Management Area Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Activity Rules and Regulations

• Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) - updated in 2022
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Outdoor Safety Tips

• Hunting Safety Tips
• Hiking Safety Tips

NOTE: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health.

How We Manage Rome Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Rome WMA is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and photography). Funding to maintain and manage this site is provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration or "Pittman-Robertson" Act, which is acquired through excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment.

The wetlands of the Rome WMA provide significant habitat for a variety of wildlife and plants. Management objectives of the WMA include the maintenance of habitat diversity to benefit many different game and non-game wildlife species. Habitat management is directed at the upland portions of the WMA, which consists of successional shrub land, northern hardwoods, old field/grassland, and agricultural fields. No management activity has yet occurred in the WMA's forested wetlands.

Current emphasis is placed on the maintenance of old field/grassland habitat through cooperative agreements and mechanical mowing/brush hogging. An area of approximately 130 acres of old field habitat is currently targeted for management using mowing techniques. Resources and agricultural agreement trade-offs may only allow portions of this area to be mowed each year. The timing of mowing is critical. Grassland bird species can begin nesting as early as February or March and may nest into September. The best period for mowing is mid-August through early October when dry conditions normally persist. Mowing during this period results in minimal interference with nesting or wintering activities.

View the Habitat Management Plan for Rome Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in February 2017, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

• Oneida County Tourism 

State Lands and Facilities

• Rome Fish Hatchery
• Rome Sand Plains Unique Area

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails, and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions, and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories, or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.