Pavilion next to water behind a fence
Wildlife Management Area

Birch Run Ponds Fish and Wildlife Management Area

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Map of Birch Run Ponds Fish & Wildlife Management Area

The primary purposes of Birch Run Ponds Fish & Wildlife Management Area (FWMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This FWMA covers 38.9 acres. It is located south of the Allegheny River along Lower Birch Run Road and borders I-86 on its northern end.

DEC acquired the property in 2008 when it was transferred from the NYS Department of Transportation. It was developed as part of a wetland mitigation project and as a recreation area for the public.

Featured Activities

Wildlife Management Unit: 9T

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

Hunting is allowed throughout the property. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons). The property contains mostly small game and may have opportunities for waterfowl hunting.

Wildlife Management Unit: 9T

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Trapping is allowed throughout the property. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view trapping seasons). The property contains mostly small game.

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

Fishing is allowed in the ponds on the property. Anglers can hope to find bluegill and other sunfish, suckers, and carp. A short trail from the parking area leads to an accessible fishing platform.

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

An accessible trail leads from the parking area to the accessible fishing platform and picnic tables.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Look for beavers, muskrats, rabbits, songbirds, ospreys, mallards, geese, and mergansers. Use both the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Accessible Features

From the Birch Run Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Fishing/viewing platform;
  • Picnic area; and
  • Hiking trail

The trail to the picnic area is 0.2 mile one way and has a gentle grade (max. slope 10%), wide tread (min. width 3 feet), and paved surface.

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

Birch Run Ponds FWMA is located in the Town of Allegany along I-86, which forms its northern border.

  • Birch Run Road parking area (42.0884018°N, 78.5622025°W) Google Maps 

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 Birch Run Ponds Fish & 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

Outdoor 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 Birch Run Ponds Fish and Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Birch Run Ponds FWMA 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.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

State Lands and Facilities

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.

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Region 9 Western New York
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