Black Pond Wildlife Management Area

• 

  Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Watertown Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:45PM), (315) 785-2263; [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 Ellisburg, Jefferson County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6G
• Map: Black Pond WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Black Pond Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is a 551-acre parcel. It is a natural wetland complex consisting of a barrier beach, dune, open water, emergent marsh, and wooded/shrub swamp. Lakeshore barrier beach and wetland complexes such as this are rare in New York State. In recognition of this, the area has been designated as a significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat by the New York Department of State.

The WMA was designated as a Bird Conservation Area by the state as part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Marshes BCA on August 31, 1998. This WMA has significant breeding and over-wintering habitat for birds and is located along the eastern shoreline of Lake Ontario, a critical migratory corridor. The Black Pond WMA is bordered on the north by El Dorado Beach Preserve, which is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. Together, the two parcels contain a significant length of natural shoreline, which attracts several species of migrating shorebirds during late summer and early fall.

Accessible Features

Wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Path;
• Observation platform; and
• Fishing pier

The accessible path includes opportunities for wildlife observation and travels through woodland, wetland, and dune areas. Note: The gate on the entrance road to Black Pond WMA is closed and locked from the Friday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday after Labor Day. Qualified individuals can obtain a Motorized Access Permit for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) which will allow passage through the gate to the interior parking lot. The application and instructions to obtain a permit can be found here on the MAPPWD webpage. 

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

From Watertown, take Route 3 south. Shortly after crossing the Ellisburg town line, make a right onto Bolton Road and continue to the end of the road. Be sure to park in designated parking lots.

• Bolton Road, gravel, small, pull off (43.8008003°N, 76.2223969°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Bolton Road, large area (43.8017998°N, 76.2244034°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Bolton Road, pull off, capacity 4-5 (43.8036003°N, 76.2184982°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 Black Pond 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 & Regulations

• Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) - updated in 2022
• Special Regulations for Black Pond WMA
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Prohibited activities at Black Pond WMA include:

• all public access to the dune portion of the barrier beaches, except by permit from DEC;
• erecting or posting any sign or notice except as permitted by DEC;
• building, maintaining, or using a fire;
• using devices to create sound, excluding personal electronics that produce sound audible only to the primary user;
• erecting or maintaining a camp, tent, or structure of any kind;
• defacing, disturbing, or damaging any structure, sign, equipment, or other property;
• removing, injuring or destroying any plants;
• removing any rocks, minerals, soil, or sand;
• walking or riding any hoofed animals including, but not limited to horses;
• use of any off-road vehicle including, but not limited to trail bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and all terrain vehicles;
• engaging in any activity or behavior which may endanger the safety of persons or property;
• failure to keep household pets, including but not limited to dogs, caged or leashed (six feet or less) and under control at all times; and
• possession of alcoholic beverages with intent to consume.

For a complete list of all WMA rules and regulations please see Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) ​and Special Regulations for Black Pond WMA.

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 Black Pond Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Black Pond 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.

Habitat management is directed at the upland portions of the WMA which consist of woodlands, early succession growth, and old field/grassland. Management objectives of the WMA include the maintenance of habitat diversity to benefit a wide variety of both game and non-game wildlife species.

WMA Management Plans

In 2015, DEC began a management planning process for wildlife lands, including development of a habitat and an access plan for each area. Habitat Management Plans guide habitat management decision-making on WMAs to benefit wildlife and promote wildlife-dependent recreation. Access and Public Use Plans address management needs for public use activities, access features, facility development, and maintenance.

• View the Habitat Management Plan for Black Pond Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in January 2019, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.
• The Access and Public Use Plan for Black Pond WMA (PDF), approved December 2024, describes current and proposed recreational opportunities and access features. 

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• The Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce

State Lands and Facilities

• Henderson Shores Unique Area
• Lakeview Marsh WMA
• Robert Wehle State Park
• Southwick Beach State Park

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.