Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Schenectady Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (607) 652-2302; [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 Broome, Schoharie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4G
• Maps: Franklinton Vlaie WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA consists of about 195 acres of open water, wetland, and upland habitat in Schoharie County. It was acquired from private landowners in the 1980s and 1990s as part of a statewide program to acquire some of the most productive wetlands in New York. The pond and wetlands of Franklinton Vlaie are the headwaters to Catskill Creek. The 85-acre Vlaie Pond comprises a large portion of the WMA. It is surrounded by marshes and shrub swamp, comprised of species including buttonbush, cattail, water arum, pickerel weed, and red maple. Surrounding the pond and wetland are second growth maple-beech forests and active agricultural fields.

Accessible Features

From North parking area off State Route 145, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Viewing platform

The viewing platform is approx. 500 feet from the parking area on an accessible route.

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

Parking areas providing access can be found along State Route 145 and Gates Hill Road East in Middleburgh, NY 12122.

• Route 145 (north end), near fishing site and platform (42.5399017°N, 74.2990036°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Gate Hill Road, access to boat launch and dock (42.5209007°N, 74.3062973°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Route145, access to viewing area and dock (42.5309982°N, 74.3001022°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 Franklinton Vlaie 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 Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Franklinton Vlaie 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.

Management at Franklinton Vlaie is designed to maintain important freshwater wetlands and a diversity of habitat types so many species can exist on the site. Habitat improvements include mowing, trail creation, and placement of nesting boxes. Apple trees found in upland areas are maintained to provide food for wildlife. Mowing is used annually to maintain fields to enhance habitat for grassland nesting birds. Access to some portions on the west side is prohibited January to September to protect nesting eagles. These restricted areas are marked with prominent signs.

DEC has developed a Draft Catskill Creek Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF) which describes the management activities for these lands, as well as Stone Store State Forest, Leonard Hill State Forest, Dutton Ridge State Forest, Keyserkill State Forest Complex, High Knob State Forest, Bates State Forest, and Scott Patent State Forest. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more. If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please e-mail us.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• Schoharie County Tourism

State Lands and Facilities

• Armlin Hill State Forest
• Dutton Ridge State Forest
• Gates Hill State Forest
• Partridge Run State Forest
• Rensselaerville State Forest
• Stone Store State Forest

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.