Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Schenectady Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (518) 357-2152; [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 Greenport, Columbia County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4T
• Map: Rogers Island WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is a Hudson River island and consists of 281 acres of forested uplands, tidal forested wetlands, tidal marshes, and extensive mudflats. The WMA was acquired in 1950 to provide a refuge for migrating waterfowl.

The WMA can only be accessed by boat since there is no legal public access across the railroad tracks that border the east side of the property. The best place to land a boat is at the southwest corner of the island just north of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

The various upland and wetland habitat types found on the WMA support a great variety of fish, wildlife, and plant species, including several rare plants. Rogers Island contains one of the largest tidal swamp forests in the Hudson Estuary and prime examples of freshwater tidal marsh and intertidal mudflat communities.

Directions

Access to Rogers Island WMA is by BOAT ONLY. A foot trail leads from the southern tip of the island through the middle of the property. The WMA is located at 42.222871°N, 73.846476°W - See it in Google Maps.

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 Rogers Island 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
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Outdoor Safety Tips

• Hunting Safety Tips
• Hiking Safety Tips

Caution: Poison ivy is prevalent throughout the island.

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 Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Rogers Island 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.

Because the area can be accessed only by boat, habitat management options are limited to such activities as erecting and monitoring duck nesting boxes. Currently, primary management objectives are to provide habitat for breeding and migrating waterfowl, to provide waterfowl hunting opportunities, and to provide for a variety of wildlife-related recreational opportunities. The management of Rogers Island for non-intensive recreation is consistent with its primary purpose of providing wildlife-related public benefits. Those preferring more intensively developed outdoor areas should consider visiting day use areas at nearby State Parks.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• Columbia County Tourism

State Lands and Facilities

• Willows at Brandow Point
• Livingston State Forest
• Olana State Historic Site
• Stockport WMA
• Vosburgh Swamp WMA

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.