- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 8 Avon Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (585) 226-5380; [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 Canandaigua, Ontario County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8N
- Map: Skenoh Island WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The primary purposes of Skenoh Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. Skenoh Island WMA is formerly known as Squaw Island WMA. USGS approved the name change in October 2021. Skenoh is Seneca for 'Peace' and the name is supported by the Seneca Nation, DEC, and various local municipalities.The island is located at the northwest corner of Canandaigua Lake and is only accessible by boat. A sign overlooking Skenoh Island at the end of the Canandaigua City Pier describes the island, at less than a quarter-acre in size, as the smallest State Park in New York.
It has gained some level of notoriety as being one of only a few places worldwide where one can find "water biscuits". These flat, whitish cakes of lime form when the lime falls out of solution in the water and is deposited over small objects such as pebbles or twigs. Skenoh Island, once a popular picnic and day trip destination, has gradually been reduced in size by wave action from two acres to its present one-fifth acre. In recent times, projects have been undertaken to protect its eroding southern shoreline.