Spicer Creek Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 372-0645; [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 Grand Island, Erie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9A
• Map: Spicer Creek WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Spicer Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is a 34-acre property located along East River Road in the Town of Grand Island in Erie County. The parcel includes rights to a portion of the Niagara River bed along 1600 feet of its shoreline. The area consists of nearly 26 acres of wetland and approximately 8 acres of brushland and woodland.

The area was purchased in 2004 by the DEC to ensure the permanent preservation of this diverse natural wetland.

Accessible Features

From the East River Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Hiking trail to two viewing platforms

The trail to viewing area of Niagara River is 0.4 mile one way and has a gentle grade (max. slope 10%), wide tread (min. width 3 feet), and firm compacted stone 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

From Buffalo: Go north on Route 190 to Grand Island and then head east on East River Road. The parking area is on the right just past the intersection with Whitehaven Road (43.0263°N, 78.8975°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 Spicer Creek 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

• Wildlife Management Areas (PDF) - updated in 2022
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping 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 Spicer Creek Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Spicer Creek 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.

Some of the principal management objectives and techniques for this WMA are to provide habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species; to permit compatible wildlife-related recreational use; and to protect and maintain special wildlife habitats that exist on the area such as the valuable wetland habitat and the Niagara River corridor. In 2009, a universally accessible trail and combination hunting blind/observation deck was developed on the site. The construction of the project was partially funded by the Oakawanda Wildlife Foundation. In 2015, a second blind was developed to improve access on state lands. These blinds provide access to the river for waterfowl hunting and wildlife observation. These activities are carried out with monies derived mainly from hunting license fees and federal taxes on sporting arms and ammunition.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• Visit Buffalo Niagara

State Lands and Facilities

• Motor Island Wildlife Management Area
• Beaver Island State Park
• Buckhorn Island 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.