Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (607) 753-3095; [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 Clay, Onondaga County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7F
• Map: Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is 1,686 acres in size with approximately 88% as wetland habitat. The WMA is about four miles long and from 1/4 to one mile wide. Mud Creek flows into and out of Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh WMA and drops only about 2.4 feet as it travels through the marsh. Mill Creek flows into the marsh from the south side under Bear Road.

The marsh appears to have become wetter since the 1940s. Part of this is due to increasing human development around the wetland causing more frequent and faster water runoff into the marsh and is partly due to dams downstream of the marsh. The WMA's topography is gently rolling land with an average elevation of about 400 feet above sea level.

In the past, Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh was referred to as Clay Marsh, Cicero Swamp, Little Cicero Swamp, and Peat Swamp. In 1994 it was renamed Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh WMA after a local prominent conservationist who was instrumental in the state acquisition of the area.

Accessible Features

From the Old Wetzel Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Viewing blind with boardwalk

The viewing blind is 575 feet from the parking area.

From the Henry Clay Boulevard Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Viewing platform

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

Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh is easily reachable from NY Route 491 via Henry Clay Boulevard from Route 11 via Bear Road, and from Wetzel Road for the west and southwest portions of the area. The 7 1/2 minute topographic map covering the area is Brewerton.

To reach the observation deck from Route 481, take Exit 12 and proceed east on Route 31. Turn right onto Henry Clay Boulevard. Follow toward the south. The observation deck is located on the left, just over the highway.

To reach the hunting blind, continue south 1.5 miles on Henry Clay Blvd. Turn left onto Wetzel Road, then left onto Old Wetzel Road. The parking area is on the left. The hunting blind can also be reached from I-81. Off the Mattydale exit, proceed to the left turn on Bailey Road. Turn right at Buckley Road, proceed right on Wetzel Road, then turn right on Old Wetzel Road.

• Henry Clay Boulevard (43.1568985°N, 76.1931°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Old Wetzel Road (43.1497002°N, 76.1744995°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Bear Road (43.1416016°N, 76.1520004°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Davis Road (43.1473999°N, 76.1362°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Henry Clay Boulevard (43.1693001°N, 76.1961975°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Special note should be made that the Conrail Railroad is private property and not part of the wildlife management area.

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 Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh 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 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 Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Stanley J. Hamlin Marsh 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.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• Onondaga County Tourism Office 

State Lands and Facilities

• Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area
• Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area

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.