Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round, but DEC closes the parcel east of Fitzpatrick Lane each year from December 1 to April 15 to protect wintering raptors.
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (518) 897-1291; [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 Fort Edward, Washington County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 5T
• Map: Washington County Grasslands WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA encompasses 478 acres of former agricultural lands. The land for this area was purchased from numerous private individuals in 2012, 2013, and 2018. DEC continues to purchase additional lands and provide the necessary infrastructure for public use.

Accessible Features

From the Black House Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Viewing platform

The bird viewing platform is approximately 500 feet from the parking area.

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

The parking area to access the Washington County Grasslands is located on Black House Road in the town of Fort Edward at (43.245806°N, 73.559500°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 Washington County Grasslands WMA 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.

Boundaries and parking areas are clearly marked and any special regulations are conspicuously posted at access points.

Activity Rules and Regulations

• Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) - updated in 2022
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Access and activities on this property may sometimes be restricted to protect at-risk species during critical phases of their life cycles. Please look for and respect "restricted area" signs.

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 Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Washington County Grasslands 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.

The primary objective is to provide nesting, feeding, and wintering habitat to a variety of bird species, including at-risk species. The WMA is also managed to research birds. An informational kiosk at the parking area provides visitors with information on the many species of rare birds found at Washington County Grasslands WMA.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• Grassland Bird Trust
• Adirondack Regional Tourism Council 

State Lands and Facilities

• Carters Pond Wildlife Management Area
• Battenkill State Forest
• Eldridge Swamp State Forest
• Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park
• East Bay 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.