DEC to present finalized habitat management plans for Three Jefferson County wildlife management areas

WATERTOWN, NY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is holding a public information session on Habitat Management Plans (HMPs) for three Jefferson County Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) from6 – 8 p.m., on Tuesday, March 19, at the Dulles State Office Building, Watertown. The HMPs cover the Lakeview, Black Pond, and Honeyville WMAs.

“The goal of the HMPs is to guide habitat management in these areas to benefit wildlife and facilitate wildlife-dependent recreation,” said Randall Young, Acting Regional Director. “I encourage people to attend this information session to learn more about the plan we’ve put together and the opportunities it will provide to them and future generations for years to come.”

Lakeview HMP:  Goals include managing a percentage of the forested landscape as young forest and managing shrublands to provide breeding and foraging habitat for American Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, migrant songbirds, and other species of greatest conservation need. In addition, protecting Lake Ontario beaches and dunes are a special management goal for this WMA. More at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9328.html.

Black Pond HMP: Goals include managing a percentage of the forested landscape as young forest for American Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse, and wintering white-tailed deer habitat along with multiple other wildlife species. Additional goals include managing agricultural lands and grasslands to provide forage for many wildlife species, as well as protecting the Lake Ontario beaches and dunes. More at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46385.html.

Honeyville HMP:  Goals include managing a percentage of the forested landscape as young forest to promote habitat for a suite of species including Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, and American Woodcock. Old field and early successional habitat will be managed to help provide diversity within the WMA. More at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/49634.html.

DEC personnel will present on the HMPs and answer questions about the finalized plans.

WHAT: HMP Public information session

WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, 2019

TIME: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Dulles State Office Building first floor conference room, 317 Washington Street, Watertown, NY  13601. Contact DEC at 315-785-2263 orinformation.R6@dec.ny.gov.