Article Library
Monday, August 23, 2004
DEC Waives Hunting Permit For Upper and Lower Lakes WMA
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
today announced that permits, once required by DEC's regional office,
will no longer be required for hunting in the Upper and Lower Lakes
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in St. Lawrence County. The portion of
the area posted "Wetlands Restricted Area" will now be accessible for
hunting, boating or other recreational uses through May 31, 2005 without
a permit.
DEC Regional Director Sandra L. LeBarron said, "Waiving the Upper and
Lower Lakes WMA hunting permit requirement is part of DEC's Statewide
program to increase public access to Wildlife Management Areas. Through
this new program we hope to increase public recreational and hunting
opportunities by allowing visitors more freedom to enjoy this beautiful
and lush wildlife area while still assuring the protection of the area's
rare and endangered species."
Prior to today's announced hunting permit waiver, DEC issued
hunting permits in conjunction with area specific hunting regulations.
A special permit was required to hunt the hundreds of acres of "Wetlands
Restricted Areas" that make up a large portion on the Uppper and Lower
Lakes WMA. Today, following extensive research of the WMA and its rare
avian species' breeding and brooding seasons and increasing public
demand for more access to the WMA's resources, DEC made the decision to
waive the special permit for the area. Upper and Lower Lakes WMA will
continue to be a controlled hunt area with special opening and early
closing hunting hours, maintenance of an off-limits refuge zone and
management tools to control and enhance the quality of the area's
waterfowl hunting.
The posted "Wetlands Restricted Area" portions of Upper and
Lower Lakes WMA will continue to be closed to the public from June 1
through August 15 each year, to minimize disturbance to waterfowl during
their nesting season. Upper and Lower Lakes avian species include a
number of New York State s endangered, threatened, and rare species like
bald eagles, black terns, and northern harriers (marsh hawk), among
others.
Note that all hunters are still required to be properly licensed
to hunt in New York State. Waterfowl hunters will also need the federal
duck stamp and Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration for
waterfowl hunting. Hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for
2004-2005 are now available for purchase. Licenses and permits can be
purchased at one of DEC's 1,600 license sales outlets statewide. They
can also be ordered by phone at 1-866-472-4332 or during the 2004 New
York State Fair in Syracuse. All sporting licenses are valid beginning
October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005. Permits are still required
for trapping and camping at the Upper and Lower Lake WMA and all other
regulations still apply.
The Upper & Lower Lakes WMA is located about two miles west of the
Village of Canton along state Route 68 in St. Lawrence County. This
WMA, the largest in the Region, is an 8,770-acre upland/wetland complex
between the Grasse and Oswegatchie rivers.
For additional information, a map or area regulations guide
contact DEC s Regional Wildlife Office at 315-785-2261. Go to
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/regs/part54.htm for more
information on hunting regulations specific to the Upper and Lower Lakes
WMA.
