DEC and Ducks Unlimited have recently completed a major dam rehabilitation project at Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area. Throughout the spring and summer of 2024 DEC released public notices to alert hunters that the renowned waterfowl hunting area would be limited for access during the water draw-down and rehabilitation project.
DEC says the draw-down “was necessary to protect specific wildlife species and create safe access for workers.” A new water control structure allows for better water level management of 2,413 acres to benefit migratory waterfowl, marsh birds, small mammals, and a host of many other wildlife species.
DEC purchased the parcels that make up Upper and Lower Lakes WMA between 1963 and 2006 with funds from the Conservation Fund the Park and the Recreation Land Acquisition Bond Act. The Area contains 8,727 acres and is in the towns of Canton and DeKalb in St. Lawrence County.
The Area is known for migratory waterfowl hunting, which draws hundreds of sportsmen and women each year. Roughly half of this WMA is made up of a large wetland complex and is among the most extensive in St. Lawrence County.
It provides important habitat for marsh birds, waterfowl, and aquatic furbearers and is located on an important waterfowl migration route between eastern Canada and the Atlantic Coast.
Photo of new water control structure at Upper and Lower Lakes WMA by Joe Lydon, provided by DEC.
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