Traditionally restricted wildlife management areas in Massena and Canton will be open to the public from Aug. 13 to Aug. 28.

During the 16-day period, Upper and Lower Lakes and Wilson Hill WMAs in St. Lawrence County, including their wetland restricted and refuge areas, will be open to visitors each day from sunrise to sunset, except for the Perch Lake proper, which opens at noon.

“The restricted wetland areas, and refuge are used by a number of New York State’s endangered, threatened and rare species including bald eagles, black terns and northern harriers (marsh hawks), among others, “ said Judy Drabicki, Region 6 Director.

“By late August, the nesting and brooding season is mostly complete and the fall migration period has not yet begun, enabling DEC to allow public access.

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.

Wilson Hill WMA is located in northern St. Lawrence County, approximately six miles west of the village of Massena off state Route 37. Situated along the St. Lawrence River, the 4,000-acre area consists of several large pools of open water marsh, bordered by a combination of dense cattails, brushy wetlands, forest and upland meadow.

Fishing is not allowed in Nichols Pool.

DEC will be conducting habitat and wildlife management projects on the WMA's throughout the Open House period. Please avoid any operating machinery and pay attention to any temporary signage.

For additional information, bird lists and maps, contact DECs Regional Wildlife Office at 785-2263 or visit the DEC web page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8282.html.