LOUISVILLE -- A $1 million project is underway to build a new trail at the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

The trail will be about one mile of the larger trail network that will be handicap accessible. The trail will feature scenic overlooks and viewing platforms, including a unique, accessible blind. This blind shields visitors from the sight of sensitive wildlife and can be used for both wildlife observation and also waterfowl hunting during the appropriate hunting seasons.

The WMA is an open water wetland adjacent to the St. Lawrence River located approximately 6 miles west of the village of Massena. This 4,300-acre area consists of several large, open water pools of approximately 2,000 acres bordered by cattail, shrub swamp, forest and meadows, and protects critical wildlife and fisheries habitat along the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River. The new trail also provide scenic views of the Nichols Hill Pool, which is an important wetland managed by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) that provides spawning and breeding habitat for both fish and wildlife. DEC will provide long-term monitoring and management of the trail, Cuomo said.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) provided nearly $1 million for the design and construction of the trail. The funds are part of the St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project relicensing settlement agreements. The trail is scheduled to open in October, Cuomo said.

"With so many people traveling to the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands region every year to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, we want to ensure that these visitors experience the most attractive and most accessible destinations as possible,” said Sen. Joe Griffo, R-Rome.

"With its endless opportunities for boating, fishing and other outdoor activities, the Thousand Islands region is truly a gem of the area I represent,” said Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

“I’m ecstatic about the investment in our community for our residents and because it will further enhance our tourism economy. We know the return on these targeted investments is significant,” said Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa.