New York Department of Environmental Conservation News Release
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the completion of wetland habitat enhancements at Perch River Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson County. The announcement marked the completion of a three-year construction project to install water control structures and other critical habitat improvements that will benefit the migratory and resident wildlife and the recreational opportunities they help support.
“Critical improvements like those announced today at Perch River Wildlife Management Area are helping provide quality habitat for wildlife reproduction and survival, as well as new opportunities for wildlife-related recreation that bolsters local economies,” said Commissioner Seggos. “New York State is fortunate to have Perch River WMA and the hunting, trapping, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities it provides and we thank our partners at the State Office of General Services, local partners in Jefferson County, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for helping us improve this significant resource.”
Perch River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is 7,932 acres of wetland and open water habitats located in the towns of Brownville, Orleans, and Pamelia, renowned for excellent waterfowl hunting. The WMA is a designated Bird Conservation Area that supports a variety of waterfowl species, as well as several species of rare wetland- and grassland-dependent birds. The area is also well known for its furbearer populations and supports deer, upland small game, and a variety of unique non-game species.
“Through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration grant program, we are pleased to support the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s effort to restore critical waterfowl habitat and provide opportunities for hunting and other wildlife-oriented recreation at the Perch River Wildlife Management Area,” said Colleen Sculley, Chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. “These grant funds come from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment that have sustained a nearly 90-year state/federal/industry partnership to fund conservation and provide public access to wildlife in the United States.”
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