New York State Wildlife Management Areas
New York State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are conservation areas managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) primarily for the benefit of wildlife, and used extensively by the public for hunting, fishing, and trapping. As of 2016, the NYSDEC owns and maintains 113 WMAs, with a total area of approximately 197,000 acres. The Wildlife Management Areas program is administered by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources of the NYSDEC.
Stream and forest at Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area in Oswego County, New York.
View of Lakeview Pond within Lakeview Wildlife Management Area
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is a department of New York state government. The department guides and regulates the conservation, improvement, and protection of New York's natural resources; manages Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill parks, state forest lands, and wildlife management areas; regulates sport fishing, hunting and trapping; and enforces the state's environmental laws and regulations. Its regulations are compiled in Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations. It was founded in 1970, replacing the Conservation Department, and is headed by Basil Seggos.
DEC Headquarters in Albany
DEC's Headquarters in Albany
DEC sign marking state-land boundary.
NYS DEC Spill Response vehicle at South Beach, Staten Island after Hurricane Sandy