The session will take place on Tuesday, January 22, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Oswego County Federal Credit Union, 5828 Scenic Ave., Mexico. DEC staff will be available to answer questions from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation.

"Habitat management plans for our Wildlife Management Areas guide our science-based conservation efforts to benefit wildlife and facilitate wildlife-dependent recreation," said DEC Region 7 Director Matt Marko.  

Active habitat management to benefit wildlife populations is fundamental to wildlife management and has been a critical component of New York's efforts for decades. Habitat management plans are being developed for all WMAs.

These plans guide land use for a 10-year period, after which DEC will assess progress and modify the plans as needed.

DEC launched the Young Forest Initiative in 2015. Goals of DEC's Young Forest Initiative include establishing a minimum of 10 percent of the forested acreage on WMAs as young forest over the next 10 years and maintaining young forest habitat on WMAs. An important part of the forest landscape, young forests have declined over the past 50 years along with the wildlife that depend on this type of habitat. While DEC has been managing forests on WMAs to improve wildlife habitat for many years, the agency is increasing its efforts and raising awareness about this type of habitat management.

In addition to aspects of the Young Forest Initiative, the habitat management plan incorporates recommendations from various sources, including unit management plans, existing WMA habitat management guidelines, best management practices, the New York Natural Heritage Program's WMA biodiversity inventory reports, and bird conservation area guidelines.

DEC will continue active management on Deer Creek Marsh WMA to benefit wildlife abundance and diversity, promote best management practices for targeted wildlife and habitats, and provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation, such as hunting and bird watching.

The meeting will include a presentation about Deer Creek Marsh WMA, with specific activities and locations for the management actions planned for the WMA, a brief overview of the Young Forest Initiative, and a question and answer period. Please contact Adam Perry at 607-753-3095 ext. 240 with any specific requests for accommodations.

The habitat management plan for Deer Creek Marsh WMA can be found on DEC's website.