Temporary Restricted Access to Portions of the Wildlife Management Area

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton the National Audubon Society, and Ducks Unlimited (DU) today announced the start of construction on a 50-acre wetland enhancement project in the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The project in the town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County will improve spawning and nursery habitat for fish such as northern pike, as well as new breeding habitat for waterfowl and declining bird species like Sora and the State-endangered Black Tern. Additionally, the work will enhance recreational opportunities in the WMA, including waterfowl hunting, bird watching, fishing, and kayaking. 

"Through strategic channeling and habitat restoration at Lakeview Wildlife Management Area, DEC, Audubon, and Ducks Unlimited are restoring natural hydrology, improving spawning habitats for fish, and creating diverse breeding areas for marsh birds and waterfowl,” said Commissioner Lefton. "This work demonstrates how restoring ecosystems can expand opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors, and connects to Governor Hochul's 'Get Offline, Get Outside" campaign designed to improve mental and physical health by encouraging New Yorkers to step away from their screens in favor of outside activities." 

The 3,461-acre WMA along the eastern shoreline of Lake Ontario is part of the largest natural freshwater barrier beach system in New York State. The area's diverse habitat includes open fields, shrub lands, woodlands, wetlands, and a natural barrier beach. Lakeview WMA is open to the public year-round, but public use restrictions apply to the sensitive barrier beach system. 

DEC partnered with National Audubon Society and DU to enhance a wetland using “channeling and potholing.” This technique improves hydrology, depth heterogeneity, interspersion of open water, and habitat connectivity to benefit spawning northern pike and other fish, as well as breeding habitat for migrating marsh birds and waterfowl in Lakeview WMA. The strategic channeling and potholing restores natural water movement and hydraulic connectivity within the marsh by using large equipment to break up dense, monoculture cattail stands and create a more diverse mix of open water and emergent vegetation. 

Andy Hinickle, Senior Manager of Wetland Conservation for Audubon Great Lakes, said, "Audubon is proud to once again partner with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Ducks Unlimited to enhance critical breeding and migratory habitat at Lakeview Wildlife Management Area. Together, we are restoring the health and resilience of this dynamic marsh—ensuring it continues to support birds, fish, and wildlife that depend on these ecosystems. With support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this next phase builds on our earlier work with more refined, science-driven habitat improvements. By creating gradual depth transitions from cattail mats to open water, we are mimicking natural marsh conditions—resulting in more diverse vegetation, improved foraging habitat for secretive marsh birds, waterfowl, and wading birds, and better access for turtles and amphibians. This is what effective, collaborative conservation looks like—delivering real, lasting benefits for wildlife and the health of the Great Lakes." 

Matthew Wagner, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist for New York and Vermont, said, "We're excited to continue progress at Lakeview Wildlife Management Area since our last enhancement project in 2024. The work Ducks Unlimited and our partners have completed at Lakeview WMA, will enhance nesting, breeding, and foraging areas for waterfowl and wetland-dependent species. We look forward to continuing relationships with conservation partners to address quality habitat in these critical migration areas." 

Signage has been posted at locations that will be affected during project activity to alert those recreating within the WMA of areas of restricted access. When equipment is present, the immediate areas under construction will be temporarily closed to visitors. Construction is anticipated to be completed in early 2026, weather permitting.

Funding for the project is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.