The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host a virtual public information session to provide information and answer questions about the recently completed habitat management plan for Erwin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the town of Erwin, Steuben County.  

“DEC is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitats on Erwin Wildlife Management Area to benefit declining wildlife species and popular game animals,” said DEC Acting Region 8 Director Tim Walsh. “We look forward to engaging with the public about this habitat management plan and continuing to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation.”

The session is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 28, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature an hour-long presentation about the WMA’s history, habitat goals, and planned management actions, followed by a question-and-answer period. This presentation will be recorded and made available to the public after the session. To register for the event, visit DEC’s website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24434.html.  

Erwin WMA consists of 2,507 acres that are mostly forested. Timber harvests are a critical tool to improve wildlife habitat and forest health on the WMA and approximately 11 percent of the forest is currently young, established after timber harvests in 2011. This young forest provides important habitat to numerous wildlife species currently experiencing population declines. Additional timber harvests are planned over the next 10 years in order to perpetuate the young forest component, regenerate declining oak and aspen stands, and thin overcrowded stands. Approximately 10 acres of shrubland will also be created. Grassland and wetland are minor components of the WMA but add valuable habitat diversity and will be maintained. Controlling and reducing the extent of non-native invasive plant and insect species is also an important goal.