The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a special opportunity for public use of Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in St. Lawrence County from Aug. 15-30.

Portions of these WMAs are normally marked as "refuge" or "wetlands restricted areas" to allow waterfowl and other listed species to breed and raise young without interference from people.

During the 16-day period, Upper and Lower Lakes and Wilson Hill WMAs in St. Lawrence County, including the posted Wetland Restricted and Refuge areas, will be open to visitors each day from sunrise to sunset.

Upper and Lower Lakes WMA is located about two miles west of the village of Canton along State Route 68 in St. Lawrence County. This WMA, the largest in the region, is an 8,757-acre upland/wetland complex between the Grasse and Oswegatchie rivers.

Wilson Hill WMA is in northern St. Lawrence County, approximately six miles west of the village of Massena off State Route 37. Situated along the St. Lawrence River, the 4,000-acre area consists of several large pools of open water marsh bordered by a combination of dense cattails, brushy wetlands, forest, and upland meadow. Fishing is not allowed in Nichols Pool.

DEC will be conducting habitat and wildlife management projects on the WMAs throughout the 16-day period. Avoid operating machinery and pay attention to temporary signage. For additional information, bird lists, and maps, contact DEC's Regional Wildlife Office at 315-785-2263 or visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8282.html.