Traditionally restricted wildlife management areas in Massena and Canton will be open to the public from Aug. 12 to Aug. 27.

During the 16-day period, Upper and Lower Lakes and Wilson Hill WMAs in St. Lawrence County, including their wetland restricted and refuge areas, will be open to visitors each day from sunrise to sunset.

Portions of these WMAs are marked as "Refuge" or "Wetlands Restricted Area" to allow waterfowl and other listed species to breed and raise young without interference from people.

Upper & 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 8,770 acre upland/wetland complex between the Grasse and Oswegatchie rivers.

Wilson Hill WMA is located 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 any 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 the DEC web page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8282.html.