Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area
Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area encompasses 113 acres along the Tom Clark Road in the Town of Crown Point, Essex County. It was purchased in 1967 from Jeannette H. Clark with monies from the Park and Recreation Land Acquisition Bond Act of 1960.
The only overland route of entrance to this public property is a thirty foot right-of-way leading south from the Tom Clark Road. However, there are no signs indicating where the entry route to the management area is. Look for the right-off-way between two yellow painted iron pipes off the Tom Clark road, as shown on the map. The DEC is currently negotiating a land swap for better access with a local landowner. Parking is limited to along the road.
Map of Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area
Habitat
The northern end of the parcel is successional Northern hardwood forest with red oak, sugar maple, red maple, aspen and white pine being the primary species. A commercial orchard borders the north end of the property providing an excellent fall food source of apples for grouse, whitetail deer and a variety of songbirds.
Highlighting the southern portion of the parcel is the main channel stream, Putnam Creek, and an exceptional example of a deep emergent marsh. Wood duck boxes sprinkle the marsh to provide waterfowl nesting opportunities.
Along the stream bank is a flood plain forest of silver maple, cottonwood and green ash. Adjoining that are sections of shrub swamp.
Wildlife
Look for these species: raccoons, blue-gray gnatcatcher, catbird, eastern wood pewee, least flycatcher, northern oriole, red-eyed vireo, veery, warbling vireo, and yellow warbler.
Recreational Opportunities
Access to the stream and marsh is readily available by boat from Lake Champlain. Fish here for northern pike, bass, panfish and bullheads.
A marked trail from the right-of-way will take you to your choice of three scenic observation points. Each overlooks the marsh from different locations. Watch for these species: muskrat, mink, beaver, alder flycatcher, red-winged blackbird, swamp sparrow, virginia rail, wood duck, mallard and the rare least bittern.
These moderate, level footpaths are used for recreation, such as hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and education. The trails help direct visitors to various points of interest located throughout the site, including scenic vistas and unique ecological communities, offering individuals an opportunity to learn more about nature and examine the relationship between habitat and wildlife. Thus, Putts Creek offers a chance for visitors with widely diverse interests, from sportsmen to wildlife researcher, to pursue their favorite outdoor activity.
Hunting, fishing and trapping are integral parts of the conservation and management of New York's natural resources and the various wildlife management areas across the state are no exception. Waterfowl entice hunters to Putts Creek while beavers and muskrats attract the interest of trappers.
Hunting, fishing, trapping and other forms of wildlife-based recreation are permitted in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Law and its associated regulations. Please check the annual syllabus for appropriate regulations and season dates which apply to this wildlife management area.
Rules For Use
Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area is open to the public throughout the year. Hunting, fishing and trapping are allowed in season on the entire area in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Law and regulations.
Boundaries are clearly marked and any special regulations are conspicuously posted at all access points.
The following actions are prohibited: swimming, overnight camping, fires, the use of all motorized vehicles, and the use of motorized water conveyances.
For more information concerning Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area please contact the Region 5 Bureau of Wildlife at (518) 897-1291.
Please Observe Good Outdoor Manners:
If You Carry It In, Carry It Out
