Northern Montezuma
Wildlife Management Area
History and Features:
The Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area (NMWMA) is located in southeastern Wayne County and northwestern Cayuga County, near the towns of Savannah and Port Byron. It is located approximately mid-way between Rochester and Syracuse just north of the NYS Thruway. Two 7-1/2 minute topographic maps (Montezuma and Savannah) cover the area. This area is part of the nearly 36,000 acre Montezuma Wetlands Complex, which includes the federally-owned Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, state owned Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area (including the former Howlands Island WMA), land owned by conservation groups, and private property.
The wildlife habitat restoration project has been ongoing since 1991. Approximately 6,300 acres of public land is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). These lands are divided into several units. Other public lands in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex are managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Different rules and regulations regarding public access to USFWS lands apply. Contact the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge at 3395 Routes 5&20 East, Seneca Falls, New York 13148, (315)568-5987 for information about federally owned areas.
Emergent marshes and impoundments, forested wetlands, old fields, meadows, farm fields and woodlands provide a diversity of habitats and wildlife. Resident wildlife and fall migrations of shore birds, raptors, waterfowl and songbirds offer opportunities for many kinds of wildlife recreational activities.
Public hunting, trapping and fishing are encouraged in accordance with State Fish and Wildlife Laws and Regulations. Hiking biking and canoeing are allowed. Prohibited activities include motorized vehicles beyond barrier gates, use of off-road vehicles, motorized boating, overnight mooring of boats, swimming, camping, removal or destruction of vegetation, and littering.
Please note: Many of these areas have been newly acquired for public use and therefore boundaries are not well posted. Please respect private properties adjacent to these areas.
Accessible Features: a woodland wildlife trail and observation platform overlooking wetlands.
Full listing of DECs Accessible Recreation Destinations.
For more information contact:
The Northern Montezuma Wetlands Project Office
1385 Morgan Road, Savannah, New York 13146
Phone: (315) 365-2134 Fax: (315) 365-3056
NYSDEC Regional Wildlife Manager, Region 7
1285 Fisher Avenue, Cortland, New York 13045
Phone: (315) 388-8244 Fax: (315) 365-3056
| Activity | Availibility |
|---|---|
| Upland | Yes |
| Wetland | Yes |
| Hiking Trails* | Yes |
| Nature Trails* | Yes |
| Boat Access | Yes |
| Parking Lot | Yes |
| Viewing Tower | No |
| Scenic Vistas | Yes |
| Picnic Areas | Yes |
| Restrooms | No |
| Birdwatching | Yes |
| Camping | No |
| X-Country Skiing | Yes |
| Snowshoeing | Yes |
| Hunting | Yes |
| Fishing | Yes |
| Trapping | Yes |
| Endangered Species | Yes |
| Unusual Plants | Yes |
* A nature trail can be used as a hiking trail, a hiking trail differs from a nature trails in that a nature trail usually has printed information along the trails and often has a brochure
