Printer-friendlyFrench Creek
Wildlife Management Area
Overview
An area of varied habitat, this 2300-acre WMA is located southwest of Clayton in Jefferson County. Access is best gained four miles from the village on the French Creek Road (off Crystal Springs Road, Co Rt 4). The Deferno, House, and Grant roads provide access to the south. French Creek and Bevins roads crosses the southern section with a small fishing parking lot at bridge on Bevins road. Small game and song birds are found here in the open meadows and hardwood uplands. Oak and Hickory trees provide mast for wildlife. Waterfowl and furbearers find suitable homes as well in the cattail marsh which borders the open water of French Creek. Both small rowboats and canoes can be used in the broad channel of the creek. Unpaved roads within the WMA provide good access, but foot travel is the primary means of movement through the area. French Creek is open to use under the general state wildlife management area regulations.
The 1000 island snowmobile trail winds through the WMA providing a scenic view of the winter landscape.
Restricted Activities
General restrictions on WMA's can be found in the Title 6, NYCRR, Part 51, Section 51.1 through 51.6. The use of all terrain vehicles is prohibited on the WMA by posted notice. Camping is allowed by permit only from the Wildlife Manager.
For more information, contact:
Regional Wildlife Manager, Region 6
N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Conservation
317 Washington St.
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-2261
| Upland | Yes |
|---|---|
| Wetland | Yes |
| Hiking Trails* | No |
| Nature Trails* | No |
| Accessible features for people with disabilities | No |
| Boat Access | Yes |
| Parking Lot | Yes |
| Viewing Tower | No |
| Scenic Vistas | No |
| Picnic Areas | No |
| 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. In addition to allowing hiking, a nature trail usually has printed information along the trail and often has a printed brochure available.
