Plantation Island
Wildlife Management Area Overview
Plantation Island is approximately 300 acres of Mohawk River floodplain in the Town of German Flats, southeast of the village of Herkimer, in Herkimer County. The Mohawk River is the north perimeter of the island, with the NYS Barge Canal defining the south border. It is located east of Mohawk, along state Route 5S, in Herkimer County. Travel 3.75 miles on 5S and take a left turn onto Lock Road. Access is across lock gates at end of road.
Historically Plantation Island was used for agriculture and canal maintenance. Agriculture activity has long ceased but portions of the island are still managed by Thruway Authority for Barge Canal management and upkeep.
Access to the island is limited with only one dry access across the locks at the Barge Canal Lock 18. The island may also be accessed by boat from either the Barge Canal or the Mohawk River.
The island is a mixture of wetlands (open marsh, wet meadow, and small shallow wetland pools), old pasture and meadow, and floodplain forest. Due to previous significant disturbance, the island has large stands of invasive plant species such as honey-suckle, buckthorn, purple loosestrife, and Phragmites.
Since access is limited, the island has little infrastructure. Currently, the towpath along the canal has been cleared by members of the Herkimer County Conservation Alliance through an adopt a natural resource agreement, with plans for additional trails marked through the area. The management plan for the area was written in the 1980's shortly after the island was purchased by DEC and will be updated in the future.
What to do at Plantation Island WMA
The island is used for big game hunting and limited small game hunting. Fishing opportunities exist in both the Mohawk River and the Barge Canal. The area is available for nature observation and bird watching year round.
Restricted Activities
General restrictions for WMA's can be found in Title 6. NYCRR. Part 51. Section 51.1 through 51.6.
For more information, contact:
Regional Wildlife Manager, Region 6
NYS Dept. Of Environmental Conservation
317 Washington St.
Watertown, NY 13601
(315)785-2261
| Available | Not Available |
|---|---|
| Upland | Nature Trails* |
| Wetland | Accessible features for people with disabilities |
| Hiking Trails* | Boat Access |
| Birdwatching | Viewing Tower |
| X-Country Skiing | Scenic Vistas |
| Snowshoeing | Picnic Areas |
| Trapping | Restrooms |
| Hunting | Camping |
| Fishing | Parking Lot |
| Endangered Species | |
| Unusual Plants |
* 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.
