Clay Pond Wildlife Management Area
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Size: 182 acres
Clay Pond WMA is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the village of Falconer in Chautauqua County.
Day Use Activities and Recreational Opportunities
Clay Pond WMA in early spring.
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Trapping
- Wildlife Observation
A few activities are prohibited: off road vehicular travel (i.e. cars, trucks, snowmobiles, motorcycles and all terrain vehicles), swimming, boating with motors and camping.
Watchable Wildlife
Users of the area are likely to encounter a variety of wildlife species. The more common species are beaver, muskrat, mink, raccoon, mallards, wood ducks, black ducks, Canadian geese, deer, ruffed grouse, woodcock, herons and bitterns and a variety of song birds.
History
The area was purchased in 1989 by the DEC with funds from the 1986 Environmental Quality Bond Act. The area consists of nearly 140 acres of shrub swamp, emergent marsh and wetland open water and approximately 25 acres of brush and grassland.
The area was acquired to ensure the permanent preservation of this diverse natural wetland.
Management
Current development and management objectives for the area are to provide habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species and to permit compatible wildlife related recreational use. A shallow water impoundment was created to attract waterfowl. An annual system of grassland mowing is done to keep open fields from reverting to brush and trees. These activities are carried out with monies derived mainly from hunting license fees and federal taxes on sporting arms and ammunition.
For more information, call or write to:
NYS DEC
Region 9 Wildlife Manager
182 East Union Street, Suite 3
Allegany, NY 14706
716-372-0645
Directions
From Interstate 86: Take Falconer Exit to Route 394 and head south on county Route 55.
