Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (607) 753-3095; R7Wildlife@dec.ny.gov
- Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
- Location: Town of Cicero, Onondaga County; Town of Sullivan, Madison County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7F
- Map: Cicero Swamp WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The primary purposes of Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA dominates the northeastern portion of Onondaga County. It is low and wet, with upland islands scattered throughout its 4,991 acres. Most of the wetland complex is dominated by sphagnum moss and rich soils supporting black spruce, tamarack, stunted white pine, and leatherleaf ferns.
Featured Activities
Hunting and Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping include how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.
White-tailed deer, waterfowl, and variety of small game species offer ample hunting opportunities. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons and trapping seasons).
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules, and regulations.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Its unique habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including populations of endangered species such as the short eared owl. Use both the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.
Directions
Cicero Swamp is easily accessed by using Route 298 on the east, Route 31 all across the north, and Taft Road from the south. Island Road, off of Northern Boulevard, provides excellent entry from the west.
All Google links leave DEC website.
- Island Road (43.15266°N, 76.05947°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
- Route 298 (43.13695°N, 75.983864°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
- Eastwood Road (43.156351°N, 76.015453°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
Waterfowl impoundment on Cicero Swamp WMA
All users of Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Activity, Rules & Regulations
- Hunting Regulations
- Trapping Regulations
- Fishing Regulations
- Public Use of Wildlife Management Areas (PDF) - regulations updated in 2022
The following activities are not permitted at Cicero Swamp WMA:
- Using motorized vehicles, including:
- all-terrain vehicles
- snowmobiles
- motorboats
- Swimming or bathing
- Camping
- Using metal detectors, searching for or removing historic or cultural artifacts without a permit
- Damaging or removing gates, fences, signs, or other property
- Overnight storage of boats
- Cutting, removing, or damaging living vegetation
- Construction of permanent blinds or other structures such as tree stands
- Littering
- Storage of personal property
Outdoor Safety Tips:
NOTE: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health (leaves DEC website).
How We Manage Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Cicero Swamp is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and photography). Funding to maintain and manage this site is provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration or "Pittman-Robertson" Act, which is acquired through excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment.
Current objectives for the area are to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species and to permit wildlife-related recreational uses compatible with wildlife. One management technique currently used on site includes mowing and/or burning of some upland fields to maintain important open habitat.
View the Habitat Management Plan for Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in August 2016, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA. An overview of the Cicero Swamp WMA plan (PDF) was presented at a public meeting in September 2016.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.
- Onondaga County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website)
State Lands and Facilities
Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails, and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.
Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions, and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories, or search the internet for listings.
Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
