Wildlife Management Area

Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area

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Map of Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 7F

General information on hunting 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).

Wildlife Management Unit: 7F

General information on trapping include how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view trapping seasons).

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

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 coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area must follow all Wildlife Management Area Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Activity, Rules & Regulations

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.

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 and Other Information

Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

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 for information on outdoor guides.

Important Links

NYS Department of Health
Leave No Trace
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Region 7 - Central New York
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