New York State Expands Owasco Flats Wildlife Management Area

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the addition of 92 acres to the Owasco Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Moravia, Cayuga County. The acquisition more than doubles the size of the WMA and increases opportunities for public recreation and conservation efforts.

The expansion was made possible through a donation from The Nature Conservancy, which had originally acquired the land from the Dale C. Parmley Trust. The additional acreage includes wetlands, floodplain buffers, open fields, and forested areas, contributing to wildlife habitat preservation and water quality improvements for Owasco Lake.

Owasco Flats WMA, which lies within a major migratory bird corridor, supports a variety of species, including ducks, geese, bald eagles, songbirds, and wetland-dependent animals such as muskrats, mink, and beavers. The new parcel also provides public access to 5,000 feet of the Owasco Inlet shoreline, enhancing fishing opportunities for species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Since acquiring the land in 2019, The Nature Conservancy has taken steps to restore the habitat, including planting 2,000 trees along the riverbank and uplands to prevent erosion and protect water quality. Future plans include additional wetland restoration efforts. Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) has been awarded more than $252,000 from the state’s Water Quality Improvement Project program to create and restore shallow floodplain wetlands in the area. These efforts aim to improve waterfowl habitat and mitigate flood impacts while supporting water quality in Owasco Lake and its tributaries.

Owasco Lake, the primary drinking water source for more than 40,000 people, plays a critical role in regional water quality management. The acquisition aligns with the Owasco Lake Nine Element Plan, which seeks to improve hydrologic resilience and maintain water quality goals through conservation initiatives.

Governor Kathy Hochul has emphasized the importance of land conservation in her 2025 State of the State agenda, advocating for streamlined land acquisition processes and increased funding for open space protection. These efforts aim to enhance public access to natural areas and support environmental conservation for future generations.