The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released a draft Access and Public Use Plan for the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area and is inviting public comment through February 5.
Lakeview WMA covers 3,461 acres along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario and is part of the state’s largest natural freshwater barrier beach system. The area includes a mix of open fields, shrublands, forests, wetlands, and a natural barrier beach. While the site is open to the public year-round, certain restrictions apply to protect sensitive habitats, particularly along the barrier beach.
The property was designated a Natural Heritage Area in 2007 as part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Barrier Beach and Wetland Complex. It is also recognized by the state as a significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat and is included in the Eastern Lake Ontario Marshes Bird Conservation Area. The area is commonly used for activities such as waterfowl hunting, trapping, fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Access and Public Use Plans are designed to guide how the public uses state wildlife lands and how access and facilities are managed. The new draft plan works alongside the existing Habitat Management Plan for Lakeview WMA and focuses on recreation opportunities, access features, and maintenance needs. Together, the two plans guide management of the area for a 10-year period, after which they will be reviewed and updated as needed.
Members of the public can submit comments on the draft plan for 30 days, through February 5, 2026. Comments may be mailed to the NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Region 6, at 317 Washington Street, 7th Floor, Watertown, NY 13601, or emailed to [email protected] with “Lakeview WMA draft APUP” in the subject line.
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