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Ducks Unlimited (DU), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the National Audubon Society recently completed construction on a 50-acre wetland enhancement project in the Lakeview Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

The project in Ellisburg, New York, will improve spawning and nursery habitat for fish and create new breeding habitat for waterfowl, birds and the state-endangered Black Tern. The restoration work will also enhance recreational opportunities in the WMA, including waterfowl hunting, birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking.

"We're excited to continue progress at Lakeview WMA since our last enhancement project in 2024,” said DU Regional Biologist Matthew Wagner. “The work Ducks Unlimited and our partners do at Lakeview WMA enhances nesting, breeding and foraging areas for waterfowl and wetland-dependent species. We look forward to continuing relationships with conservation partners to address quality habitat in these critical migration areas."

The 3,461-acre WMA along the eastern shoreline of Lake Ontario is part of the largest natural freshwater barrier beach system in New York State. The area's diverse habitat includes open fields, shrub lands, woodlands, wetlands and a natural barrier beach. Lakeview WMA is open to the public year-round, but public use restrictions apply to the sensitive barrier beach system.

"Through strategic channeling and habitat restoration at Lakeview WMA, DEC, Audubon, and Ducks Unlimited are restoring natural hydrology, improving spawning habitats for fish, and creating diverse breeding areas for marsh birds and waterfowl,”  said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. "This work demonstrates how restoring ecosystems can expand opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors, and connects to Governor Hochul's 'Get Offline, Get Outside' campaign designed to improve mental and physical health by encouraging New Yorkers to step away from their screens in favor of outside activities.”

The strategic channeling and potholing will restore natural water movement and hydraulic connectivity within the marsh by using large equipment to break up dense monoculture cattail stands and create a more diverse mix of open water and emergent vegetation.

"Audubon is proud to once again partner with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Ducks Unlimited to enhance critical breeding and migratory habitat at Lakeview WMA,” Senior Manager of wetland conservation for Audubon Great Lakes Andy Hinickle said. “Together, we are restoring the health and resilience of this dynamic marsh, ensuring it continues to support birds, fish and wildlife that depend on these ecosystems. With support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this next phase builds on our earlier work with more refined, science-driven habitat improvements. By creating gradual depth transitions from cattail mats to open water, we are mimicking natural marsh conditions, resulting in more diverse vegetation, improved foraging habitat for secretive marsh birds, waterfowl and wading birds, and better access for turtles and amphibians. This is what effective, collaborative conservation looks like, delivering real, lasting benefits for wildlife and the health of the Great Lakes."

Funding for the project is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation for a Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

Media Contact:

Gregg Powers
(901) 758-3774
gpowers@ducks.org