DEC: Parking Tickets Are Being Issued at Black Pond WMA

June 10, 2008, First Published at 10:10 a.m.

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Judy Drabicki today announced continuing efforts involving all law enforcement agencies in Jefferson County, to enforce parking and other complaints at Black Pond Wildlife Management Area
(WMA). Black Pond WMA is located on Lake Ontario in the Town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County.

“This beautiful WMA has many attractive features, including an accessible boardwalk, fishing platform, sand dunes, a barrier beach and unique wildlife observation opportunities,” Director Drabicki said. “Unfortunately, the large number of people visiting the area just for the beach and not using designated parking spots are causing a potential safety hazard along the entrance road.”

The congestion from illegally parked cars have created dangerous situations. By constricting the narrow roadway the possibility of emergency vehicles responding to any call at the beach becomes very limited. For this reason it is imperative that visitors park only in the designated spots. DEC Officers, Forest Rangers as well as Jefferson County Sheriff and State Police have been tasked with responding to parking and other complaints in the WMA.

In 2001, the DEC completed a boardwalk and trail system that would allow people with mobility impairments to visit Black Pond and cross over the dunes to the beach. This area is part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Bird Conservation Area, a complex of long barrier beaches, embayments, dunes, marshes, and swamps with cold water streams. Lakeshore barrier beach and wetland complexes such as this are rare in New York State. This WMA has significant breeding and over-wintering habitats, and serves as a critical migratory corridor for birds. WMAs are specifically purchased and managed by DEC for fish and wildlife and habitat protection and for people to enjoy activities like birdwatching, fishing, hunting, nature observation and hiking. Unfortunately, overuse of the beach area is having negative affects on the wildlife and natural
features.

Since there are no plans for increasing parking capacity at Black Pond WMA, users who currently visit the area for the beach only can help alleviate the parking problems by visiting Southwick Beach or Westcott Beach State Parks instead, especially on busy weekends and holidays. 

Currently, three parking areas provide adequate parking for people enjoying the wildlife-related activities for which the property is managed. Someone arriving at the area and finding the parking lots full might also visit the neighboring State Parks.
     

Official: Department of Environmental Conversation