The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced they are holding a public information session on Habitat Management Plans (HMPs) for three Jefferson County Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) from 6 to 8 pm, on Tuesday, March 19, at the Dulles State Office Building, Watertown.

The HMPs cover the Lakeview, Black Pond, and Honeyville WMAs, just outside the Adirodnacks.

Lakeview HMP: Goals include managing a percentage of the forested landscape as young forest and managing shrublands to provide breeding and foraging habitat for American Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, migrant songbirds, and other species of greatest conservation need. In addition, protecting Lake Ontario beaches and dunes are a special management goal for this WMA.

Black Pond HMP: Goals include managing a percentage of the forested landscape as young forest for American Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse, and wintering white-tailed deer habitat along with multiple other wildlife species. Additional goals include managing agricultural lands and grasslands to provide forage for many wildlife species, as well as protecting the Lake Ontario beaches and dunes.

Honeyville HMP: Goals include managing a percentage of the forested landscape as young forest to promote habitat for a suite of species including Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, and American Woodcock. Old field and early successional habitat will be managed to help provide diversity within the WMA.

DEC personnel will present on the HMPs and answer questions about the finalized plans at the Dulles State Office Building, first floor conference room, 317 Washington Street, Watertown. Contact DEC at (315) 785-2263 or information.R6@dec.ny.gov.