The Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area is an approximately 2,500-acre (10 km) wildlife management area (WMA) located in western New York , United States. Most of this conservation area is in the northwest part of Genesee County , with a small northern portion in Orleans County .
12-663: The Oak Orchard Swamp, which is the heart of the conservation area, is formed by a natural obstruction to the flow of Oak Orchard Creek . Oak Orchard WMA, along with the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area farther to the west, helps form a continuous conservation and management zone, the Alabama Swamp Complex, covering part of three counties. The Oak Orchard WMA
24-495: A National Natural Landmark in May 1973. The marshlands through which Oak Orchard Creek flows are a major stopover points for migratory birds , and are protected by state- and federally-designated conservation areas . Oak Orchard Creek rises south of Oak Orchard Creek Marsh (also called the "Alabama Swamp") at the border of Orleans and Genesee counties. The swamp contains a state reserve, Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area , and
36-568: A national reserve, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge , both of which are known as major stopover points for migratory birds . Oak Orchard Creek Marsh was designated a National Natural Landmark in May 1973. The swamp is a result of a partial blockage of the river by glacial drift and an outcrop of limestone and dolomite known as the Lockport Formation which forms the Niagara Escarpment . After flowing through
48-605: Is an 81-acre (0.33 km ) state park located at the mouth of Oak Orchard Creek at Lake Ontario in the Town of Carlton in Orleans County , New York , United States. The park can be accessed from NY Route 18 and the Lake Ontario State Parkway . The park is a few miles east of Lakeside Beach State Park . The park offers picnic tables, a boat launch, and fishing. This article about
60-406: Is enhanced by blinds that are installed at some locations. An observation tower is located on Albion Road, and an education center is located on Knowlesville Road, which includes some picnicking facilities. Trapping is also allowed via permits assigned by lottery, and dog training is permitted within state regulations. Camping is available only to groups with a permit. Prohibited activities include
72-524: Is located about halfway between Buffalo and Rochester . It is north of the Village of Oakfield . The western boundary is marked by Knowlesville Road, which separates the WMA from Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. The northern boundary is partly marked by Podunk Road and East Shelby Road. Albion Road passes through the eastern part of the WMA. No highway or other feature marks the south boundary. Most of
84-485: The hamlet of Waterport is on the south bank. A dam at the northeast end of the pond controls water flow. Oak Orchard Creek narrows again and passes underneath Route 18 and the Lake Ontario State Parkway before entering Lake Ontario at Point Breeze where Oak Orchard State Marine Park is located. The lower part of the creek remains relatively ice-free during winters presumably due to steady flow of water and hydro-plant at Waterport. Several boat launch locations exist in
96-495: The lower Oak Orchard Creek. Two are near Point Breeze at the state park. Three more are near the Route 18 overpass. Boating is limited to a short distance upstream from a point called Toms Landing due to the shallow depth. Most boaters enter the creek in order to fish. There is some concern about pollutants from anti-fouling paint on boat hulls. The state fish hatcheries release brown trout , salmon and steelhead each year into
108-401: The pedestrian traffic in the WMA is along the dikes that separate the wetland into discrete marshes. Except for unpaved roads reserved for official use, the only roadways through the area are a few local rural roads. Permissible activities at Oak Orchard WMA include hunting, fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking and nature study, bird watching, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Photography
120-551: The river. Fishing may be done from boats in the lower part, by wading in the upper parts, and from the shore along its length. The entire area of public lands is open for birdwatching and hiking. Within the Oak Orchard Swamp other activities, such as hunting and trapping, can be done by permit. Boating is restricted to non-powered boats, and picnicking and camping are restricted to specific areas. Oak Orchard State Marine Park Oak Orchard State Marine Park
132-447: The swamp, it flows northward, across the escarpment in a series of waterfalls and rapids at Shelby Center, thence passing through the Village of Medina to the small Glenwood Lake north of the village. The creek departs the town of Ridgeway at its northeast corner, cuts through the northwest corner of the town of Gaines , and widens before entering the town of Carlton . The widest part is now known as Waterport Pond (Lake Alice), and
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#1732798148117144-468: The use of motorized vehicles (except in parking areas), the use of motorized boats, and hunting of waterfowl in marked areas. Oak Orchard Creek Oak Orchard Creek (sometimes called Oak Orchard River ) is a tributary of Lake Ontario in Orleans County , New York in the United States . The creek flows through Oak Orchard Creek Marsh, 600 acres (2.4 km ) of which were declared
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