Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area

The primary purposes of Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is the largest WMA in New York State, encompassing 11,237 acres. It is part of the Appalachian Highlands, which is distinctive high, rugged land. With elevations reaching 2,000 feet, it offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding lowlands. The diversity of habitat ranging from streams and ponds; mature forests with American beech, maple and hemlock; and open meadows offer a home for a variety of fish and wildlife to view or pursue.

After the American Revolution the area was farmed, but many farmers abandoned the area due to the harsh climate and shallow soils in the higher elevations. This allowed New York State to acquire almost 10,000 acres of the area for use as a game refuge. Between 1948 and 1950 many ponds were built to attract waterfowl, which are now also used by other wildlife.

Info from NYS DEC

FLT Map 16