The Montezuma Wetlands Complex

WHAT IS THE MONTEZUMA WETLANDS COMPLEX?

The Montezuma Wetlands Complex (MWC) Project is an effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to protect, restore and enhance wildlife habitat within the MWC.

It encompasses approximately 36,000 acres (14569 hectares) in Seneca, Cayuga and Wayne counties (Click here or on the small image for a map - 44 kb). and includes the federal Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, the state Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area, and lands owned by conservation groups, farmers, and other private landowners. Public lands and some private land are managed to provide habitat for wildlife and recreation and education for people.

The FRIENDS OF THE MONTEZUMA WETLANDS COMPLEX
is a group whose members have a passion for wildlife - click here for more information.

WHY IS THE MWC IMPORTANT?

The MWC area once contained over 40,000 acres (16185 hectares) of contiguous wetland. Most of these wetlands have been altered, decreasing the amount of habitat that can be used by migratory birds and resident wildlife.

The MWC is an important area for wildlife. It is one of the largest staging areas for waterfowl migration in the Northeast and is home to endangered, threatened, and special concern species. Major flights of songbirds gather here seasonally, and neotropical migrants such as warblers and thrushes nest here each year. The potential for research and for wildlife habitat expansion within the MWC is an exciting and promising endeavor.

THE MONTEZUMA WETLANDS COMPLEX RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The primary objective of the Montezuma Wetlands Research Institute is to facilitate applied research on wetlands, grasslands, habitat restoration, and recreational use in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Provide habitat for the annual life cycle of migratory birds and indigenous wildlife

   Objectives:

   • Protect 19,221 acres of existing and potential wildlife habitat
   • restore and enhance 12,500 acres of wetland habitat
   • establish 5,000 acres of grassland habitat
   • manage non-grassland upland habitats to support wildlife diversity
   • protect unique, rare, threatened, and endangered habitats and species. Complete this objective by the year 2020.

2. Increase public awareness and appreciation of wildlife habitat conservation and its associated benefits to society.

   Objectives:

   • provide access to public lands for 400,000 people each year
   • provide conservation programs, workshops, and presentations for 25,000 people each year
   • develop and disseminate brochures, fact sheets, periodic newsletters, news releases, and other forms of conservation information each year.

3. Increase natural resource information and improve habitat conservation techniques.

   Objectives:

   • increase and refine biological and land use information annually
   • encourage research and monitoring activities by universities and research organizations.

4. Integrate other important natural and cultural resource issues.

   Objectives:

   • promote and improve water quality and management
   • preserve and promote agricultural activities compatible with wildlife needs
   • protect archaeological interests and activities
   • encourage the economic growth of local communities based on ecotourism needs.

WHAT IS THE MWC PROJECT DOING FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT?

The MWC Project is providing habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, and outdoor recreation and education opportunities for people.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the N.Y.S. Department of Environmental Conservation are establishing voluntary partnerships with private landowners to restore wildlife habitat on private land. All work is done on private lands, and the land remains in private ownership.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the N.Y.S. Department of Environmental Conservation also purchase land from willing sellers at fair market value to protect and restore habitat for wildlife.

The MWC Implementation Team, made up of private citizens, representatives of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., The Nature Conservancy, and local, state and federal agencies, is working hard for the Project through activities such as coordinating land use management, developing plans for a Visitor Center, striving to increase public education and tourism in the MWC, and advocating Payments in Lieu of Taxes for lands purchased by the state in the Project area.

For additional information about the MWC, or if you have any comments or suggestions, please contact:
The Montezuma Wetlands Complex Project Office
(315) 365-2371 or (315) 568-1948
3395 Routes 5&20 East
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Email

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