BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Nature lovers rejoice, the state is turning a recent land purchase into the largest wildlife management area in Erie County.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation recently bought 525 acres of land in North Collins to create what's called, The Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area.
The land offers hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing and other recreational opportunities.
"The new Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area will provide outstanding wildlife-based recreational opportunities for visitors while protecting important habitat for many local species," said DEC Region 9 Director Abby Snyder.
The lake offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and provides important habitat for turtles, salamanders, and waterfowl such as Canada geese, wood ducks and mallards.
The lake was constructed in the 1920's for use as a water reservoir for the former Gowanda Psychiatric Center, and was later used by the Collins Correctional Facility.
