MOHAWK - Discovering the Valley of the Crystals Copyright 2003
Chapter 13 - Wonders oof Nature
Dave Pierce's Dream
Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area
Despite controversy I can understand why Dave Townsend
gets re-elected New York State Assemblyman from the Rome area (115th District).
He remembers things that others forget. At the recent (June 24, 2003)
dedication of the parking areas and cartop boat launch at the Oriskany
Flats Wildlife Management Area, he was the only speaker to note that the
Oriskany Flats WMA was the brainchild of David Pierce.
A paved parking area and cartop boat launch are located on the north
side of the Mohawk River near Oriskany. Note the unique "boat slide" next
to the steps that lead down to the river.
Dave was a hunter, trapper, fishermen, historian and dedicated conservationist.
He was also an Electronics Engineer at the Air Force Lab at Griffiss Air
Force Base in Rome. A "rocket scientist" who appreciated and actively promoted
the wise use of New York's natural resources through local and state sportsmen-conservation
organizations. Some 30 years ago this dynamic individual began the process
to create a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) at Oriskany Flats. Indeed, the
first signs that went up recognized his dedication to the project.
The first signs that were put up noted Dave Pierce's dedication to
the project.
(Photo taken in May 2000.)
Stretching two miles west of River Street between the Barge Canal and the railroad, the Oriskany Flats WMA comprises 774 acres of floodplain and includes a wild section of the Mohawk River. (It was on this section of the river that we saw otter, beaver and numerous waterfowl )
Through
the cooperation of sportsmen organizations, NYS DEC, NYS DOT, federal and
local agencies, and public officials---and funding provided in conjunction
with a nearby highway project---a cartop boat launch and parking areas
were constructed near the River Street Bridge north of the Village of Oriskany.
Flats Wildlife Management Area on June 24, 2003 to
dedicate the new parking areas and a cartop boat launch.
Ten paved parking spaces and a hand-launch ramp for canoes, kayaks and
small boats are located on the north side of the bridge. The wooden "boat
slide" is unique to the area. This parking lot will also provide access
to the Canalway Trail when it's completed.
Twenty gravel parking spaces on the south side of
the bridge provide access to the east end of the Wildlife Management Area.
In addition to providing access for hunting, fishing, trapping, bird and
wildlife watching, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, there are plans to include
connecting bike and hike trails to the Oriskany Battlefield and the Canalway
Trail.
Thanks to a great many dedicated individuals and
organizations, Dave Pierce's dream has come a long, long way. He would
have been proud.
Find the location of the River Street Bridge by clicking on Mohawk
Valley Maps: by Maptech.
Type Oriskany, select New York, press
GO!
Click
on margin arrows to locate the river crossing north of the Village of Oriskany.
