NYPA Press Release

Building Will Assist DEC Fish and Wildlife Staff Performing Important Management and Habitat Restoration Work along St. Lawrence River

Photo Available Here

MASSENA—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced it has completed construction on a new facility in the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The new building will serve as an operations center for DEC Region 6 staff that manage the 4,000-acre Wilson Hill region and also 10 habitat improvement projects throughout St. Lawrence County in the North Country, including fish passages, wetlands, fish spawning areas, and various bird, turtle, and other wildlife habitats. 

“This new DEC facility is an important base of operations and will help department staff focus their attention on protecting local wildlife, fisheries, and their habitats so that future generations of New Yorkers may enjoy the beauty of our state’s unique natural resources and environment,” said NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “This project is a brick-and-mortar demonstration of NYPA’s commitment to protecting natural resources in the North Country and building a greener New York State.”

The 3,400-square-foot facility—located at 18 Wilson Hill Causeway in Louisville— includes two garage bays, offices and a conference room. The facility offers a connection between the Wilson Hill area’s boat launch and its parking area. Construction on the facility began in February 2021.

The $1.5 million project, which was financed and overseen by NYPA, was constructed by Bette & Cring, LLC of Latham, N.Y. and is dark-sky compliant, minimizing glare and reducing light and skyglow to protect local ecosystems and the view of the night sky.

Eugene L. Nicandri, NYPA vice chairman and Massena resident, said, “We are happy to announce the completed construction of this facility that will support DEC’s efforts in protecting wildlife in the North Country. The facility is the latest example of the Power Authority and the DEC collaborating on our shared mission of protecting New York’s environment.”

“New York State is making critical investments to support ongoing efforts to safeguard our natural resources. The State’s investment in the new office at DEC’s Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area is the physical demonstration of our ongoing partnership with the New York Power Authority and underscores NYPA’s commitment to the habitats influenced by hydropower along the St. Lawrence River,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “The North Country is home to precious natural resources, particularly fish and wildlife like sturgeon, muskies, American eels, bass, bald eagles. DEC eagerly anticipates this new building will support DEC’s sustained management of these incredible resources.”
 

The Wilson Hill region falls under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Recreation Plan for the operation of NYPA’s St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in Massena. In accordance with the operating license for the hydroelectric facility, NYPA has invested significant resources in the environment and public amenities along the St. Lawrence River for the benefit of its host communities, as well as the natural resources located in the Power Project boundaries.

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About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

About DEC’s Wilson Hill WMA

The Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area is an open water wetland adjacent to the St. Lawrence River. Wilson Hill WMA consists of several large open water pools of approximately 1,800 acres bordered by cattail, shrub swamp, forest, and meadows. Near the St. Lawrence River, the area is ideal for nesting and migrating waterfowl. It is not uncommon to find 15 to 20 different species of waterfowl at Wilson Hill during spring and fall migrations. Shallow impoundments provide habitat for dabbling ducks, diving ducks, and geese. In addition to waterfowl, the emergent marsh supports raptors and an abundance of wetland furbearers. For more information about Wilson Hill WMA, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9324.html