Adirondack Directory - Wilderness

Ausable Marsh Wildlife

As edited by IAATAP from the DEC reports

 


 The Ausable Marsh Wildlife Area rest adjacent to Lake Champlain in the Town of Peru.  This region, while small, is a fertile delta of 660 acres at the river's mouth and protected for the benefit of recreation and nesting & feeding of the habitat of waterfowl.  (Click map to enlarge)

 

Camping

 

Overnight camping in this region is prohibited.  All use of motorized vehicles and motorized water conveyances.    However, here is a state campground nearby (outside of the protected areas) for the campers.  Other Regions:  IAATAP maintains a full directory of Camping. To explore nearby camping areas, click here.

 

 

Birding

Hamilton County is rich in bird life.  You can download a free guide & trail map: Birding in Hamilton County.  Also visit our Adirondack Bird Directory when you have time.   Birds associated with marshes, ponds, lakes and streams are numerous and include the common loon, American woodcock, great blue heron, Canada goose, and a variety of ducks.   The most common ducks include the mallard, wood duck, common merganser, and ring-necked duck.  As a result of the Ausable Marsh Wildlife protection efforts, wood ducks, black ducks, mallards, mergansers, teal and common goldeneyes are readily observed on the management area.   In addition, wood duck nest boxes have been erected throughout the area. These artificial nest locations mimic the natural, but scarce, tree cavities utilized by this species of duck.

The main species under study in this region, is the Osprey.  We have summarized their findings.  Pictures and links provided by Wikipedia.

 

 

Osprey (Pandion haliates)

 

Osprey - Picture credits to Wikipedia

 

The American Osprey is of special concern. Osprey breed near large bodies of water where there is abundant fish populations.  Numerous sightings are within the Adirondack.  Osprey construct their nest in tall dead tress, but also use rocky ledges, sand dunes, artificial platforms, and utility pole cross arms for a tall advantage point.  Artificial osprey nest platforms have been built and have produced successful bred and raised young at the marsh.

 

 

 

Fishing

The Ausable Marsh region lies adjacent to the shores of Lake Champlain.  There is an unimproved boat launch for small trailer boats at Ausable Point Campground, or car tops boats may be launched at the parking area prior to the campground gates.   Fishing is allowed by regulations; however swimming it prohibited in this region.  There are 12 ecological communities in this region.   The fish population hold breeding northern pike and largemouth bass.  Landlocked Atlantic Salmon are plentiful for the anglers and the threatened Osprey species. 

 

Horse Trails

New York Codes Rules and Regulations (“NYCRR”) §190.8(n) authorizes the use of state owned lands by horses and equestrians.  However, the use of horses on designated foot trails is prohibited unless the trail is also specifically designated as a horse trail. Horse trails in a Wilderness area to: “those that can be developed by conversion of appropriate abandoned roads, snowmobile trails, or state truck trails.” 

The Ausable Marsh Wildlife does not have any designated trails.   Visit our Adirondack Horseback Directory for other areas.

 

Hunting

Hunters enjoy pack & paddling into the region for weeks of hunting.   Hunting and trapping is permitted, however overnight camping, fires and use of any motorized vehicles are not permitted to protect the Ausable Marsh environment.

 

Hiking Trails

 

The backcountry acreage is enormous and the Adirondacks has the largest trail system in the nation with more than 2,000 miles.  Enjoy the glory of hiking the Adirondacks, nature's solitude, unbroken forest, lakes and mountains and take the path less taken.  Focus on your senses.  Visit our Adirondack Hiking Guide.   Click here for the DEC "Lost in the Woods" brochure. 

 

The DEC trail classification system is outlined in the Forest Preserve Policy Manual. This classification system recognizes four trail classifications as outlined below:

 

 

Class 1:

Trail Distinguishable: Minimal biological or physical impacts, slight loss of vegetation and/or minimal disturbance of organic litter

Class 2:

Some Impacts: Tail obvious, slight loss of vegetation cover and/or organic litter pulverized in primary use areas, muddy spots or tree roots, or water action evident.

Class 3:

Moderate Impacts: Vegetation cover and/or organic littler pulverized within the center of the tread, exposed rocks and trees or small mud holes, but little evidence of widening beyond the maintained width of the trail.

Class 4:

Extensive Impacts: Near complete or total loss of vegetation cover and organic litter, rocks or tree roots exposed and roots damaged, or ruts more than 20cm (7.8 inches) deep, or widening caused by muddy areas or water action consistently.

Class 5:

Very Extensive Impacts: Trail to bedrock or other substrate, or tree roots badly damaged, or some ruts more than 50 cm (19.5 inches) deep or large areas (over 50%) of bank erosion, or mud holes so extensive that the trail is outside of its maintained width.

 

 

There is an accessible foot trail (Marsh Trail), about a mile long where visitors can access the area for hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and education.  The viewing platform along the Ausable Point Campground Road is wheelchair assessable.  The boardwalk extends out into the marsh. 

Trailhead:   From Exit 35 of the Northway (I-87), take Bear Swamp Road (NY 442) E for 2.9 mi. Turn R (S) on US 9 and immediately Lonto the dirt road at the DEC. Follow this bouncy dirt road for 0.3 mi under the railroad bridge and to the parking area. The trail is an old road beyond the yellow gate.

 

Marked Trails

NYSDEC Foot Trail Disk

Most trails are marked with color coded disks affixed to trees as shown (see left). Trail guides and maps correspond to these markers. Trail register boxes are generally located near major access points and parking areas. Although most state-maintained trails are marked, hikers are encouraged to consult topographical maps or other guides when planning to venture into the backcountry.

 

Titbits: Motorized Equipment in Wilderness, Primitive and Canoe Areas: DEC has adopted a regulation prohibiting the use of motorized equipment in lands classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe. Public use of small personal electronic or mechanical devices such as cameras, radios or GPS receivers are not affected by this new regulation.

 

Facilities 

 

      Boardwalk w/Viewing Platform

  • There is an accessible foot trail, about a mile long where visitors can access the area for hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and education.  The viewing platform along the Ausable Point Campground Road is wheelchair assessable.  The boardwalk extends out into the marsh. 

         Parking Areas

  • Parking along Route 9

 

References

 

 

Adirondack Mountain Club

 

Lake George

518-668-4447
Forest Fire - Search and Rescue     518-891-0235 or 911
State Land Regulation/Backcountry Law Enforcement     518-897-1300
Environmental Law Enforcement     518-897-1326
Poacher & Polluter Reporting online     1-800-TIPP DEC
State Lands Interactive Map (SLIM)      
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Route 86, PO Box 296 Ray Brook  
 

Wilderness Reports

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 *  DISCLOSURE:  "In and Around the Adirondack Park" is not affiliated with any of the above information, businesses, organizations or events, nor can we  vouch for the quality,  and is NOT responsible for the actions  of the above parties.  This is brought as a public service message only.   We publish your works (professional or amateur free).  Before going out in the Wilderness, please study your route and learn how to be prepared!