West Haven; Rutland County 81 Acres
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General Description:
The 81-acre Ward Marsh WMA is owned by the State of Vermont and managed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Located in the town of West Haven along the New York-Vermont line, the WMA has 3900 feet of frontage along the west bank of the Poultney River. Access is from Bay Road.
Unique Features:
The WMA hosts a cattail marsh and a seasonally-flooded floodplain dominated by red and silver maple. The Poultney River, one of Vermont’s most biologically diverse rivers, has been designated as an Outstanding Resource Water for its natural, cultural and scenic values. The lower reach of the Poultney River has the greatest diversity of mussels in the State. Beaver, muskrat, mink and otter utilize habitat found within the WMA as do white-tailed deer, bobcat, red fox, porcupine and meadow vole. The cattail marsh provides critical habitat for many species of bird including marsh wrens, red-winged blackbirds, swamp sparrows, pied-billed grebes, and Virginia rails. Great blue herons, kingfishers, and black, wood and mallard ducks can be found on the WMA. Bluebirds breed here along with common yellowthroats, yellow warblers and Baltimore orioles. Ward Marsh WMA provides important spawning habitat for northern pike, chain pickerel and several minnow species.
Recreation Overview:
Recreation within the WMA is dominated by dispersed fish and wildlife-based pursuits including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, walking and hiking.
- Information on hunting, fishing and trapping in Vermont
- Authorized and Prohibited Activities on Fish & Wildlife Lands