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Brandon Swamp Wildlife Management Area

Brandon & Leicester; Addison County 286 Acres

Brandon Swamp WMA

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General Description:

The 278-acre Brandon Swamp WMA is owned by the State of Vermont and managed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Located in the towns of Brandon and Leicester, it borders Otter Creek. Access to the WMA is from the Leicester Jct. Road to a small parking area. Access within the WMA is difficult and is by foot or boat only.

Unique Features:

Brandon Swamp WMA is a large floodplain swamp dominated by a red maple-northern white cedar swamp natural community. The community is characterized by dense pockets of cedar with mossy hummocks and hidden pools. Riparian areas support silver maple, willow, elm, basswood and cottonwood. The habitat within the WMA supports white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, red fox and coyotes as well as weasels, minks, otters and beavers. The habitat is excellent for waterfowl and mallards, black ducks, hooded mergansers, blue-winged teals and wood ducks can be found here. Many species of songbirds, raptors and upland game birds use this habitat as well. These wetlands provide habitat for many of the reptile and amphibian species found in Vermont including Northern two-lined and four-toed salamanders, bullfrogs, pickerel and wood frogs and snapping and painted turtles. Otter Creek supports a warmwater fishery of large and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, chain pickerel northern pike and brown bullhead.

Recreation Overview:

Recreation within the WMA is dominated by dispersed fish and wildlife-based pursuits including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, walking and hiking.