WATERTOWN – The state Department of Environmental Conservation is opening several restricted wildlife management areas (WMAs) to the public for a two-week period this month.

Perch River WMA in Jefferson County and Upper and Lower Lakes and Wilson Hill WMAs in St. Lawrence County will be open to the public Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 28 from sunrise to sunset each day.

The WMAs, which are located in Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, are usually closed to the public since the wetland areas are home to numerous endangered, threatened and rare species such as bald eagles, black terns and northern harriers.

“By late August, the nesting and brooding season is mostly complete and the fall migration period has not yet begun, enabling DEC to allow public access,” DEC Region 6 Director Judy Drabicki said in a press release.

DEC will conduct habitat and wildlife management projects while the areas are open to the public. The department asks the public to avoid machinery and to note temporary signage.

To learn more, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8282.html.