NY 5. Dexter Marsh. Acreage: 1 200. 



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Location: Jefferson County; Clayton and Sackets Harbor 15' quadrangles; 7 



miles W of Watertown; reached via 1-8 1 , Rt. 3, 1 1 , 1 2, and 37. ^ 



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 Description: Dexter Marsh consists of typical deep fresh-water marsh with high ^ 



wildlife habitat value. Natural water channels meander through the marsh, 

 reaching depths of 10 ft or less depending on Lake Ontario water levels. Stands 

 of both common and narrow-leaved cattails occupy about two-thirds of the area. 

 Wild rice is dominant in about one-fifth of the shallow water area in the marsh. 

 The marsh bottom is predominantly silt, with large amounts of organic materials 

 present. Fluctuating water levels cause changes in vegetative patterns. Approxi- 

 mately two-thirds of the adjoining uplands are devoted to agriculture. The 

 remaining area supports small woodlots of mixed mature hardwood and conifer 

 stands. Dexter Marsh attracts large numbers of migrant waterfowl, representing 

 a wide species range of both diving and surface-feeding ducks. Many species of 

 shore and marsh birds are found in abundance along the shores of Black River 

 Bay and within the marsh during the spring and summer months. 



Encroachments: At present, the area is largely an undisturbed natural area. 

 Some private camps and cottages have been built along the south shore, but no 

 major shore subdivision has occurred. The Division of Fish and Game has 

 recently secured administrative jurisdiction to the state-owned underwater lands 

 of Dexter Marsh, insuring further wetland preservation protection. 



Ownership: A portion of the area has been placed under the jurisdiction of the 

 Conservation Department of the State of New York Division of Fish and Game. 



Data source: Thomas E. Brown, Box 84, Watertown, N.Y. 13601. 



Other knowledgeable persons: John E. Wilson, Regional Supervisor, New York 

 State Conservation Department, Box 84, Route 37, Watertown, N.Y. 13601. 



Map on following page 



