DEC Celebrates Opening of New Accessible Public Archery Range in Albany County

Supports Governor Hochul’s These Lands are for Everyone Initiative to Expand Access to Public Lands for All New Yorkers

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the opening of a new public archery range at Black Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the Town Voorheesville, Albany County. The Black Creek Marsh WMA archery range is the first of 13 archery facilities to be constructed statewide with DEC’s five-year, $3.1 million federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration grant, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Conservation Investment to provide safe, accessible, and high-quality opportunities for outdoor recreation.  

“Expanding access to the outdoors is a priority in New York State, and the new public archery range at Black Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area provides archers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels with a unique opportunity to hone their skills while enjoying a scenic and ecologically diverse natural area here in the Capital Region,” Commissioner Lefton said. “I applaud DEC’s Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Operations, along with our state, local, and federal partners, for helping bring this and the other planned archery projects to life. Through Governor Kathy Hochul’s ‘These Lands Are for Everyone’ initiative, we are continuing to connect more New Yorkers with the outdoors by expanding access to public lands and outdoor recreation opportunities, ensuring future generations can experience the beauty, adventure, and countless benefits of New York’s natural resources.” 

The new archery range at Black Creek Marsh features: 

• Low Draw Weight and All Draw Weight Areas: Separate shooting areas provide targets ranging from 5-20 yards in the Low Draw Weight Area and 20-50 yards in the All Draw Weight Area. All shooting lanes are wheelchair accessible as per Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. 
• Bow Compatibility: Targets are available for all bow types, including traditional, compound, and crossbow. 
• Elevated Shooting Platforms: For bowhunters looking to simulate elevated hunting situations, the facility features two elevated shooting platforms, including an area for users in wheelchairs, with targets at realistic hunting distances. 

In total, DEC will construct up to 13 new archery ranges across New York over the life of the grant. The initiative builds on the success of the first DEC public archery range opened at Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area in Wilton in 2020. Depending on the site-specific layout and features, individual ranges will cost between $150,000 and $300,000. This year, DEC is constructing archery ranges at Tinsley Park (Town of Nelson, Madison County), Rome WMA (City of Rome, Oneida County), and Perch River WMA (City of Watertown, Jefferson County). 

New York State Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFAB) Chairman Jason Kemper said, “The construction of these facilities provides several benefits including providing a great outdoor activity for youth, introducing new people to archery and creating the next generation of hunters and conservationists.  Additionally, the construction of this archery range and other planned facilities near urban areas provides a much-needed location for all users to practice the sport they love. It’s great to see this project come to fruition.”

New York State recently expanded big game crossbow regulations to allow hunters to use a crossbow during the same seasons, places, and manner as a vertical bow for hunting deer and bear. Changes include requiring a bowhunter education certification, removing outdated size limits, and development of more standardized setback distances.  

Access to safe, publicly accessible range facilities is one of the most significant barriers to participation in shooting sports and hunting. The popular crossbow regulation expansion in conjunction with expanded access to the use of archery equipment and increasing DEC’s public archery range offerings is helping build upon the success of the regulation by creating more access. These ranges will also complement DEC’s efforts to increase student participation in the National Archery in the Schools Program and will provide additional locations for 4H Shooting Sports Programs and DEC's bowhunter education and HuntFishNY courses. 

The primary purposes of Black Creek Marsh WMA are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA consists of about 450 acres of wetland and upland habitats in Albany County, and the Black Creek runs through much of the property. The diversity of habitats and wildlife species found at Black Creek Marsh provides unique opportunities for public use. Parking areas have been developed to provide access to the area, and a trail network is maintained for the enjoyment of visitors.  

To ensure New York’s open spaces are accessible and inclusive, Governor Hochul created the “These Lands Are For Everyone” initiative in the 2026 State of the State agenda to be led by DEC to expand access to state lands for all New Yorkers. These Lands Are For Everyone will invest in inclusive, sensory friendly and accessible experiences, including tactile exhibits, sensory trails and inclusive nature centers, ensuring all children and adults can enjoy New York’s natural treasures. These investments will remove barriers and accommodate sensory, and mobility needs so that neurodiverse and people with disabilities can benefit from the State’s treasured natural spaces. 

DEC’s Bureau of Wildlife manages nearly 150 areas, including approximately 125 WMAs, several Unique Areas and Multiple Use Areas, and other lands (known as the WMA System) totaling about 250,000 acres.  

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