The Orleans County Legislature is pleased to announce the renewal of an agreement for an additional 5 years between the county and a private landowner for the rights to boat and fish along a 15.8 acre plot on Oak Orchard River. This area, called the Oak Orchard Fishing Access Area, has always been considered one of the prime fall fishing spots in our county and is favored by many out-of state fishermen and guides.

Access for this area can be found on the East side of the river below the Waterport Dam from both the D.E.C. parking area near the power dam and also from the D.E.C. access trail off Park Avenue Extension. A map of the Oak Orchard Fishing Access Area is available in the Orleans County Sportfishing Guide. Contact the Orleans County Tourism Office for more information at sportfishing@orleansny.com or 1-800-724-0314.

Sportfishing has been one of the largest contributors to our tourism industry in Orleans County for the past 20 plus years and the continuance of this agreement will help this industry to continue to grow and prosper during these difficult times.

Construction of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse at the Orleans County Marine Park began on February 22^nd, 2010.  The concrete pedestals, upon which the structure will rest, have been poured.  The next step is framing of the lighthouse itself, to start in early March.  Click on each photo to view larger image. (Will open in new browser window.) (Photos by Bill Karcher).