CPF Accepts Gift of Fenner Conservation Pond

Fenner Conservation Pond is open from dawn to dusk for fishing, birding, picnicking and quiet recreation.

The Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) recently accepted the gift of the 5.59-acre property previously owned by the Fenner Conservation Club at the corner of Cody Road and South Road in the Town of Fenner.

The Fenner Conservation Club was formed in 1950’s with a mission to conserve wildlife and promote respect for and the upholding of fish and game laws. In 1957, they purchased the property which now contains a portion of the pond and built a clubhouse on the portion of the lot north of the road. This pond has been a place for public enjoyment of nature for over 60 years and for several decades, the Club hosted an annual fishing derby at the site.

When the Fenner Conservation Club decided to disband, the Club’s most recent President, Mat Webber, approached CPF about accepting a donation of the Pond property. The Club’s remaining membership wished to honor the legacy of the Club’s founders by conveying the property to an organization that would continue to share it with the community. In addition to the property itself, the Club also donated the remainder of its assets to CPF to support the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the pond property.

In considering the potential acquisition, CPF evaluated the opportunities for public access for fishing, birding, and quiet recreation. In addition to the serene and scenic setting, the pond is also the headwaters of Munger Brook, a tributary to Chittenango Creek, an important trout stream. CPF closed on the property in April of this year and we are now working on a management plan for the property which addresses short- and mid-term maintenance needs as well as plans for signage and other user amenities at the site. A map will be posted at the site showing the areas that are available for public recreation as well as those areas along the pond shoreline that are privately owned and where public access is prohibited.

 The Fenner Conservation Pond will remain open to the public from dawn until dusk for birding, fishing, picnicking, and quiet recreation. Swimming and motorized boating are prohibited at the site. We are working on the planning around a fun educational event and “grand opening” of the property later this summer, and we look forward to sharing more information about that in the coming weeks.