Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area Adventures
Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area offers diverse habitats along the tidal Bellamy River, attracting bird watchers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts to its wetlands and forests in southeastern New Hampshire.
About Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area
The Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses approximately 1,048 acres located in the town of Dover, New Hampshire, along the Bellamy River, a tidal waterway that flows into the Great Bay estuary. This area features a blend of salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, thickets, open fields, and mixed hardwood-conifer forests. These multifaceted habitats support a rich variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, waterfowl, amphibians, and numerous fish species. The WMA is managed by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to protect wildlife habitat while offering recreational opportunities such as birding, fishing, hiking, and hunting. Visitors can enjoy the diverse scenery along informal trails and access points near the river, with ample opportunities for photographing rare marsh birds and observing the ebb and flow of the tidal river system. Historically, the area has been valued for its natural resources and conservation importance in maintaining the ecological integrity of the Great Bay watershed. The Bellamy River WMA serves as an important stopover site for migratory waterfowl and supports spawning grounds for anadromous fish like alewife and blueback herring. While the area remains largely undeveloped, its proximity to Dover and other Portsmouth-area communities makes it a favored local destination for outdoor recreation and environmental education.
Highlights
Tidal salt marshes of the Bellamy River providing critical habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl
Excellent birdwatching opportunities including species such as herons, egrets, and osprey
Fishing access for freshwater and estuarine species along the tidal river
A network of informal trails and riverbank access points ideal for hiking and nature observation
Notable Natural Features
Bellamy River Tidal Marsh
A complex saltwater marsh system that supports a rich diversity of estuarine plants and provides crucial nesting and feeding habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl.
Migratory Fish Spawning Grounds
The Bellamy River serves as a spawning corridor for anadromous fish such as alewife and blueback herring, which return annually to freshwater habitats.
Mixed Hardwood and Conifer Forests
Forest patches within the WMA host diverse songbird species and small mammals, contributing to the area's ecological complexity.