Deer in Spring Landscape

Cherrington CWMA

Photograph of Prothonotary Warbler, courtesy of John & Karen Hollingsworth, USFWSThe Cherrington Cooperative Wildlife Management Area (CWMA), also known as the Dickerson Conservation Area, is located northwest of Poolesville, Maryland. The property is owned by the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (MNCPPC). The 290-acre tract is preserved for conservation purposes.

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What To See

Cherrington CWMA provides habitat for forest wildlife species primarily white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, and songbirds.

What To Do

The area is open for archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader deer hunting during the regulated hunting season established by the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service. Hunters are required to have a valid Maryland Hunting License to utilize the area. Throughout the year, this area is open to fishing, hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.

Area Regulations

  • Cherrington CWMA is open to public hunting during the state established deer seasons.
  • No motorized vehicles are allowed.
  • Parking is available off of Martinsburg Road.
  • Use of rifles is prohibited.

    • Non-Hunting Uses

  • Cherrington CWMA is open to fishing, hiking, nature photography, and bird watching.
  • This area offers hiking (Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath) and fishing access along the Potomac River.
  • The warm-water fishery created from the discharge at the Dickerson Power Plant is easily accessible from this area.
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    Site Management Practices

  • Cherrington CWMA is primarily forested land. This area is used by the MNCPPC for conservation purposes.

    • Maryland Map showing approximate location of Cherrington CWMADirections

    Cherrington CWMA is located northwest of Poolesville and east of Barnesville, Maryland. Public access to this area is off of Maryland State Route 107 (Whites Ferry Road). The parking lot for this area is located off of Martinsburg Road. For additional information or seasonal permits, contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife and Heritage Service Office at 410-356-9272.

    Photograph of Prothonotary Warbler, courtesy of John & Karen Hollingsworth, USFWS

    This area is a part of Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources public land system and is managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. The primary mission of the WMA system is to conserve and enhance wildlife populations and their respective habitats as well as to provide public recreational use of the State’s wildlife resources.

    Eighty-five percent of the funding for Maryland's state wildlife programs comes from hunting license fees and a federal excise tax on sport hunting devices and ammunition. The federal aid funds are derived from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (or Pittman-Robertson) Fund, which sportsmen and women have been contributing to since 1937. Each state receives a share of the funds, which is administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; these funds are used for wildlife conservation and hunter education programs, including the management of the WMA system.

    Other sources of funds for land acquisition include Program Open Space Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas, provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long-term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.