The land was purchased by New York State to protect the wildlife from over-hunting using funds from duck stamps and taxes on firearms and ammunition.

NY Route 77, Lewiston Road, passes through the north part of the WMA.

[2] The former John White Memorial Game Farm, located south of the community of Alabama on NY-77 at the junction with NY-63, is also available for public use.

Hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching and snowshoeing is permitted at Tonawanda WMA.

Two observation areas with ample parking and public information are located along Lewiston Road.