FLYNN BAY is part of the Grindstone Island Wetlands and is located at the southwest head of Grindstone Island. Grindstone Island Wetlands encompass some of the largest, undeveloped, bays and wetlands in the St. These areas comprise an extensive riverine natural area complex that is rare in the Great Lakes Plain ecological region of New York. The relatively large size, ecological diversity, and la
ck of human disturbance of Grindstone Island Bays are important factors contributing to the fish and wildlife values of this area. The fish and wildlife habitat consists of four large coastal wetland and bay areas on the island. Flynn Bay, being the largest bay on
the island has the smallest emergent wetland of the four bays, but features an extensive littoral zone. Flynn Bay is exposed to considerable current and wave action, so submergent vegetation is sparse. GRINDSTONE ISLAND is the fourth largest of the islands in the Thousand Islands region, measuring about 7 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point. The northern part of the island is near the international border between Canada and the United States of America (USA). The island is in the western part of the St. Lawrence river valley, and is located between Wellesley Island (New York, USA), and Wolfe Island (Ontario, Canada). In the middle of Grindstone Island is a long, narrow bay which divides the island almost in two. There is a small bridge over the bay. The island is located about 1.27 miles from Clayton, New York. Grindstone Island is the second largest of the American islands in the St. The island lies near Lake Ontario and is part of the United States of America. In particular, the island is part of the Municipality of the Town of Clayton in Jefferson County, New York. The island consists of Potters Beach, a private vineyard owned by the Purcell family, summer gift shops, four active beef farms, historic but now abandoned farmlands, and private non-
government conservation lands (TILT). The current number of year round households who call the island home is ten. The population climbs to 700 people during the summer months. New York State's last operating one-room school was on the island and closed in 1989.
39% of the island is currently owned by TILT, the Thousand Island Land Trust. TILT's 885 acres of private conservation lands are currently spread over different parts of the island. TILT currently owns Potter’s Beach (20 acres - the largest naturally occurring sand beach on the American side of the Thousand Islands)
