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Guidelines for
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STATE FORESTS & PARKS IN
THE NORTHEASTERN
CONNECTICUT VALLEY REGION
DRAFT
DRAFT
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management
December, 1996
LEGEND
Picnic Area , Fireplaces & Tables
Betti House
Woods Roads
Gravel Road
Main Highway
Forest Boundary
TO SOUTH ROYALSTON
STATE FORESTS & PARKS IN
THE NORTHEASTERN
CONNECTICUT VALLEY REGION
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii
INTRODUCTION
Mission 1
Management Planning Objectives 1
Regional Context 2
Overview of State Forests & Parks 4
Recent Acquisition in Warwick 8
NATURAL RESOURCES
Forestry & Wildlife Management 11
Fisheries 14
Rare Species & Priority Habitat Areas 15
Land Stewardship Zoning 15
Zoning Map 21
Carrying Capacity 24
Regional Open Space Conservation 2 8
LAKES & PONDS
Background 31
Existing Conditions 31
Analysis 32
Lake & Pond Locus Map . 33
Lake & Pond Descriptions and Recommendations 3 7
Beaman Pond 3 7
Lake Dennison 3 9
Dunn Pond 4 0
Laurel Lake 42
Sheomet Lake 44
Ruggles Pond 45
Wickett Pond 46
Regional Recommendations 47
Swimming Suitability Assessment 47
Richards Reservoir & Riceville Pond 48
RECREATION
Background 4 9
Existing Opportunities 50
GOALS Visitor Surveys 51
Sandler Associates Survey 52
Visitor Attendance 53
Attendance Graphs 54
SCORP 5 6
Management Goals & Objectives 56
Recommendations 5 7
Maps: Erving Campground & Wendell Cabins 58
TRAILS
Background
Management Goals & Objectives
Recommendations
Long-Distance Trail Map
Bed & Breakfast List
63
63
64
69
71
STAFF ORGANIZATION
Current (FY 96) Staffing
Recommended Organization with Current Staffing Level
Enhanced Staffing Organization
Park Rangers
CAPITAL REHABILITATION & IMPROVEMENTS BY PARK
Vehicles & Equipment
Otter River
Lake Dennison
Birch Hill
Federated
Ware River Rail Trail
Gardner Heritage V.C.
Dunn Pond
Erving
Mt Grace
Warwick
Wendell
M&M Trail
Potential Long-range Recreation Improvements
CAPITAL REHAB & IMPROVEMENTS BY TYPE OF PROJECT
73
74
75
76
77
77
78
79
79
79
79
79
79
80
80
80
80
81
82
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
87
REFERENCES & SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
89
APPENDICES
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Mass. State Forest Road Classification System
Fisheries Supplemental Information
Carrying Capacity
Gap Analysis Explanation
Park Visitor Survey Results
Millers River Recreation
Massachusetts Heritage Discovery Network
Greenway & Trails - 1996 DEM Grants Recipients
Dam Descriptions & Recommendations
93
97
99
109
111
113
117
122
123
il
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - ACTION PLAN
This GOALS management plan is a first for the Department of
Environmental Management (DEM) because, rather than covering a
single facility as they have in the past, this plan examines all
state forests and parks in eastern Franklin County and
northwestern Worcester County. The planning area is mainly
within the Millers River watershed, located in the state's
central highlands, running northward from the Quabbin Reservoir
to the New Hampshire border. The many forested hills and small
mountains, the beautiful lakes and reservoirs, the brooks and
rivers, and integrated areas of rural settlement, comprise an
important scenic and recreational resource.
The state forests & parks in the planning area provide a
variety of rustic recreation facilities and large areas of scenic
public conservation land. These are invaluable resources for a
visitors physical and mental well-being. Several ponds within
the parks provide excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing
and boating, for both day users and campers. Extensive trail
systems within the parks connect to a regional long-distance
trail, and conditions for winter recreation are exceptional.
The parks covered in this planning area are relatively unknown
treasures only an hour to an hour -and- a -half from Boston.
DEM plays an important role in the maintenance of
biodiversity in Massachusetts due to the large amount of
conservation land managed by the agency. There are more
occurrences of rare species within the state forests and parks
than are found with any other landowner, and the parks are also a
stronghold for unfragmented interior forest habitat with viable
populations of native plants and animals. DEM forests and parks
are therefore a foundation for ecosystem stewardship in this
region. The regional planning focus is conducive to assessing
ecosystem health as it is affected by continuity of habitat .
Also, the regional focus of this plan supports the Commonwealth's
Watershed Initiative. Under the guidelines of the Watershed
Initiative, a river basin or watershed is used as the fundamental
planning area for integrated natural resource management .
The regional focus is effective for the assessment of
various aspects of recreation such as the potential for long-
distance trail connections, and efficient delivery of visitor
services and the variety of associated management issues within a
cluster of forests and parks. The parks within this study area
are related to each other by proximity and by aspects of their
natural, cultural and recreational resources.
Otter River State Forest was the first state forest and
campground, established by the Department of Conservation in
1915. The forest offers rustic facilities for family or group
camping and water-based recreation at Beaman Pond. DEM leases
the nearby Lake Dennison Recreation Area from the Army Corps of
l(!
Engineers, providing opportunities for families or gatherings of
friends to stay at one of 150 large wooded campsites. The scenic
lake has good water quality and provides excellent opportunities
for swimming, fishing and boating. Federated Women's Club State
Forest abuts the northeastern portion of the Metropolitan
District Commission's Quabbin Reservation. This forest has
several primitive camping sites, and is one of the most popular
areas in the state for deer and turkey hunters . Scenic natural
areas in this forest include the Fever Brook with surrounding
wetlands and geologic features, and 14 0 acres set aside by deed
restriction as a wildlife sanctuary.
Gardner Heritage State Park includes a visitor center in the
center of the city, located in a historic fire station. This is
one of the state's most popular heritage parks, highlighting the
history of the furniture and manufacturing industry and the
city's cultural diversity. Dunn Pond State Park is located only
a mile to the east, providing day use visitors with opportunities
for swimming, fishing, boating and ice skating in a scenic
setting. A major water quality improvement project was recently
conducted for Dunn Pond by DEM working with the City of Gardner
and a grant from the federal government .
Erving State Forest dates back to 1921 and was originally
used as a nursery. The work of the Civilian Conservation Corps
from 1933 - 1942 is still apparent in the headquarters area, the
park roads, and the recreation facilities on Laurel Lake. This
forest offers a wonderful opportunity for quiet family camping in
32 wooded sites, and the high quality lake provides the public
with opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating. Mount
Grace State Forest in Warwick is important regionally for trail
use with a trail system connecting to the 117-mile-long Metacomet
- Monadnock Trail . The picnic area and playing field along Route
78 is also an important recreation resource for the local
community. The nearby Sheomet Lake in Warwick State Forest is
used for fishing and is a scenic area visited mainly by local
residents.
Wendell State Forest covers 7500 acres of scenic forested
land south of the Millers River and includes an extensive trail
system with connection to the Metacomet - Monadnock Trail. The
Ruggles Pond swimming and picnic area is low-key, but very
popular with local families who have become regular visitors.
The day use visitors come to these parks mostly from local
communities or from locations along the Route 2 corridor. More
than one-half of the campers are from the greater Boston area and
other locations in eastern Massachusetts. They support the local
economy through their patronage of grocery stores, restaurants
and retail stores. There is a particularly strong connection
2between visitation to Gardner Heritage State Park and the
Gardner area furniture outlets. A recent survey conducted for
DEM by Richard Sandler Associates indicates that our visitors are
concerned with cleanliness and safety. They are hoping to find
rustic yet functional recreation facilities and comfort stations,
and the most important service that DEM can offer is a friendly
and knowledgeable staff with ample information about the parks.
fV
The GOALS team, working with DEM leadership, hopes that the
plan will establish a vision for five to ten years in the future
for this cluster of parks, bringing these facilities into the
21st Century and into DEM's 2nd century of land stewardship. The
plan includes recommendations for enhancing the visitor's
experience and for management of natural and cultural resources .
In so doing, DEM's stewardship of the forests and parks will
continue to support the components of the local economy that are
associated with tourism.
The management, improvement of facilities and development of
goals is a dynamic process and several important changes occurred
while this plan was in progress, including a new day use comfort
station at Laurel Lake, a new comfort station for Beaman's
campers, and a new Clivus composting comfort station at Mt . Grace
State Forest.
The following recommendations are abstracted from the report
as a priority action plan. The recommendations are intended to
enhance recreation services and environmental protection while
maintaining public safety and health, with a minimum of
additional staff.
The parks in the focus area can be given separate regional
identity by using consistent signage, establishing a unique name
for the cluster of parks, and producing a brochure to promote the
cluster.
STAFF ORGANIZATION
One of the most important reasons for studying a cluster of
several parks as a single management unit, is to be able to
develop strategies for staff coverage and for shared use of
vehicles and equipment that will promote the most efficient
delivery of visitor services and management of park resources on
a regional basis.
The proposed cluster organization would be more apparent in
the winter with Otter River as the headquarters for the cluster
of parks. Erving and Gardner Heritage will be important
satellites due to the significance of winter recreation and
programs, with Erving covering the western end of the cluster.
Crews for specific work projects will be organized out of.
Otter River during the winter. Work projects will be conducted
throughout the cluster as needed and will include road grading,
trail maintenance, boundary work, structural rehab such as roof
reshingling, snow plowing, picnic table construction, additional
coverage for special events that generate large visitor
attendance such as ice skating with bonfires at Dunn Pond, and
for special needs such as carpool travel assistance when DEM
vehicles require professional service station maintenance, and
cleanup of illegal dump sites.
V
At the beginning of the winter staffing time period,
priorities and timetable for work projects will be developed by
the Regional & Assistant Regional F&P Director in coordination
with cluster park supervisors. Priorities and work schedule will
be updated at the monthly F&P Regional staff meeting or as
needed.
Addition of 2 Year-round Laborers as floating positions for the
west end of the cluster (Erving/Wendell/Warwick) , and
addition of 2 Year-round Laborers as floating positions for the
east end of the cluster (Otter River & satellites/Gardner
Heritage) would allow:
- Increased ability to conduct road and trail maintenance on a
regular basis.
- Strengthen productivtiy and increase scheduling flexibilitiy of
proposed winter period work crews .
- The staff based at Otter River State Forest constructs picnic
tables and provides signs for all of Region 4. This work is
mostly accomplished in the winter. An additional Laborer
position during the winter would benefit these regional
projects .
- Increased provision of recreation services such as preparation
for earlier opening and later closing for campgrounds,
reopening the Mt . Grace field as a picnic area or reopening the
toboggan - sliding hill, improved maintenance and availability
of camping sites at Federated State Forest .
Addition of year-round laborer for Dunn Pond SP to cover
additional maintenance responsibilities associated with the new
universal access facilities.
Convert seasonal clerk to year-round position to cover campground
reservations for Lake Dennison and Otter River, and to assist
with other work for the cluster.
Addition of 2 seasonal positions, summer workers or laborers, for
each park that offers camping services would allow for overnight
contact station coverage. (2 for Beaman/Dennison, 2 for Erving)
Addition of laborer for coverage of Mt Grace. Mt Grace is a
locally important recreation area, which can not be adequately
covered at the current staffing level. This would allow coverage
for the picnic area and playing field in the summer and autumn,
and for ice skating (playing field flooded in winter) .
Vi
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT
West end of cluster (Erving/Warwick/Wendell) :
- Rack truck with snow plow
- Large tractor with all attachments
- Small vehicle (golf cart size) for comfort station maintenance
East end of cluster (Otter River & satellites/Gardner Heritage) :
- Light truck with plow for GHSP
- Large tractor with all attachments
- Small vehicle (golf cart size) for maintenance of Dunn Pond
universal access trail
- New industrial grade planer for sign construction
CAPITAL REHABILTATION & IMPROVEMENTS
Facility rehabilitation and improvement is intended enhance
opportunities for visitors, while improving health and safety
factors, and maintaining protection of natural and cultural
resources .
♦ Grading of park roads on a regular basis to ensure adequate
access related to public safety and resource management is a
priority of Forest & Park and Bureau of Forest Development staff.
Implementation would depend on establishment of dedicated funding
for road grading materials from local gravel operations.
♦ Lake Wyola - Acquisition and swimming area development.
♦ Erving SF - Campground comfort station, power line and removal
of vault toilet .
♦ Erving SF - Campground expansion (2 0+ sites) .
♦ Otter River SF - Replace remaining vault toilet.
♦ Otter River SF - Rehab bathhouse - install 2 00 amp
service, ADA upgrades.
♦ Otter River SF - Beaman Pond water quality improvement study
& implementation.
♦ Lake Dennison - Replace beach area bathhouse .
♦ Lake Dennison - Comfort stations upgrade.
♦ Wendell SF - Clivus composting toilets to replace
vault toilets.
♦ Wendell SF - Cabin/yurt development.
♦ Wendell SF - Nordic ski center development.
♦ Wendell SF - Ruggles Pond water quality improvement project. •
Vll
RECREATION
DEM's management objective is to provide visitors with modern yet
rustic facilities, and to enhance trail and other recreation
opportunities in a safe, clean environment.
♦ Determine best alternative for enhancement of water-based
recreation opportunities.
♦ Construct cabins/yurts for year-round use at Wendell SF, the
most popular x- country ski park in this cluster.
♦ Establish Adopt -a -Trail groups to work with each Forest
Supervisor to establish more loop trails or improve existing loop
trails within DEM properties.
♦ Establish a long distance trail network to connect DEM and
other conservation properties in this area, utilizing protected
open space and unimproved town and county roads wherever
possible. Focus on east-west trail connections.
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION
DEM's objective is to maintain a diversity of habitats within the
forest & park system, to sustain plant and animal diversity in
Massachusetts, and to promote stewardship of public, private and
nonprofit open space in support of this same attribute.
♦ Determine if there is an interest in combining the efforts of
EOEA agencies, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Millers River
Watershed Council, Athol -Orange Greenway Committee, Trustees of
Reservations, Mass. Audubon, Army Corps of Engineers and the
Harvard Forest to form a regional Greenway Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Environmental education is an important aspect of DEM's mission.
The following text and recommendations is compiled from several
portions of the plan to highlight the educational and
interpretive components associated with the management of this
cluster of parks.
A summary of the Sandler recreation survey indicates that
historic appreciation and nature study are very popular
activities in Massachusetts, having been mentioned by one-quarter
to one-half of the respondents.
♦ FY 96 staff included Interpreters assigned during the summer
months to Dunn Pond State Park, & Lake Dennison Recreation Area.
- Otter River currently uses the services of the seasonal Park
Interpreter assigned to Lake Dennison, but level of use
justifies two separate seasonal Interpreter positions.
- Seasonal Park Interpreters should also be considered for
Erving and Wendell in the future if additional positions
become available.
VI H
♦ Interpretive trail (s) through recent timber operation sites can
demonstrate Best Management Practices (BMPs) used in forest
management. The harvesting site near the Wendell State Forest
headquarters is one ideal area to establish this type of trail.
♦ DEM will coordinate with Northeast Utilities and DFW
in the development of a forestry and wildlife management
demonstration area at Northfield Mountain in Erving on 180
acres of property owned by Northeast Utilities and an abutting
portion of Erving State Forest.
Forest management in the demonstration area will be aimed
at supporting a diversity of native wildlife species.
Composition goals to support this objective are:
5-15% seedling forest (trees <1" dbh) ,
30-40% sapling-pole forest (trees 1-8" dbh) ,
40-50% sawtimber forest (trees >9" dbh) ,
5-10% large sawtimber forest (trees >15" dbh) .
♦ All parks should consider installation of a short, self -guided
interpretive trail.
♦ Trail maintenance & volunteer coordination.
- Plan and implement small volunteer maintenance and
construction projects to bring together the different user
groups .
- Provide guides for trail etiquette on multiple use trails and
for construction and maintenance that include the needs of
various trail users to promote cooperation by helping user
groups learn more about each other.
- Promote formation of advisory committees / friends groups for
these forests & parks.
- Provide support for trail interest groups (see Appendix H) .
♦ Enforcement of DEM regulations and state laws will be enhanced
through environmental education:
- DEM will strive to improve communication and promote
environmental education for our visitors.
- As of 1996, thirty five Forest & Park Supervisors were
authorized to write non-criminal citations. An additional
group will receive the training in 1997. This authority
is used in a non-confrontational and educational manner.
The Park Rangers also provide educational programs and
visitor services such as first aid and technical user
information. The primary focus of a Park Ranger, in
addition to their park supervisory responsibilities, are
patrols for campgrounds, day use areas and trails, and
visitor contact for educational purposes.
♦ Trails and ways may be posted closed to one or more use(s) with
signs at trailheads, intersections, or prominent locations such
as the forest headquarters or visitor centers .
IX
♦ Develop trailhead signs Indicating the cooperative nature of
the newly acquired Warwick conservation properties (DEM / Mount
Grace Land Conservation Trust) . Trailhead signs should include a
list of invited uses. MGLCT signs will not list hunting as an
invited use. Signs can be standardized with new carsonite
markers .
♦ Place signs at trail intersections with a numbering system.
Update trail map brochures with trail intersection numbering
system, and provide brochures for trail users. Orientation
wayside signs (3' X 5') should be considered for priority
trailhead locations.
♦ All parks should consider 3' X 5' "Welcome to..." orientation
wayside signs for all main buildings.
♦ Install signs at all DEM-managed boat access sites encouraging
boaters to remove plant debris before and after boats are
launched, to reduce the spread of exotic and nuisance plants.
Signs are available from the Public Access Board.
♦ Prepare a brochure in cooperation with DFW related to fishing
opportunities along the Route 2 corridor. See example brochure
for Myles Standish State Forest (Appendix B) .
♦ Promote what DEM has to offer with marketing focus on the
greater Boston area (only one to one -and- a -half hours away) ,
thereby stimulating and strengthening the tourism aspect of the
local economy.
- Continue to use interpretive programs as a promotional tool.
- Communicate with publishers of travel guides (AAA, Mobile,
etc.) to expand coverage of state park opportunities.
- Increase availability of brochures and information on special
events in Chambers of Commerce, Offices of Travel & Tourism,
and along highway stops in neighboring states .
- Promote the excellent trail opportunities and scenic /
interesting stops along trails.
- Coordinate with the Millers River Watershed Council to
promote and provide more public access to the river. The
Route 2 corridor westward from Wendell can be promoted as a
canoe route with access to the Millers River from Wendell
State Forest or other points. With a portage at the Turners
Falls Dam, canoeists can access Connecticut River Greenway
State Park and canoe path. A list and map of river access
sites from the 1983 Millers River Management Plan is included
in Appendix F .
♦ Historic and cultural sites within the state forests might be
appropriate for interpretive programs that could be marketed in
the region or statewide. Potential sites within this cluster of
parks include :
- Native American sites such as prehistoric villages, a Colonial
Period tribal council meeting location, camp locations.
- Mill, tannery and house sites from the Colonial through
Industrial Periods (late-1600s thru early-1900s) .
- Civilian Conservation Corps sites.
Note: A professional determination of the significance and
integrity for any historical or cultural site, with development
of a treatment/protection plan, would be required prior to
establishing public visitation procedures.
♦ The Heritage Discovery Network database, developed by DEM' s
Office of Historic Resources, provides an avenue for DEM to
increase the public's awareness of natural, scenic, cultural and
historic attractions of Massachusetts. The Network has a unique
focus on "second tier" heritage attractions- -those sites which
are most often missed in conventional tourist 'promotion. The
database includes detailed information on sites in Franklin
County along the Mohawk Trail . As additional sites are added to
the database, and the data availability becomes more tourist -user
friendly, DEM should take full advantage of this new tool to
promote recreation opportunities for this cluster of parks . The
database is accessible at the Great Falls Discovery Center in
Turners Falls. The sites that are currently covered in the
database are listed in Appendix G.
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XI
INTRODUCTION
MISSION
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) exercises
care and oversight for the natural and cultural resources of the
Commonwealth, and provides quality public recreational
opportunities in the state forests & parks. DEM's GOALS Program
(Guidelines for Operations And Land Stewardship) provides the
means for DEM to develop management plans that cover all aspects
of recreation and resource management for the state's parks.
The GOALS planning process brings together a primary team of
individuals made up of the Park Supervisors, Assistant Regional
and Regional Forest & Park Directors, Management Foresters and
GOALS Program Planners. A secondary team is often composed of
individuals from within DEM, and also professionals from other
state agencies, who contribute their expertise. Public input is
also a very important component in the GOALS planning process.
Over the past ten years GOALS management plans have been
completed for 18 parks across the Commonwealth, covering over
75,000 acres of public land, addressing parks with a great deal
of diversity related to size of the facilities, the variety of
natural and cultural resources, and elements of visitor use.
This GOALS plan is a first for DEM because, rather than
covering a single facility as they have in the past, this plan
examines all state forests and parks in the northern portion of
DEM's administrative Region 4 (eastern Franklin County and
northwestern Worcester County) . This cluster of parks is chosen
because of their potential for enhanced delivery of recreation
services and resource stewardship, resulting from the cooperative
use of the management capabilities of several related facilities.
DEM' s Division of Forests & Parks and the Division of Resource
Conservation are working together on this pilot regional planning
initiative covering nine state forests and parks and their
associated satellite properties; Otter River State Forest, Lake
Dennison Recreation Area, Federated Women's Club of America State
Forest, Gardner Heritage State Park, Dunn Pond State Park, Erving
State Forest, Mount Grace State Forest, Warwick State Forest and
Wendell State Forest. The GOALS plan describes existing
conditions for a variety of resources that are associated with
this cluster of parks. The descriptions include an examination
of management concerns and opportunities, which helps to clarify
issues, leading to the development of action recommendations.
MANAGEMENT PLANNING OBJECTIVES
The new regional planning orientation is intended to provide
DEM more effective ways to address the delivery of visitor
services and a variety of associated management issues within
several forests and parks. These parks are related to each other
by proximity, and by aspects of their natural, cultural and
l
recreational resources. The regional perspective will also allow
DEM to work with nonprofits, municipalities, state and federal
agencies, to enhance the continuity and protection of open space,
and identify long-distance trail connections.
Regional planning activities of the Commonwealth are being
conducted with focus at the watershed or river basin level, under
the guidelines of the Watershed Initiative. A watershed is a
geographic area within which surface and ground water flows to a
common point. By making the watershed the context for decision
making, regional aspects of natural resource management can be
considered in environmental assessment and planning, and
implementation of conservation and restoration strategies.
The focus region for this plan drains to the Connecticut
River via three major tributaries, but is mainly within the
Millers River watershed. The northwestern portion of this region
is in the Ashuelot River basin, which joins the Connecticut River
in New Hampshire, and the southwestern portion of the region is
within the Chicopee River basin. The focus region can be
described as the state's central highlands, located in an area
north of the Quabbin Reservoir and south of the New Hampshire
border. The many forested hills and small mountains, the
beautiful lakes and reservoirs, the brooks and rivers, and the
integrated areas of rural settlement, comprise an important
scenic and recreational resource only an hour to an hour-and-a-
half from Boston, and one-half to one hour from Springfield. The
more densely populated communities in this region include Orange,
Athol and Gardner.
Although this region was hit quite hard by the recent
recession, the residents are proud of a hard working, productive
heritage in a variety of mills, manufacturing, and natural
resource-related industries. A promising direction for
sustainable economic growth in the area is in the recreation and
tourist industry, balanced with the importance of conserving and
enhancing natural and cultural resources which define the region.
REGIONAL CONTEXT
The landscape is characterized by the most rugged terrain of
the state's central upland. Elevations range from 200 to 1500
feet above sea level. Residual hills composed of erosion
resistant rocks, also known as "monadnocks" are an important
component of the landscape in this region, and northward into the
southern portion of New Hampshire.
The bedrock in this region is overlain in most areas by
shallow to deep glacial deposits, and the soils derived from this
glacial parent material are generally acidic and range from
rocky, well -drained sandy, gravelly loams, to poorly drained
mucks near the water table. The presettlement forest was
probably composed of a variety of transition hardwoods including
oak, hickory, chestnut, beech, birch, maple, ash and cherry, with
white pine and hemlock adding to the variety of cover types.
Recent research indicates that variation in vegetation cover type
over large regions is most strongly affected by climate. Effects
of surficial geology, topography and disturbance history are also
important factors influencing vegetation diversity.
Native Americans settled mainly along the water courses
including the Millers River where salmon and trout were abundant .
These original settlers also hunted and trapped the variety of
wildlife that was present in the rich ecosystem, and later
established an agricultural society utilizing the deep floodplain
soils near the river. The Nipmuck Tribe was displaced from this
region by the European settlers. The first permanent white
settlement was established in 1735 in what is now Athol .
Much of the forest land was cleared during
1700s and early-1800s so that the area could be
and crops. The lumber was used for building mat
firewood. The river provided power for small mi
industries that became established during the 18
residents' livelihoods from agriculture to manuf
region has gradually reforested since that time,
soils, topography and historic land use provides
conditions that is revealed in the current patte
cover types .
the mid- to late-
used for pasture
erials and
lis and then for
00s, shifting the
acturing. The
The variety of
a mosaic of site
rn of vegetation
DUNN PARK - This photo taken in 1 91 7 for postcard use depicts Dunn Park as it appeared at that time.
OVERVIEW OF STATE FORESTS & PARKS
Otter River State Forest (ORSF) , acquired by the
Commonwealth in 1915, was the first state forest and the first
campground established by DEM, at that time known as the
Department of Conservation. The state forest is located in
Templeton and Winchendon and covers approximately 1220 acres.
Recreation facilities include 100 campsites, three group sites,
two swimming beaches, a pavilion, and a ball field, all located
next to Beaman Pond. The Otter River headquarters, garage and
maintenance facilities are located within this state forest just
off of Route 202, in Baldwinville within the Town of Templeton,
near the Winchendon town line. DEM's Bureau of Fire Control
District 8 is partially headquartered in the ORSF management
unit .
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) owns a substantial
acreage of floodplain and wetlands surrounding Otter River, known
as the Birch Hill Flood Control Area. The primary purpose of
Lake Dennison, located just to the north of ORSF in Winchendon,
is flood control, but DEM has a 50 -year lease (current lease
expires in 2 026) to use Lake Dennison for recreation and fish &
wildlife management purposes. DEM leases 4221 acres from ACOE at
this site, and in turn DEM leases about 4000 acres of that to the
Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) for
purposes of fish and wildlife management. DEM manages the 200+
acre Lake Dennison Recreation Area day use and camping areas,
including 150 campsites, a swimming beach and picnic area.
The several square miles of open space covered by the state
forest and. ACOE lands provides the public with wonderful
opportunities for dispersed recreation. The abundance of
undeveloped, forested land also provides vital habitat for game
and nongame wildlife species. Hunting is a popular activity in
season, and an extensive trail system is used throughout the
year. The park staff maintains many miles of forest roads for
dog sledders, nordic skiers and snowmobilers . The trails are
also maintained for warm weather uses such as hiking, horseback
riding and mountain biking. Lake Dennison has pH, oxygen and
temperature conditions that allow for a put -and- take trout
stocking program administered by Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife. Fishing is popular throughout the year. Also, the DEM
staff organizes a smaller scale fishing program for children
camping at Beaman Pond.
There are several areas of public open space, either with
primitive facilities or without any type of developed facilities,
that are managed by the ORSF staff.
The 984 acre Federated Women's Club State Forest
(Federated) , located mostly in Petersham with some acreage in New
Salem, abuts the northeastern portion of MDC's Quabbin Watershed
Reservation. A 140-acre block within the forest is set aside by
deed restriction as a wildlife sanctuary where hunting and
trapping are prohibited. Federated is an extremely popular site
for deer and turkey hunters. Throughout the summer and fall, six
primitive camp sites are available for people who enjoy camping
in uncrowded natural conditions. Campers are required to check
in at the Otter River headquarters prior to setting up camp.
State Forest land totaling approximately 4500 acres, or
about seven square miles of open space, is located in many
separate parcels including Winchendon State Forest, Templeton
State Forest, Petersham State Forest and Riceville Pond,
Hubbardston State Forest, Royalston State Forest, Athol State
Forest and Lawton State Forest in Athol. The areas comprise a
valuable resource for a variety of trail uses, hunting, trapping
and fishing, and are also important habitat areas for wildlife,
natural filters that improve the quality of surface and
groundwater, and sources of forest products. Natural areas such
as the Fever Brook Gorge in Federated, Riceville Pond in
Petersham State Forest, and the many streams, wetlands and
diversity of upland sites dispersed throughout the blocks of
state forest land are important components of the region's
outstanding scenic attributes.
The Ware River Rail Trail is a 15-mile-long corridor, which
runs north- south along a former railroad ROW through portions of
Templeton, Phillipston, Hubbardston and Barre . The Rail Trail is
an undeveloped multi-use trail managed by the ORSF staff.
Gardner Heritage State Park is made up of two separate
facility components, along with a variety of educational and
cultural programs. The Heritage State Park Visitors Center,
located in the center of the City in an historic fire station,
highlights the history of the furniture manufacturing industry
and the city's cultural diversity through exhibits, displays and
programs. The Heritage State Park has contributed to the area's
economic stability by providing information and thereby
increasing interest in local furniture outlets and other
businesses. The staff has also organized a series of band
concerts and helps to maintain flower planters located around the
downtown area .
Dunn Pond State Park was a city-managed recreation area for
many decades. In the early- to mid-1980s, DEM with the City of
Gardner and a grant from the federal government, conducted a
major rehabilitation project that included lake improvement
through dredging and filter dam construction, and constructing
new headquarters / meeting space / comfort station facilities. A
large parking area has recently been paved to improve access to
the site. This day use facility has a very popular swimming
area, large wooded picnic sites, and an exercise trail around the
perimeter of the pond. The Park is an important recreational
site year-round because the staff clears snow from a portion of
the pond for ice skaters and organizes cultural events such as
Native American programs, and outdoor activities such as bonfire
skating parties and ice fishing derbies. The Division of
Fisheries and Wildlife stocks the pond with trout. The deed for
Dunn Pond has recently been transferred from the city to DEM, and
DEM is now undertaking a universal access improvement project,
and organizing for additional site improvements. Funding comes
in part from the federal Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Program via the Commonwealth's Division of Conservation Services.
Erving State Forest (ESF) and the contiguous Northfield
State Forest cover over ten square miles in Erving, Northfield,
Orange and Warwick. The ESF headquarters and a central office
for District 9 Fire Control are located just south of Route 2 in
Erving. Most of the state forest land, including the beautiful
Laurel Lake camping and day use area, runs northward from Route 2
nearly to the New Hampshire border. The Laurel Lake recreation
area within ESF is located in Erving and Warwick and includes a
32 -site camping area, picnic sites and the most popular public
swimming beach in the area. Laurel Lake is also popular for
boating and fishing, enhanced by the DFW trout stocking program.
The large area of rugged forested land that comprises the
remainder of these state forests is used for hunting, trapping,
fishing and a variety of trail activities during all seasons.
Just to the north of Warwick center along the western side
of Route 78, the headquarters for Mt. Grace State Forest is
located next to a picnic area and playing field. A trail system
originating at the headquarters and field area traverses the
steep topography of this 1690 -acre state forest, with pathways
connecting to the Metacomet - Monadnock Trail and leading to the
top of Mt . Grace - elevation 1625' ASL.
Several additional parcels of state forest land are located
within the Town of Warwick. Totaling over 7000 acres, they are
known collectively as Warwick State Forest. This Forest includes
Sheomet Lake, a high quality impoundment that is stocked by DFW,
with potential for recreation area development in the future.
The Warwick Carpentry Shop is also located within the state
forest. In recent years, the carpentry shop supplied the Forests
& Parks in Region 4 with signs, picnic tables and other facility
needs. A Correctional Camp was formerly associated with DEM's
carpentry shop, supplying staff for various construction and work
projects .
An acquisition was completed in 1995, adding to the
continuity of conservation lands associated with Warwick State
Forest. These recently acquired lands are described in detail on
the last pages of this Introduction section.
South of the Millers River and the Route 2 corridor, mostly
within the Town of Wendell, Wendell State Forest covers over 7500
acres of forested hills, with streams, ponds and wetlands, and
includes an extensive trail system. The park headquarters is
located on Montague Road. The park entrance next to the
headquarters leads the visitor down a short hill to the scenic
Ruggles Pond day use area. The water is clean, but tea colored
due to humic acids from the organic sediments and runoff from the
surrounding forest. The swimming and picnic area is low-key and
quiet, but very popular with local families who have become
regular visitors. There is also a ballfield with a pavilion
located nearby along another portion of the pond's shoreline.
A boat access for car top boats is located on Wickett Pond, a
scenic natural pond about a mile east of Ruggles Pond, also
accessible through state forest roads from Montague Road.
DEM and Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust have been
working together to expand Wendell State Forest. In June, 1996
an acquisition was completed for several parcels totaling 346
acres. In a separate transaction a 57-acre conservation
restriction was acquired, linking the newly acquired 346 acres to
Wendell State Forest. The property includes a large section of
Bear Mountain with valuable forest land, excellent wildlife
habitat, and several streams including a brook with a cascading
waterfall. The entire piece is within the viewshed of the
Millers River and includes some steep slopes adjacent to the
river. The area is noted for its interesting geologic features
such as an impressive 3 0+ foot cave near the highest elevation.
The many woods roads will add to the state forest trail system.
The Metacomet - Monadnock Trail is a 117-mile- long hiking
trail, stretching from Mt . Monadnock in New Hampshire to its
southern terminus in Connecticut . The trail corridor provides a
link between several of the state forests covered in this plan.
Hikers passing through eastern Franklin County traverse portions
of Wendell, Erving, Northfield, Mt . Grace and Warwick State
Forests. The significant amount of trail mileage located within
state forest properties has generated a close working
relationship between DEM staff and Appalachian Mountain Club
(AMC) volunteers and other groups who help maintain the trail .
Similar to the eastern end, the western end of this central
highland grouping of state parks has several blocks of state
forest land without any developed facilites. These blocks
include Orange State Forest (59 acres) , Shutesbury State Forest
(845 acres) , and additional DEM-managed land in New Salem,
Leverett and Montague . These areas of open space provide
continuity of habitat for wildlife, and opportunities for
dispersed recreation.
A recent land acquisition effort, conducted by DEM in
partnership with Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust (MGLCT) , has
conserved an additional 4 92 acres of open space, linking a large
tract of Warwick State Forest with MGLCT' s Arthur Iversen
Conservation Area. Acquisition of the Earle, Maynard and Zellmer
properties was completed in June 1995. Please refer to Figure 1
related to the following description. DEM acquired, in fee, the
southern 108 acres, which is adjacent to a portion of Warwick
State Forest, and includes Gales Pond. DEM purchased a
conservation restriction on the remaining 3 84 acres owned by
MGLCT, and MGLCT granted a conservation restriction to DEM over
128 acres of the Arthur Iversen Conservation Area. The project
is part of a larger effort by DEM and MGLCT to link several
parcels of Warwick State Forest with other protected land in the
area.
The newly acquired property is quite diverse with narrow
valleys, steep slopes, and a variety of water resources including
the 11-acre Gales Pond, portions of Hodge and Rum Brooks and
their substantial associated wetland systems, an outstanding
black spruce bog, several vernal pools, and a seasonal cascade
known as the Devil's Washbowl. Wildlife and vegetation surveys
were recently completed by professional natural resources
consultants .
The current uses of conservation land in this area include
trail activities, hunting and forestry. Snowmobiling is the most
popular trail activity in the DEM properties in Warwick, and the
state forest land is also used for horseback riding. People
using the trails on foot are mainly residents of Warwick who live
near the properties. Trails in the Arthur Iversen Conservation
Area are used mainly for hiking, and the northwestern portion of
the new property is less than a mile from the Metacomet-Monadnock
Trail. The DEM-managed parcels are also used extensively for
hunting. This use is particularly prevalent in the Allen Road
area.
DEM has conducted two recent timber sales, an oak leaf tire
salvage cut in the Allen Road area, and a shelterwood cut in the
Beach Hill Area. Land acquired by MGLCT in 1990-93 is available
for timber harvesting, but there is not much merchantable timber
on the properties at this time. MGLCT has a cutting plan for
these areas. MGLCT will restrict timber harvesting on a portion
of their land, including the Devil's Washbowl area and all
sensitive areas that are identified in the wildlife inventory
report .
Management concerns for both DEM and MGLCT include trash
dumping and restriction of ORV and 4WD access. DEM will continue
to work with MGLCT to clarify and address management issues that
can be addressed cooperatively. Recommendations related to trail
connections between DEM and MGLCT properties and other trail
considerations are included in the Trails section of this plan.
%
toi- _ FIGURE 1
It Grace Land Conservation Trust/Dept of Environmental Mgmt
Public/Private Partnership Project
Arthur Iversen Conservation Area/Warwick State Forest
Gale Road, Warwick
Owned & Managed by MGLCT/Conservation Restriction Held By DEM
Conservation Restriction Held by MGLCT/Privately Owned
Department of Environmental Management Warwick State Forest
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1995
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NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
FORESTRY & WILDLIFE
DEM's forestry activity within the state forests and parks
is intended to provide marketable forest products while enhancing
habitat for the widest possible variety of native wildlife
species. Spin-off benefits, such as road grading accomplished by
the loggers, improve access for park management and emergency
vehicles, and improve opportunities for dispersed recreation
(Appendix A - forest roads classification) .
The forest products industry is an important component of
the economic stability in the north-Quabbin region. In support
of this industry, DEM Management Foresters market up to 500,000
board feet of timber per year from the state forests and parks
covered in this plan. Also, under DEM's Home Fuelwood Program,
the state forests provide more than 2 00 cords /year used for
heating local homes. This Program allows people to bid on lots
for a supply of fuelwood for personal use .
Wildlife management for multiple species (nongame and game)
requires consideration of local landscape conditions in
combination with special features that require specific
management such as spring seeps, vernal pools and other wetlands,
den and cavity trees, abandoned orchards, and deer wintering
areas. The forest cutting plans developed by DEM foresters take
these factors into account in order to maintain and enhance the
variety of wildlife habitat. The importance of this land
stewardship ethic is represented by a recent publication produced
by the Principal Research Wildlife Biologist from the
Northeastern Forest Experiment Station located at UMass -Amherst ,
in cooperation with one of DEM's north-Quabbin area Management
Foresters. The publication, Forest Wildlife of Massachusetts:
Cover Type, Size Class, and Special Habitat Requirements, by
Richard M. DeGraaf and David M. Richard, identifies habitats
utilized by Massachusetts wildlife, and is intended for foresters
and landowners interested in improving the diversity of wildlife
through forest management. The publication is available through
the Cooperative Extension Service at UMass.
DEM and the Department of Environmental Protection Division
of Wetlands & Waterways recently cooperated to revise the
Massachusetts Forest Cutting Practices regulations (Ch. 132) and
the forestry section of the Wetlands Protection Act regulations
(Ch. 131) . The revisions are intended to enhance the protection
of wetlands during timber harvesting operations through the use
of Best Management Practices. Public interests that are
positively effected by the revised regulations include
conservation of water quality and quantity, prevention of floods
and soil erosion, improving habitat for wildlife and conditions
for recreation.
U
DEM Management Foresters use the Field Manual for
Silvicultural Prescription, a system derived from A Forest Land
Classification System for Massachusetts by Mawson, Rivers and
Fischer, to assemble information about forest characteristics of
of the DEM forests and parks, in order to prescibe site-specific
management and silvicultural treatment recommendations.
Information on stand analyses and silvicultural recommendations
is available at DEM's Regional Forest & Park headquarters in
Amherst. DEM Foresters also have a key role in the long-term
research of the Continuing Forest Inventory (CFI) . As funding
becomes available, the permanent plots in Massachusetts will be
resampled and the inventory will be used to set management
guidelines such as the planning of allowable cut.
The state forests & parks in the north-Quabbin region are an
important resource for hunters, trappers, and people interested
in wildlife viewing. DEM cooperates with the Mass. Division of
Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW) related to the DFW Licensing and
Permit Program for hunting and trapping and the DFW stocking
program for game birds . Hubbardston State Forest was the
original release site for turkey reintroduction east of the
Connecticut River. This program has been very successful, with a
healthy turkey population now established in northern Worcester
County and statewide.
Staff from Shade Tree Management & Insect Pest Control
within the Bureau of Forest Development periodically conduct a
hazardous tree survey in the parks high use areas, and remove
branches or trees that present a public safety hazard. The
regional STM&IPC crew also monitors trends in insect populations
such as gypsy moth, which can adversely effect the forest in this
area by defoliating and weakening the trees.
Recommendations :
♦ DEM will coordinate with Northeast Utilities and DFW
in the development of a forestry and wildlife management
demonstration area at Northfield Mountain in Erving on 18 0
acres of property owned by Northeast Utilities and an abutting
portion of Erving State Forest.
Forest management in the demonstration area will be aimed
at supporting a diversity of native wildlife species.
Composition goals to support this objective are:
5-15% seedling forest (trees <1" dbh) ,
30-40% sapling-pole forest (trees 1-8" dbh) ,
40-50% sawtimber forest (trees >9" dbh) ,
5-10% large sawtimber forest (trees >15" dbh) .
Z
Silvicultural recommendations to increase land area at either
end of the successional spectrum.
- Suitable areas for bird and lepidoptera species that require
open field habitat are in short supply in Massachusetts.
A variety in the distribution of successional stages across
the landscape, including a greater acreage in open field and
early sucessional forest, can be established by rotating
clearcuts up to 40 acres in size in selected areas of the
state forests. A few large patches rather than a lot of
small patches would be more beneficial for these wildlife
species. Coarse woody debris should be maintained as ground
cover in the clearcuts to provide wetter, cooler refuge areas
for amphibians. Patches should be located so that continuity
of interior forest habitat can also be maintained. Increase
in cutting would also improve economic opportunities for
local timber harvesters.
- A recent study indicates that there is very little old growth
forest in Massachusetts. Selected late-successional forest
stands should be allowed to progress toward longer rotations
to simulate old growth conditions.
The Federated Women's Club purchased land from the Diamond
Match Company and donated the nearly 10 00 -acre Federated
State Forest to the Commonwealth in 1933. A deed restriction
exists for a 140-acre wildlife sanctuary within Federated,
which is one of the most popular DEM forests for hunting.
Coordination with DFW is needed to ensure that hunting and
trapping at Federated occurs only outside the boundaries of the
wildlife sanctuary.
Staff from the Bureau of Forest Development have the expertise
to oversee research projects conducted within DEM forests &
parks. Funding is available for small research grants that
will be directly applicable to DEM management concerns,
such as impacts to resources from various types of recreation,
insect/pest management, ecological restoration, etc. Research
proposals will be reviewed by a DEM research committee, and
approved researchers must obtain a Special Use Permit prior to
commencing research activities.
FISHERIES
The lakes and ponds within the state forests and parks in
the north-Quabbin area support natural fish populations with a
variety of species including largemouth and smallmouth bass,
chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, bluegill, yellow perch, golden
shiner, brown bullhead, banded killifish, and American eel.
These species are important in the stability of the lake
ecosystems and also help sustain the sport fish that are stocked
by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) .
DFW fisheries management focuses on a catchable trout
stocking program for Dunn Pond, Lake Dennison, Laurel Lake and
Sheomet Lake. These lakes and ponds along the Route 2 corridor
make up one of the most important fishing resources in the
Commonwealth. Boat, shoreline and ice fishing are popular
activities in these recreation areas. Fishing derbies held at
Dunn Pond have attracted as many as 1000 visitors.
Dunn Pond is annually stocked with over 1000 brook trout.
In addition, about 12 0 0 trout averaging six inches in length were
recently released to relieve overcrowding at the fish hatchery.
Lake Dennison is stocked with about 12 00 brook, brown and rainbow
trout in the spring and about 500 rainbows in the fall. Over the
past ten years, Laurel Lake has been annually stocked with 1500
to 5000 rainbow, brook and brown trout, although brook trout have
not been stocked since 1992. Sheomet Lake has also been stocked
with rainbow, brook and brown trout. 1300 to 2600 fish have been
annually stocked, but brook trout have not been part of the mix
since 1990. DFW collects data on pH level and acid neutralizing
capacity on an annual basis as part of the trout stocking
program .
Wickett Pond in Wendell State Forest is not stocked by DFW,
but it is a popular fishing site, particularly for ice fishing.
Opportunities to catch bass and perch bring visitors to Wickett.
Recommendations :
Continue cooperation with DFW Central and CT Valley District
stocking programs. Stocking to occur at or near current (1995)
levels unless water quality or demand changes.
Continue to survey the fish communities and water quality
parameters in the lakes and ponds in order to gather
information needed to guide management decisions.
Coordinate with DFW and DEP for use of lime to maintain pH at a
level to sustain healthy populations of trout and other
fish species.
Encourage harvest of warmwater species to increase the health
of stocked fish.
Prepare a brochure in cooperation with DFW related to fishing
opportunities along the Route 2 corridor. See example brochure
for Myles Standish State Forest (Appendix B) .
IH
RARE SPECIES & PRIORITY HABITAT AREAS
Franklin County is ranked second among Massachusetts
counties related to diversity of rare species. Although most of
the rare species are clustered around the Connecticut River,
there are also important rare species habitat areas located
within the state forests throughout the north-Quabbin region.
Due to the large amount of conservation land managed by DEM,
there are more occurrences of rare species within the state
forests and parks than are found with any other land managing
agency or landowner. This translates to a very important
stewardship role for DEM related to protection of the state's
rare natural resources .
For DEM forests and parks in the north-Quabbin area,
detailed information on occurrence of rare species or community
types, location of habitat, and specific management guidelines
are kept on hand at the local forest & park headquarters and the
regional forest & park headquarters in Amherst .
DEM staff will continue to coordinate with the DFW Natural
Heritage & Endangered Species Program to protect rare and
endangered species habitat and unique communities within the
state forests & parks. Sensitive habitat areas will be managed
under the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Zone from
the Land Stewardship Zoning system which is explained in detail
in the following text .
LAND STEWARDSHIP ZONING
A Land Stewardship Zoning system has been developed by all
the land managing agencies within the Executive Office of
Environmental Affairs, i.e. the Department of Food & Agriculture;
the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; the Metropolitan
District Commission; and the Department of Environmental
Management. The system is intended to increase the consistency
of management across all state-owned conservation land, and to
improve interagency cooperation, especially in areas where two or
more state agencies manage closely related properties.
The zoning classification system guidelines make it possible
to regulate activities within certain areas so that sensitive and
significant resources are protected. In addition, it is possible
to guide future development and improvements to sites that can
tolerate intensive use.
(5
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ZONE: Highly sensitive areas requiring
a high degree of protection, such as rare species habitats or
fragile archeological sites, are within this zone.
Recreation
o Only low impact activities permitted in this zone, including
dispersed and nonmotorized recreation,
o Intensive, development -dependent recreation not permitted,
o New trail construction permitted if limited to stable areas and
located, to avoid adverse impacts to rare species, and known or
potential archaeological sites.
Visual Resources
o Retain area in natural state or preserve and enhance existing
natural or cultural landscape,
o Minimal cutting to maintain or enhance vistas permitted.
Vegetation & Wildlife Habitat
o Intensive habitat manipulation not permitted except as
recommended under the following guidelines,
o Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program recommendations
used to restore, maintain and enhance habitat of rare and
endangered species, and rare exemplary communities,
o Research which causes no adverse impact to sensitive resources
will be permitted through a formal written proposal process,
approved in advance by the Director of Forests & Parks or his
designee .
o Vegetation management allowed: Under silvicultural plans (see
below) , and utilizing native species to control erosion, for
stabilization of dunes, enhancement of ecosystem diversity, and
achieving other objectives consistent with protection of
existing resources; or under historic landscape restoration
plan,
o Cutting of vegetation allowed for maintenance of trails and
existing roads.
Water Resources
o Sensitive wetland resource areas and associated buffers will be
managed to protect and enhance habitat and water quality.
Silviculture
o Timber harvesting operations allowed under guidelines
protecting or enhancing rare & endangered species habitat.
Forest Protection
o Spread of major forest pathogens will be controlled with
procedures compatible with existing sensitive resources,
o Research stations for monitoring forest health may be
established,
o Wildfires will be extinguished by Bureau of Fire Control
personnel and Forest & Park staff, coordinating with municipal
fire departments,
o Fire breaks may be maintained in fire prone types of
vegetation.
ft
Transportation
o No new roads will be constructed.
o Passage through zone allowed on existing stable roadbeds or
trails .
Facilities
o No new construction except for small scale, low impact
facilities such as interpretive exhibits, handicapped ramps,
and boardwalks .
o No new construction in historic or cultural resource areas
unless part of a formal protection or restoration plan.
CONSERVATION ZONE: Areas in this zone are moderately sensitive,
and may include managed woodlands, water resources, wildlife
habitats, and agricultural resources. Opportunities for
dispersed recreation are provided within this zone.
Recreation
o Opportunities for appropriate dispersed recreation will be
provided.
Visual Resources
o Vistas will be opened in appropriate locations and open fields
will be maintained,
o At least 50% shade will be maintained in a buffer strip along
public access corridors.
Vegetation & Wildlife Habitat
o A high priority will be given to enhancing ecosystem diversity,
o Wildlife nesting and den habitat areas will be encouraged,
o Activities adjacent to wetlands will be undertaken with
adherence to regulations developed under the Wetlands
Protection Act in order to avoid adverse impacts.
Water Resources
o Emphasis will be on maintaining and enhancing surface and
ground water quality.
Agriculture
o Suitable agricultural uses will be encouraged where
appropriate .
Silviculture
o Forest lands are divided into productivity classes (high yield
and standard) with only high yield sites managed intensively,
o Management systems will be utilized to secure adequate natural
regeneration and age class diversity,
o Timber Stand Improvement operations will be used to improve the
quality and vigor of stands,
o Upon completion of operation, skid roads and landings will be
stabilized.
|7
Forest Protection
o Spread of major forest pathogens will be controlled through
environmentally sound programs,
o Research stations for monitoring forest health may be
established,
o Wildfires will be extinguished by Bureau of Fire Control
personnel and Forest & Park staff, coordinating with municipal
fire departments,
o Fire breaks will be maintained in fire prone types of
vegetation,
o Research plots for prescribed burning and other techniques of
fuel management may be established in this zone.
Transportation
o New road construction permitted in stable areas,
o Skid roads and truck roads will be carefully laid out by the
forester considering grades, drainage and stream integrity.
Facilities
o Small scale facilities are permitted such as gravel parking
areas, picnic areas, boardwalks, 2-4 stall comfort stations,
and viewing platforms,
o Visitor centers, bathhouses, maintenance facilities,
playfields, intensive camping areas, and major developments are
not appropriate in this zone,
o Utility corridors are permitted,
o Adaptive reuse of historic structures is permitted in
conjunction with a historic restoration plan,
o New construction in a historic or cultural resource area must
be recommended as part of a formal protection or restoration
plan, or historic landscape restoration plan.
INTENSIVE USE ZONE: Areas where resources can accommodate high
levels of visitor use, and associated structures or maintenance
facilities .
Recreation
o Legitimate recreational activities recognized by DEM, including
intensive development -dependent recreation, are permitted in
appropriate locations,
o Hunting will generally be excluded for safety reasons. MGL
Ch.90B prohibits the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of
occupied structures.
Visual Resources
o New structures and landscape treatments will be designed to
blend in with natural or cultural surroundings, including use
of trees and shrubs to screen utility buildings from view,
o Existing vistas will be maintained, and additional vistas may
be cleared.
IS
Vegetation & Wildlife Habitat
o Vegetation in natural resource areas will be managed by-
clearing out exotic species wherever possible, and maintaining
trees and shrubs when their presence does not adversely impact
public safety or access,
o Emphasis will be on maintaining vegetation with value to
nongame wildlife species,
o Small scale wildlife habitat improvements may be conducted,
o Landscape plantings will consist of native materials in natural
resource areas and historically compatible species in cultural
resource areas .
Water Resources
o Surface water resources may be used for recreation within
constraints of maintaining public safety and water quality,
o Surface water and associated wetland vegetation will be managed
following guidelines established in the Wetlands Protection
Act .
o Ground water resources may be utilized for day use and camping
facilities .
Silviculture
o Acreage in this zone is excluded from allowable harvest
calculations .
o Treatments will be conducted to improve public safety related
to hazard trees and fire suppression, and improve access for
recreation and education programs.
Forest Protection
o Spread of major forest pathogens will be controlled through
environmentally sound programs,
o Wildfires will be extinguished by Bureau of Fire Control
personnel coordinating with municipal fire departments.
Transportation
o All main roads and bridges will be constructed or maintained to
support a 75,000 pound load,
o Use of roads by logging trucks may be restricted during periods
of high visitor use.
Facilities
o Construction directly related to appropriate forms of
recreation will be allowed, and will conform to state health,
building and environmental codes,
o Administration buildings, maintenance areas, storage
facilities, parking lots, operational structures, visitors
centers, bathhouses, playfields, and intensive day use and
camping areas will be located in this zone,
o Utility corridors will be permitted,
o Historic restoration, rehabilitation or reconstruction for
interpretation or adaptive reuse of historic structures is
permitted in conjunction with an historic restoration plan.
\°\
In addition to these zones' that are based on the sensitivity of
the natural and cultural resources, some resources are noted on
federal, state, regional or local lists and registers, such as
endangered species lists and historical registers. These
significant resources are identified under the Land Stewardship
Zoning systems and will be managed according to guidelines and
recommendations from the listing agency.
Zoning for north-Ouabbin area Forests & Parks
Most of the land within these forests and parks will be managed
under the guidelines of the Conservation Zone. The Conservation
Zone is shown in dark green on Figure 2 with no cross-hatching or
other symbols.
Due to the scale of the map, the areas and zones outlined on
Figure 2 represent only the "approximate location of natural and
cultural resources.
Priority habitat areas recognized in the Natural Heritage Program
Atlas in Warwick State Forest, Wendell State Forest, Orange State
Forest, Templeton State Forest and Petersham State Forest will be
managed under the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Zone
with additional guidelines obtained from the Natural Heritage
staff .
Historical / cultural sites to be managed under the guidelines of
the Environmental Protection Zone with additional management
guidelines established if needed after studies are conducted to
determine integrity of the site, significance and sensitivity to
human disturbance.
DEM's Cultural Resources Inventory lists:
- Prehistoric village site in Federated State Forest.
- Native American burial ground in Montague State Forest.
- Native American camp sites in Northfield and Warwick State
Forests .
- Family cemeteries in Northfield & Warwick State Forests.
Large wetland areas, stream and river buffers will be managed
under the guidelines of the Conservation Zone, with the
additional protection afforded by the Wetlands Protection Act,
Forest Cutting Practices regulations and all additional
applicable legislation.
20
The existing beach, picnic, camping and maintenance/headquarters
and associated parking areas will be managed under the guidelines
of the Intensive Use Zone.
Sites identified for potential expansion or development of
intensive recreation facilities will be classified under the
Intensive Use Zone - Reserved, including;
- area proposed for Erving SF campground expansion
- area proposed for Lake Dennison upper picnic area expansion
- area proposed for cabin/yert construction in Wendell SF
- any potential swimming area upgrade or development
- new location comfort stations and other structural sites
A detailed analysis of natural and cultural resources at these
devlopment sites must be conducted to ensure that sensitive
resources will not be adversely affected. A methodology for
determining whether or not a site is suitable for expansion or
development of intensive recreation facilities is provided in the
following section.
Ruggles Pond day use area in Wendell State Forest
23,
CARRYING CAPACITY
Adverse effects on natural and cultural resources caused by-
recreation activities must be weighed against the many positive
aspects of recreation. Outdoor activities are a vital part of
maintaining physical and mental health. In addition, there are
educational benefits to consider. Public access for recreation
activities allows people to gain an appreciation of the great
variety of natural and cultural resources in the Commonwealth,
particularly when visits are supplemented with informational
signs or in interpretive programming. The appreciation gained
will hopefully translate into improved stewardship for resources
as more people realize the importance of all ecosystem
components. This and other aspects of the visitor's recreation
experience, such as the perception of crowding, must be
considered in the determination of an area's carrying capacity,
along with management considerations related to the facilities
and staff capabilities.
Carrying capacity is the level of activity an area can
support without causing an unacceptable degradation of resources
or unacceptable change to the recreation environment. Adverse
effects to resources can occur in a variety of ways and at a
variety of different disturbance levels. The type of recreation
activity and other factors such as the season, short term weather
conditions, the mix of species present, and physical parameters
such as soil type and topography are all important aspects of the
disturbance regime. Hikers, mountain bike riders, horseback
riders and ATV users can all cause varying amounts of soil
compaction and erosion. The ecology and water quality of lakes
and ponds can be altered through boating activities that
inadvertently introduce pollutants or aggressive, exotic species.
Rare or endangered plants are sometimes trampled if their habitat
is located close to intensive recreation areas such as
pondshores, camping areas, trails and playing fields. These are
just a few examples of the myriad ways people can effect the
ecology or recreation environment of an area while intending only
to enjoy it.
The complexity of this issue is by no means limited to the
variety of adverse effects. There are also effects from
recreation activities that can be viewed as beneficial. In any
given instance, some organisms will benefit from a recreation-
caused disturbance, and in some cases the changes will benefit
"desirable" species.
An objective analysis of the benefits and adverse effects of
recreation is critical for an agency that must conserve resources
while managing for public access. It is important to set
reasonable threshhold levels. What level of change to the
resources or recreation environment is acceptable? The end
result should be an objective determination of how many users
should be permitted in an area within the constraints of
conserving sensitive natural and cultural resources.
24-
Guidelines for Understanding & Determining Optimum
Recreation Carrying Capacity. 1977. Prepared by the Urban
Research Development Corp., Bethlehem, PA for the USDI - Bureau
of Outdoor Recreation, provides us with a method for quantifying
carrying capacity for a variety of recreation activities
(Appendix C) .
The following determination of carrying capacity, for
boating on Laurel Lake, is provided as an example of how to use
the above-referenced methodology. This is an essential analysis
for Laurel Lake, because expansion of the parking area for the
boat ramp is being considered as a long-term capital
recommendation. However, there are concerns about conflicts
between motor boats and other uses of the lake, and we should
first determine a reasonable carrying capacity for these uses .
In a similar way, carrying capacity analyses must be conducted
prior to implementation of proposed capital improvements such as
Erving campground expansion, Lake Dennison picnic area expansion,
or development of new swimming area facilities.
- Laurel Lake has a surface area of approximately 5 0 acres.
- The functional power boating area is less, because a buffer
area along the margin of the pond and for the swimming area
must be considered. The buffer area will be estimated as
10 0 feet times the perimeter of the lake, which is approx.
8500 feet.
- Using these figures, the buffer area is approx. 2 0 acres,
leaving 30 acres of the pond available for power boats.
Approximately 45 acres of the pond is available for
non-motorized boats when the swimming area and shallow pond
margins are subtracted from the 50 acre total.
The information on the following two pages is based on excerpts
from Guidelines for Understanding & Determining Optimum
Recreation Carrying Capacity: Additional information from this
source is provided in Appendix C.
Optimum carrying capacities vary from place to place because of
variable physical site conditions and participant situations .
The carrying capacities presented here are shown as a range of
possible optimum capacities from which a recreation administrator
or planner can choose. The suggested range indicates suggested
low and high optimum capacity limits. A "base" capacity figure
is also given within the range; this base figure represents an
optimum capacity level from the results of the State Standards
Inventory, the Participant Survey, and the Administrator/Planner
Survey. This base level assumes that the recreation activity is
being conducted under the most normal and typical site conditions
and participant situations for that activity.
The suggested ranges of optimum carrying capacity are based
largely on the results of the Participant Survey and the Park
Administrator/Planner Survey. The professional survey team that
2$
conducted the interviews reviewed and evaluated the low, high and
average optimum capacity responses resulting from the Surveys.
The Survey Team then reached a consensus concerning an
appropriate optimum capacity range for each outdoor recreation
activity.
Factors that affect carrying capacity for boats:
1) Location of recreation activity - Visitors in an urban area
will generally expect, tolerate, and accept more crowded
conditions than visitors who travel to remote locations.
2) Quality of site amenities - The number and quality of site
amenities affects a person's willingness to tolerate and accept
higher levels of capacity; therefore, recreation sites with
amenities such as scenic natural features, views or vistas can
generally be operated at a higher capacity.
3) Multiple use of the water - The number of boats per acre
should be lower if other activities such as swimming are also
occurring.
4) Shoreline conf icruration - Water areas with very irregular
shorelines should, on the basis of safety, accommodate fewer
boats per acre than areas with regular, even shorelines.
5) Circulation patterns, horse power or speed limits - Water
bodies with defined ski lanes can safely accommodate more boats
per acre than unmarked water bodies which allow a random pattern
of tow paths .
6) Degree of policing or supervision - Policed or supervised
areas can support more boats per acre than unsupervised areas.
Boating regulations can also allow for a greater use level.
7) Types of aquatic life - Certain types of aquatic and pondshore
life, under certain circumstances, are sensitive to large volumes
of boat traffic.
8) Depth of water - Water areas that are shallow should
accommodate fewer boats per acre. .
9) Rate of water turnover - The faster water is circulated
through the system, the more boats the water area can accommodate
related to eventual dissipation of oil and gas contamination.
2£
Factors allowing a greater number of boats on Laurel Lake:
2) Laurel Lake and the surrounding landscape can be considered a
very scenic area.
4) The shoreline has a fairly even and regular configuration.
6) The area is supervised, there are DEM CMRs related to
speed limit and time of day when water skiing is permitted,
and there is also a 10 horse power limit on the portion of the
lake that lies within the Town of Warwick. However, greater
law enforcment support is needed.
8) The lake is fairly deep with a maximum depth of approx. 3 0 ft.
Factors allowing a lesser number of boats on Laurel Lake:
1) The lake is located in a rural, fairly remote area.
3) The lake is used for swimming, fishing, motorized and non-
motorized boating.
5) There are no established boating circulation patterns at
this time.
9) The Living Lakes report indicates that the hydraulic
retention time is 1.5 years, a fairly slow turnover.
Factor that will not be used as a plus or minus:
7) Rare or endangered species are not a factor, but DFW stocks
the lake with trout that require clean, cold, well oxygenated
conditions .
Positive and negative carrying capacity factors for boating on
Laurel Lake are fairly even. This would suggest an optimum
capacity at the base level shown on the following graphs.
Given the 3 0 acres available for power boats, and 4 5 acres
available for non-motorized or electric motor boats, this would
set a base level of only 2 or 3 water skiers at one time, or
three power boats without skiers, or about 3 0 non-motorized or
low-power electric motor (fishing) boats. On a crowded weekend
during the summer, the current use of the lake easily exceeds
this estimated capacity.
The end result of this paper analysis is a starting point to
define a safe and enjoyable level for use of boats on Laurel
Lake. This initial analysis must be improved with refinements
from the on-site experience of park staff, public input, and
adjustments after implementation (if we are able to increase
enforcement capabilities) .
27
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION
DEM is steward of over one-quarter million acres of
conservation land in Massachusetts. DEM's objective is to
maintain a diversity of habitats within the forest & park system,
including relatively undisturbed inner forest areas, supporting
an important component of plant and animal diversity in
Massachusetts. Other public agencies, nonprofits and private
landowners are also responsible for stewardship of a considerable
diversity, of habitats across the state. Long-term conservation
of biodiversity will also rely on management decisions and
actions of these landowners.
The north-Quabbin region is unusual relative to most of
Massachusetts because it still has considerable continuity of
forested land, notwithstanding the substantial road network and
patchy residential/commercial/industrial development.
Maintaining continuity of inner forest habitat is important
related to overall diversity of plants and animals in an
ecosystem because habitat fragmentation caused by development
adversely affects some forest species. The effects include;
- a reduction in species that thrive in large tracts of
undisturbed forest, such as the Wood Thrush and other
songbirds, the River Otter and Fisher.
- an increase in opportunistic omnivores such as Blue Jays,
Crows, Raccoons, and Opossums.
- a reduction in large predators such as owls and hawks, which
would normally tend to keep the opportunistic omnivores in
check.
- disruption of migratory routes that tend to isolate
populations .
- an increase in the likelihood of aggressive non-native plant
species becoming established.
Due to these factors, the gradual loss of inner forest habitat in
Massachusetts is adversely affecting biological diversity.
The natural diversity of an ecosystem provides a region with
stability to recover from onslaughts of pests, diseases, fires
and storms. The species of plants and animals in this region
also have recreational and esthetic value for the many people who
enjoy bird watching, identifying plants or other aspects of
nature appreciation. Managing an area to maintain species
diversity is sensible because many species have potential to
provide biochemicals for medicine or have other economic values.
Maintenance of biodiversity at the landscape level requires
conservation of large areas that include the most diverse
ecosystems. The provision of greenway corridor connections and
buffers for these areas allows for species migration and
protection of inner forest habitat. The pattern of forest
ownership and use is the key factor in any land protection
strategy that attempts to maintain continuity and biodiversity at
the landscape or ecosystem level. In Massachusetts, the
objectives of private landowners are the most important
2S
consideration in developing this type of conservation plan.
Considering the number and size of privately-owned forest
parcels, a workable strategy to manage or conserve open space is
not easy to achieve for a large region or river basin area.
However, planning can be positively influenced by public
education and landowner incentives. The Forest Stewardship
Program, which is administered by DEM, is a good example of an
incentive program for owners of large forested parcels who are
interested in practicing long-term guardianship of their
woodlands. Under the guidelines of this Program, landowners
develop and implement stewardship plans to improve wildlife
habitat and forest esthetics, to protect soil and water resources
and to ensure a renewable supply of high quality wood products.
A "stewardship neighborhood" has been initiated in North
Orange. Eight abutting landowners with land holdings totaling
more than 650 acres, were organized together by a consulting
forester, and are developing a cooperative approach for
management of their private forested parcels. The consulting
forester requested funding from the Forest Stewardship Program to
review and coordinate the management plans. This is a good
example of the potential for an ecosystem based approach to
forest management across private ownerships . The success could
be publicized and promoted by regional nonprofits such as Mount
Grace Land Conservation Trust and the Millers River Watershed
Council .
Assessment of wildlife habitat requirements, native plant
and animal population viability, and other aspects of ecosystem
health is best conducted at the local to landscape scale
(hundreds to hundreds of thousands of acres) . Gap analysis is
one method for this type of assessment, using remote sensing
technology combined with field checks for verification. The
principle of gap analysis is to identify where there are gaps in
protection of cover types or ecosystems, and hot spots of species
diversity. A description of several modified gap analyses
conducted or ongoing in Massachusetts is provided in Appendix D.
Using the EOEA' s ARC- INFO Geographic Information System, a
modified gap analysis was conducted for a small portion of the
north-Quabbin region. The intention is to highlight important
ecological areas and inner forest habitat that are unprotected, -
and also to highlight viable greenway corridors that could
potentially connect existing open space. The initial results
indicate that the analysis has good potential as an acquisition
planning tool for DEM. Also, the perspective obtained from this
type of analysis could be used by the environmental organizations
working in this region to prioritize conservation strategies.
These groups include: the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust,
which has protected thousands of acres of land with cooperative
projects, including several with DEM; the Millers River Watershed
Council; the Athol -Orange Greenway Committee; Trustees of
Reservations; Massachusetts Audubon Society; Army Corps of
Engineers; EOEA agencies; the Harvard Forest; and considering the
y\
importance of the Millers "River basin as a subbasin of the
Connecticut River, the working groups associated with the Conte
Refuge and the Connecticut River Valley Open Space Planning.
Recommendat ions
♦ Expand coverage of gap analysis and supplement with detailed
cover type data from the USFWS/UMass analysis, and combine
with detailed land ownership information where feasible.
Field checking of areas identified by the analysis is an
important aspect of this evaluation.
♦ Determine if there is interest in combining efforts of the
diversified groups listed above to form a regional Greenway
Council, in order to facilitate the cooperative identification
and acquisition of priority inner forest habitat and corridor
connector sites.
♦ The analysis also shows important habitat areas that are
already managed for conservation purposes by public and
nonprofit agencies. DEM should take maintenance of interior
forest habitat (or biodiversity) into account in making
management decisions within the forests & parks of this region.
♦ Actively participate in the Commonwealth's Watershed
Initiative, as contributing member of Millers River basin team,
to promote and implement planning strategies for long-term
conservation of biodiversity at the landscape/ecosystem/river
basin level.
3o
LAKES & PONDS
BACKGROUND
An important component of the natural resources found in the
landscape north of the Quabbin Reservoir are the lakes and ponds.
Lakes and ponds have significant values for the people who
treasure them for their scenic and recreational uses. The open
bodies of water provide an important role in the habitat for many
species of plants and animals.
Seven lakes and ponds located within the state forests and
parks (Figure 3) are covered in depth in this study. Data
gathered from previous studies, and samples taken under DEM's
Lakes & Ponds Program in the late- summer 1994, have been assessed
to develop recommendations for stewardship of these lakes and
ponds. The physical features of each lake and pond are described
below (Table 1) and lake/pond bottom sediment is described on the
following page (Table 2) . A variety of water quality factors and
key indicators are reviewed to determine the health of each
waterbody and its suitability for various uses.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Table 1 . Lake
Morphometry (approximate values) .
Lake / Pond
Drainage
Area
(Acres)
Average
Depth
(Feet)
Maximum
Depth
(Feet)
Lake
Area
(Acres)
Volume
(Acre-feet)
Beaman Pond
475
4
10
2.25
9
Lake Dennison
2061
8
15
85
680
Dunn Pond
550
11
24
20
220
Laurel Lake
486
10
30
51
510
Sheomet Lake
3400
6
13
33
198
Ruggles Pond
787
3.5
6
19
66
Wickett Pond
275
4
10
25
100
3i
Table 2 . Sediment Description
Lake /Pond
Beaman Pond
Lake Dennison
Dunn Pond
Laurel Lake
Sheomet Lake
Ruggles Pond
Wickett Pond
Lake/Pond Bottom Description
Mineral soil predominates, with a shallow
layer of algal lake mud in some locations,
especially near the inlets and towards the
middle of the pond.
The shoreline and coves contain sand and gravel
overlain by up to 5 feet of algal lake mud
with sand and gravel on the shore .
Post-glacial mineral deposits were exposed
by dredging associated with the mid- 1980' s
restoration project. Mineral bottom is
gradually being covered by a shallow layer
of algal lake mud.
The bottom is mostly gravel, except the shallow
coves at the western and eastern ends that
contain as much as 3.5 feet of algal lake
mud.
The bottom is characterized by muck and gravel
with rock outcroppings and several islands.
There is a uniform layer of mud 3.5 to 4 feet
deep. The stumps and forest soils were not
removed prior to impoundment of this man-made
pond.
Glacial gravel is overlain by up to 20 feet of
algal lake mud.
ANALYSIS
Water quality is an important factor in the ecology and
recreational use of a lake or pond. Pollution can have direct
impacts on water quality and recreation, and it can lead to other
water quality problems, such as weed infestation that reduce
recreational values. Leaking septic systems can introduce
viruses and unhealthful bacteria directly into a water body.
Runoff may bring excess nutrients to the lake system, causing
algal blooms, fish kills, unpleasant taste and odor, and reducing
water clarity. All of these factors can lessen the potential for
swimming, fishing, and boating. The overall integrity of the
lake ecosystem relative to types and numbers of aquatic species
may also be impacted.
OK
Several indicators are used to measure the water quality and
health of a lake or pond. Important water quality measurements
include :
- Clarity or transparency, which is affected by suspended solids
including microorganisms from within the lake ecosystem, and by
organic acids and other sources of sediment from the watershed,
- Temperature level throughout the water column, which is
affected by the depth of the lake, and by factors such as wind
and spring and fall overturn of the water column,
- Dissolved oxygen level throughout the water column is strongly
affected by temperature conditions,
- Acidity coming into the lake system from a forested watershed
or from acid precipitation, and the lake's natural buffering
capacity that might allow for fairly stable pH conditions in
spite of acidic input,
- Conductivity measures the abundance of ions such as chloride
that might come into the lake system after originating with the
application of salt on nearby roadways,
- Coliform bacteria levels, used to estimate potential for fecal
contamination that could be accompanied by other pathogens,
- Nutrient levels, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, possibly
originating from land use activities or septic systems, and
which strongly affect aquatic plant growth. A lake or pond is
classified as to its trophic status, i.e. oligotrophic,
mesotrophic, or eutrophic, based on the amount of phytoplankton
and macrophyte growth, which is highly dependent on
availability of nutrients, especially phosphorus. An
oligotrophic lake generally has a low phosphorus level with
minimal plant growth and very high clarity, usually making it
an excellent resource for water-based recreation. A eutrophic
lake is at the other end of the spectrum with high nutrient
levels, which is usually conducive to an abundance of suspended
and rooted plants.
- Aquatic animals and plants - types and abundance (including
phytoplakton and floating or emergent macrophytes) .
3?
Table 3 describes the distribution of aquatic plants found
in the study area lakes and ponds. The following macrophyte
species, which may have an adverse affect on recreation
activities, occur in Massachusetts lakes and ponds:
Myriophyllum
Ceratophyllum demersum
Valisneria americana
Nymphaea odorata
Nuphar advena
Lemna minor
Utricularia
Potamogeton
species of milfoil
coontail
water celery
white water lily
yellow water lily
duckweed
bladderwort
species of pondweed
Table 3
Distribution of Aquatic Vegetation
Percent Cover for Each Sampling Station
Sparse Moderate Dense Very Dense
Total
Lake /Pond
0-25% 25-50% 50-75% 75-100% Stations
Beaman Pond
6 2 0 0
8
Sheomet Lake
12 3 1 1
17
Wickett Pond
Lake Dennis on
12 1 16
20
Description of Aquatic Vegetation
Moderate problem with shoreline vegetat
ion,
but growth was generally sparse
Ruggles Pond
Severe problem overall
u
LAKE & POND DESCRIPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Seaman Pond is located in the Otter River State Forest in
the Town of Winchendon. It is part of one of the oldest public
campsites in Massachusetts. The Pond is a popular recreation
site for swimming by day-users and campers from the adjacent
campsites . There are two beaches to accommodate both day-users
and the one hundred campsites at the Pond. There are many picnic
tables and a pavilion along the shore.
Beaman has two tributaries, one from Mill Glen Pond, and the
other from a small pond in a forested upland. A CCC dam,
constructed in the 1930' s, impounds the Pond. Water flows
through two dam outlets eventually leading to the Otter River and
the Millers River.
The clarity of Beaman Pond is marginal related to
regulations for public swimming. The transparency of the water,
measured by the Secchi depth in late-summer 1994 was 1.1 meters
(less than 4 feet) with a tea color. The color and lack of
clarity is probably due to the abundant population of
phytoplankton in the pond ecosystem, and humic acids flowing in
from wetlands in the watershed.
There were very few macrophytes when the Pond was sampled by
DEM staff in late-summer 1994. However, a small amount of the
exotic nuisance species Elodea was found during the 1994
sampling. Despite the lack of aquatic plants, the Chlorophyll -a
level indicates that the pond is borderline between mesotrophic
and eutrophic.
A comparison of phosphorus and nitrogen levels at the stream
inlets versus the dam outflow point highlights a separate origin
for these two elemental nutrients. The streams seem to be
bringing in phosphorus from upstream sources in the watershed,
while there may be a source of nitrogen in the area immediately
surrounding the pond.
There is a small decrease in dissolved oxygen with depth,
but the pond is too shallow to be subject to seasonal
stratification. The oxygen levels are suitable for the pan fish
population, that is annually supplemented by a park staff
stocking program, intended for the benefit of young fishing
enthusiasts from the campground. The pond was mildly
acidic measuring in the low 6 range for pH. Measurements at the
inlets were pH 6.5. Although this level of acidity is very
reasonable, most of the pond's acid neutralizing capacity has
been expended. The natural buffering capacity is determined by
the amount of calcium carbonate and other sources of alkalinity
present per volume of water.
A moderately high specific conductance in the pond may have
come from road salt and/or wastewater in the inlet streams that
pass under Route 202.
37
Recommendations
♦ The cause (s) of Beaman's marginal water clarity must be
assessed and remediated so that the pond can be maintained as a
viable swimming resource. The following two items could be
related to the pond's water quality.
♦ Additional study is needed to determine the origin of nitrogen,
phosphorus, and salts that are reaching the pond. This could
potentially be accomplished through shoreline surveys organized
as educational programs by park interpreters.
♦ Work with MHD District Office to consider reduced road salt
use .
♦ The impacts on Beaman Pond from the annual drawdown of Mill
Glen Lake should also be determined.
♦ pH and acid neutralizing capacity should be measured annually
due to the marginal remaining buffering capacity of this pond.
Remedial treatment should be considered if the pH drops
below .5 .
♦ Replace vault toilets with Clivus composters.
♦ Regular drawdowns of Beaman Pond have been effective for
control of aquatic vegetation and dam safety inspections and
should continue pursuant to the Order of Conditions issued by
the Winchendon Conservation Commission (DEP File # 345-170) .
DEM must apply for an Order of Conditions extension every three
years. Contact Winchendon Conservation Comm in late-fall 1997.
♦ Dam rehabilitation work as prioritized by the Dam Safety
Program in coordination with Division of Forests & Parks.
Outflow from the Beaman Pond dam
33
Lake Derm is on is located within a flood control facility
operated by the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) . The lake has a
surface area of 83 acres and a maximum depth of 15 feet . The
watershed drains over 2,000 acres.
The primary objective of Lake Dennison is flood control and
the water level is controlled by the ACOE. DEM manages the lake
and surrounding recreation area and forested land under a 5 0 -year
lease with the ACOE. Recreation is supervised by Otter River
State Forest. The two agencies therefore provide multiple
functions with this reservoir, with flood control as the primary
function.
The North and East Dennsion Camping Areas provide 150
campsites at the Lake. In addition, there is a large parking
area, boat ramp, beach, pavilion, and dam. In addition to summer
recreation such as swimming and non-motorized boating, there are
many winter recreational opportunities including snowmobiling and
x- country skiing. Fishing is a popular activity at Lake Dennison
year-round. DFW stocks the lake with trout on an annual basis.
Lake Dennison has a moderate problem with planktonic algae
and a moderate problem with shoreline weeds and water color. The
lake did have some shoreline vegetation, including pickerelweed.
The lake experienced some thermal stratification with markedly
lower dissolved oxygen at its greatest depth. One of the two
inlets had a much higher amount of total solids and a much higher
specific conductance. This northern inlet also had a greater
amount of chloride, and a relatively lower level of nitrogen.
Evidence suggested that phosphorus did not come from the
sediments. The low acid neutralizing capacity of the Lake made
it susceptible to acidification. Water clarity was marginal but
acceptable. Phosphorus levels were also acceptable. Total
coliform was recorded at 100 and 200, within the EPA limit of
1,000 per 100 ml. There is erosion in isolated locations within
the campground along the northern and eastern shores .
Recommendations
♦ Conduct initial check of septic systems and rehabilitate as
necessary. Pump annually in Fall after recreation season.
♦ The level of boating activity warrants special precautions to
prevent the introduction of exotic macrophytes such as milfoil.
♦ Erosion control measures should be implemented on steep slopes
in the campgrounds to prevent excess siltation.
♦ Shoreline survey of inlets, especially northern inlet,
including check of highway garage location as possible source
of excess chloride.
♦ Coordination with DFW related to annual pH testing associated
with stocking program, and development of recommendations for
remedial treatment with DFW if necessary, to maintain the lake
as a fishing resource.
3<?
Dunn Pond is part of 'the Gardner Heritage State Park located
about a mile from the center of Gardner. This roughly 20 acre
pond is a glacial kettle hole with a dam increasing the pond' s
depth. Dunn Pond was subject to a natural succession that was.
exacerbated by human impacts. Following an extensive cooperative
effort to restore Dunn Pond, it is once again a high quality
waterbody and a center of recreation. Visitor usage has
increased over 200 percent, clearly demonstrating the success of
these efforts.
Dunn Pond was severely affected by pollution from its
watershed, which caused eutrophication. The pond was filling
with sediment and was characterized by dense growth of aquatic
vegetations. When the City and DEM cooperated to bring the pond
under DEM management as part of Gardner Heritage State Park,
plans were made for the pond's cleanup and revitalization, which
included complete drawdown and dredging of sediment . The work
was done as a cooperative restoration effort by local, state, and
federal agencies . The restoration was guided by the Department
of Environmental Protection's Division of Water Pollution
Control. Funding came from the U.S. EPA, the Massachusetts
Chapter 628 Clean Lakes and Great Ponds Program, and the Chapter
798 Urban Heritage State Park. Work began in January, 1984, and
was completed in March, 1985. The project included excavation of
the adjacent Stump Pond, the construction of a filter dike at
Stump Pond, and the diversion of stormwater through Stump Pond.
Stump Pond is now used as a detention basin, greatly reducing the
amount of sediment, runoff, and road salt that reaches Dunn Pond.
A 1996 rehabilitation project addressed several ongoing
maintenance issues that effect water quality in Dunn Pond. The
work included restructuring, cleaning and replenishing filter
sand for the Stump Pond filter dike, redressing of the dam
spillway, and the removal of old blacktop and stabilization of
eroding banks where the lakeshore closely parallels Pearl Street.
The expenditures have paid off with the successful
restoration and protection of Dunn Pond. It has become a much
cleaner, and popular center for recreation and enjoyment near the
urban center of Gardner. Rehabilitation and improvements have
been conducted to allow for maximum accessibility, following ADA
guidelines. Dunn Pond State Park is considered the model DEM
property related to accessibility standards. Swimming, non-
motorized boating, and ice skating are some of the water
recreation opportunities at Dunn Pond today. The shore has a
picnic area, a large visitor center, beach, and lights for the
skating area. The pond is stocked by DFW and is a very popular
fishing resource.
Measurements made after Dunn Pond was refilled indicate
areas of potential concern related to water quality. The
seasonal temperature stratification causes low oxygen conditions
in the deeper water during the summer, which could potentially
have adverse effects on fish populations. The water is also
quite acidic, although the pH has recovered somewhat from the low
level measured at the time the pond was refilled. Finally,
conductivity measurements indicate that road salts and other ions
are entering the pond in fairly large quantities. The
HO
conductivity of Dunn Pond is twice that of Stump Pond's
tributaries, demonstrating that the source of pollution is
probably runoff from roads and other watershed sources
immediately surrounding Dunn Pond.
Macrophytes are generally no longer a problem at Dunn Pond,
although aquatic plants do exist in a fairly dense coverage near
the inflow from Stump Pond, partially along the island, and in a
cove near the dam. Macrophytes growth also occurs at the end of
the Pond near the dam, and scattered along the shoreline.
Recommendations
♦ Considering the successful cooperative effort and expenditure
of funds, the water quality of the Dunn and Stump Ponds, and
the integrity of the filter dike need to be monitored and
maintained.
♦ Immediate steps have been taken to reduce the erosion at the
northeast and northwest corners of Dunn Pond, such as hay
bales or silt screen barriers. This should be followed by more
permanent measures .
♦ DEM will work cooperatively with Gardner for the transfer of
deed to Stump Pond from the City to the Commonwealth so that
DEM can actively maintain this key element for the protection
of Dunn Pond.
- Catch basins on Pearl Street and Betty Spring Road need to
be regularly cleaned.'
- The riser pipe spillway elevation needs to be
maintained 1106.0 feet, to prevent unfiltered water and
pollutants from entering Dunn Pond.
- Accumulated sand and silt should be removed from storm
drain pipe outlets and surrounding pond bottom.
- Clogged 3 0 inch drain pipes should be flushed, especially
at the southeast corner.
- In order to limit the amount of solids from accumulating
in the filter system, assistance might be sought for
Gardner's limited street sweeping and cleaning catch
basins .
- Inspect the filter dike on a regular basis. Title of
Stump Pond parcel transferred from City to DEM.
- All brush and trees should be cleared from the earthen dam
located at the south end of the pond.
- Erosion control rehab for existing pond trails.
♦ Coordinate with DFW related to annual pH testing associated
with stocking program, and development of recommendations for
remedial treatment with DFW if necessary, to maintain the pond
as a fishing resource.
♦ Implement LWCF Universal Access construction phase with Best
Management Practices to maintain water quality parameters.
♦ Description of the dam and additional recommendations are in
Appendix I .
Laurel Lake straddles the town boundary between Erving and
Warwick in Erving State Forest. It covers 51 acres, but is
narrow with a maximum width of approximately 700 feet. It has an
average depth of 15 feet and a maximum depth of 30 feet. The
drainage area is 486 acres. There are seasonal cottages on the
opposite shore from the beach and swimming area.
The swimming beach includes a new accessibility ramp that
leads into the water. A parking area and boat ramp provide
access for motorized and nonmotorized boats. 304 CMR 16.10
permits water skiing only between noon and 6 p.m., speed is
limited to 10 m.p.h. during all other times. Other facilities at
the lake include a concession building, new comfort station,
campground, and picnic area. Swimming is especially popular. A
scenic vista can be reached via a short loop trail . DFW stocks
the lake with trout on an annual basis and fishing is a popular
activity throughout the year.
Laurel Lake underwent water quality monitoring by Living
Lakes, Inc. beginning in 1987. Laurel Lake was found to be
slightly acidic, with a marginal buffering capacity. Following
recommendations from the Living Lakes Program the lake was limed
in October, 1987 and again in May, 1991 because tests conducted
after the initial treatment showed that the lake was
reacidifying. Subsequent treatment and monitoring suggested that
the level of acidity would be sufficient to maintain water
quality through 1994. Aluminum may become more concentrated in
acidic lakes and can be toxic to fish populations in low
concentrations. Although dissolved aluminum concentrations in
Laurel Lake were found to be above 60 micrograms per liter, the
fish populations did not appear to be stressed. The lack of
stress could not be fully explained, but it may be explained by
the high levels of calcium.
Other water quality variables monitored by the Living Lakes
Program included transparency, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.
The transparency of the lake water was good, ranging from 4 to
5.5 meters. Laurel Lake became stratified by water temperature
gradient during the summer and dissolved oxygen below the
critical level of 3 milligrams per liter for game fish was
recorded in the bottom layer during the summer.
Description of the dam and associated recommendations are in
Appendix I .
HX
Recommendations
♦ Coordinate with DFW related to annual pH testing associated
with stocking program, and development of recommendations for
remedial treatment with DFW if necessary, to maintain the lake
as a fishing resource. This might be the most efficient way to
follow-up on Living Lakes Program testing and recommendations.
♦ Determine funding source for future lime treatments that may
be called for under the Clean Lakes Program recommendations and
as indicated by ongoing pH testing.
♦ The narrow configuration of the lake presents a lack of surface
area to adequately accommodate the full demand for motorized
and nonmotorized recreation uses. A carrying capacity
assessment should be conducted, establishing clear
recommendations for quantity and timing for various uses.
♦ Assess whether the speed limit CMR is working to reduce
potential user conflicts. Is there a pattern of accidents?
Are the park staff receiving complaints? Are boaters complying
with the CMR?
♦ Coordinate with residents, Boards of Health and DEP to use the
new Title V guidelines and funding sources to upgrade failing
septic systems whenever feasible.
■IMW^
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Cottages along the Laurel Lake shoreline.
HZ
A dam across Tully Brook in Warwick impounds about 174 acre-
feet of water that is known as Sheomet Lake in Warwick State
Forest. The lake has a surface area of 33 acres, with a mean
depth of 6 feet and a maximum depth of 13 feet. It is also known
as "Clubhouse Pond" by some residents. Sheomet Lake's shoreline
is undeveloped, except for a gravel launch for trailer boat
launching, a parking lot for approximately 20 vehicles, and an
area at the southern end where initial beach preparation was
conducted in the 1970s. Recreational use of the lake includes
fishing, cartop boat access, and unauthorized swimming. The lake
is dotted with several small islands, and the surrounding
watershed is mostly forested hills located close to the New
Hampshire border. Aquatic vegetation is sparse with some dense
growth occurring near the north end inlets atop shallow deltas.
In the fall of 1994, Sheomet Lake was characterized by
eutrophic levels of phytoplankton as measured by an analysis of
chlorophyll -a. The phytoplankton in combination with humic acids
from the watershed result in only moderate water clarity. The
Secchi Disc depth was found to be 1.5 meters with a humic brown
water color. This level of water clarity is acceptable but not
ideal for contact recreation standards. The phosphorus level of
the lake was measured in three locations and ranged from 0.018 to
0.028, which is also within the eutrophic range. The phosphorus
and nitrogen levels are conducive to an abundant population of
phytoplankton growth that decreases water clarity. The
phosphorus appears to be originating from one of the two
tributary streams. The level of dissolved oxygen is high
throughout due to the lack of temperature gradient from the
surface to bottom waters of this shallow lake. The moderate
level of acidity allows for a healthy fish population and contact
recreation, but the buffering capacity is low to moderate. The
lake had a low to moderate specific conductance indicating that
ions such as road salt are not a problem. This is probably due
to protection afforded by the forested watershed with few roads
near the lake .
A 1980 sample identified eight fish species in Sheomet Lake
(listed in order of abundance) : brown bullhead, pumpkinseed,
white sucker, smallmouth bass, gold shiner, eastern brook trout
in the deeper waters, killifish, and American eel. The lake
receives trout annually under DFW's stocking program.
Recommendations :
♦ The recommendation under Ruggles Pond for cost / benefit and
recreation demand analysis should include analysis of Sheomet
Lake .
♦ Water quality data should be sampled again and compared with
1994 values in order to develop specific recommendations for
improving water clarity and managing aquatic vegetation.
♦ The source (s) of phosphorus and nitrogen should be identified
and inputs to the lake should be lessened if feasible.
♦ Recommendations for Sheomet Lake dam are listed in Appendix I .
w
The 19-acre Ruggles Pond has a maximum depth of only 6 feet.
Ruggles Pond is located in Wendell State Forest. The pond lies
behind the State Forest Headquarters. There is a picnic area,
walking trails, cartop boat access, and a swimming beach along
the lake. The area is heavily used in the winter, with groomed
snowmobile trails and sledding. Ruggles Pond is used for fishing
and is especially noted for its beauty. The 787 acre drainage
area has some roads, homes, and wetlands, but it is mainly state
forest land.
Three management problems at Ruggles Pond are geese,
beavers, and aquatic vegetation. An abundant goose population
can contribute to bacterial water quality problems. The beavers
have continued to block the outlet of the dam, despite efforts by
the staff. Likewise, lily pads have been encroaching on the
swimming area. In addition, the water clarity is below the
minimum for swimming due to humic material and algal growth.
This very shallow pond is an abandoned field that was filled
behind a CCC dam. Stumps and other organic material were left
behind, resulting in many of the water quality problems that
exist today.
Ruggles Pond has a lack of water clarity and abundant
aquatic vegetation. The water is acidic, ranging from a pH of
4.8 to 5.4, and the buffering capacity is low.
The pond is eutrophic, characterized by abundant
macrophytes. Swimming quality is lessened by a lack of water
clarity. The clarity is affected by humic acids from the
watershed, organic materials from the underlying terrestrial
habitat soils, and by phytoplankton. Also, aquatic vegetation
such as fragrant waterlily, bladderwort, watershield, and wild
celery spread into the swimming area. Leeches also exist in the
pond.
Recommendations
♦ This pond will only be feasible for long-term beach use if a
permanent solution is implemented for water clarity and aquatic
weeds. Conduct cost / benefit and recreation demand analysis
of improving and maintaining this pond versus development of
new facilities on another DEM-managed lake or pond.
♦ Long-term management of water clarity and aquatic weeds will
require drawdown to dredge out the muck and terrestrial soil
to the point where glacial sediments are exposed.
♦ If feasible the beach area should be supplied with its own
water source to maintain adequate circulation.
♦ Coordinate with DFW related to management of local beaver
population.
H5
Wicket t Pond, located in Wendell State Forest, is
approximately 30 acres in surface area. Somewhat out of the way,
the pond can be accessed via an unpaved park road. A beaver dam
has increased the depth of the pond, partially flooding the boat
ramp and encroaching on a small parking lot . The watershed
includes some homes and roads, but is mainly forested upland. It
includes some vegetated wetland areas .
Wickett Pond is nearing the end of natural lake succession,
making it uniquely beautiful and ecologically dynamic. The pond
does not have an overabundance of nitrogen or phosphorus, but
aquatic vegetation density varied from sparse to very dense in
the late-summer 1994. Despite acidic water and dense growth of
macrophytes, there is unauthorized swimming. Visitors also use
the access point to put in cartop boats. DFW stocks trout in
Mormon Hollow Brook, which flows out of the pond to the Millers
River.
Wickett Pond was analyzed in late-summer 1994 as a possible
alternative site for swimming in Wendell State Forest, but was
found to be unsuitable for intensive water-based recreation. The
pH of Wickett Pond is very acidic (below 5 in the late- summer
1994) with an extremely low buffering capacity. The acidity of
the pond was at a level that made it unsuitable for most fish
species, and could cause eye discomfort for swimmers. Despite
some humic acid discoloration, the transparency of the water is
good, as measured by a Secchi depth of 2 . 5 meters. The nitrogen,
phosphorus and specific conductance levels in Wickett Pond are
very low, indicating that very little pollution is reaching the
pond. Dissolved oxygen levels are high throughout the water
column due to the lack of temperature gradient from the surface
to the bottom of the pond.
Consistent with its successional status, Wickett Pond has
abundant aquatic vegetation. Some milfoil was found at Wickett
Pond, but it was a native species rather than an aggressive Asian
variety. Bladderwort and pond lily are the most abundant plants.
Wickett Pond has been a part of the landscape since the
glaciers retreated. It is approaching the final stages of lake
succession. Over the millenia the basin has gradually filled in
with many meters of lake mud and it will eventually fill in
completely unless natural successional trends are actively
altered.
Recommendations :
♦ DEM management for water quality and recreation should allow
the continuation of the pond's natural succession.
%
Regional Recommendations:
♦ All the lakes and ponds should be regularly monitored. The
lakes and ponds within this study either are plagued by
acidification, or are susceptible to acidification. Many of
the lakes and ponds also have some problem with aquatic
vegetation. Therefore, annual monitoring is recommended.
Coordinated monitoring and remediation can save time and money
Resources can also be shared to increase the efficiency and
maintain the health of the lakes and ponds in this region.
♦ Install signs at all DEM-managed boat access sites encouraging
boaters to remove plant debris before and after boats are
launched, to reduce the spread of exotic and nuisance plants.
Signs are available from the Public Access Board.
SWIMMING SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT
SCORP identifies a demand for water based recreation,
particularly swimming, throughout the state. The lake and pond
analyses described in this section allow for a swimming
suitability assessment.
Current
Status
Lake / Pond
Hindrances
Solutions
Authorized
Swimming
Beaman Pond
-Water clarity
-Phytoplankton
-Drawdown, monitor,
and supplement
buffering capacity
Lake Dennison -Potential
sanitary
problem
-Comfort station
rehabilitation &
fall pumping of
septic tanks
Dunn Pond
Laurel Lake
•Eutrophication
■Water clarity
•Motorized
boat safety
■Leaking septic
systems
•Ongoing mainenance
of Stump Pond
Speed limit
enforcement
Septic upgrades
Unauthorized
Swimming
Sheomet Lake
- Phy t op 1 ank t on
-Chlorophyll
-No facilities
Construction of
swimming and
recreation area
if justified by
supply and demand
Ruggles Pond
•Water clarity
•Aquatic
vegetation
•Beavers
■Draining, dredging
to glacial soil,
and finding fresh
water source for
swimming area
No Swimming Wickett Pond
■Aquatic
vegetation
■Very acidic
-Beavers
■No swimming area
development
- Hi
In addition to the preceding detailed lake and pond
analyses, the following descriptive information is provided for
two important water bodies, which are located within this
planning region.
Richards Reservoir is located in Warwick. Approximately 58
acre -feet of water is impounded by the Richards Reservoir Upper
Dam, situated on Black Brook in the Warwick State Forest. The
reservoir is 4,000 feet long and reaches a maximum width of 500
feet, creating a total surface area of 35 acres. The average
depth is 1.9 feet, with a maximum depth of less than 10 feet.
The reservoir's drainage area is .88 square mile.
The reservoir's primary recreational use is fishing. The
reservoir is stocked with game fish by the State Department of
Fisheries and Wildlife. There are no beach areas, picnic
grounds, campsites, or private homes around the reservoir.
Riceville Pond is an impoundment created by a dam across
Nelson Brook within Petersham State Forest. The site is a scenic
resource enjoyed by occasional hikers. The bulk of the pond lies
in Petersham, with a small portion extending into Athol that
includes the dam. The shallow pond has a surface area of 68
acres and a volume of approximately 187 acre -feet under normal
conditions. The dam is 15 feet in height, and when it was
inspected in 1987 was found to be in good condition, and was
categorized as low hazard.
%
RECREATION
BACKGROUND
This cluster of parks has substantial opportunities for
swimming, fishing and boating, including the use of Laurel Lake
in Erving SF, Dunn Pond, Lake Dennison, Beamon Pond in Otter
River SF and Ruggles Pond in Wendell SF. Sheomet Lake or
Clubhouse Pond in Warwick SF also sustains considerable public
use, but on a more informal basis. The formal water-based
recreation facilities are all at capacity during the July 4th and
Labor Day weekends if the weather cooperates. Laurel Lake is the
closest to capacity on a more regular basis, having to turn away
visitors on several nice weather weekends each season. In the
winter season Dunn Pond offers an excellent site for ice skating
at the eastern end of the cluster.
The camping areas located in Erving State Forest (32 sites) ,
Otter River State Forest (100 sites and three group sites) and
Lake Dennison Recreation Area (15 0 sites) provide large wooded
campsites in a scenic setting. Families that camp in these areas
tend to enjoy their visit so much that they return year-after-
year. The large tracts of conservation land are characterized by
abundant game and nongame wildlife, and are therefore an
important resource for hunters and individuals interested in
photography or quiet nature observation. Due to its location and
topography, the snow conditions, along with the Berkshires and
the Mohawk Trail corridor, are the best in Massachusetts. All of
these important public recreation resources are located only an
hour to an hour-and-a-half from Boston. The chart on the
following page highlights the variety of recreation opportunities
that are available in these parks .
A substantial percentage of the individuals who attended the
initial public meeting for this GOALS plan brought ideas and
suggestions related to trail use. This clearly demonstrated the
importance of all -season trail opportunities in the north-Quabbin
region. A working group to address trail issues was formed from
public meeting attendees and other interested people. Trail
opportunities and recommendations are covered separately in the
following chapter of the plan.
W
EXISTING OPPORTUNITIES
Gardner Heritage State Park
Dunn Pond State Park
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Otter River State Forest
Lake Dennison Recreation Area
Federated Women's Club State Forest
Erving State Forest
Wendell State Forest
Mt. Grace State Forest
Warwick State Forest
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m
Accessible Resirooms
Bicycling Paths
Boating (motorized)
Hunting (restrictions)
Interpretive Program
i (seasonal)
Leashed Pels Allowed
Boating (non-motorized)
Boat Ramp
|^B Camping
Picnicking
Resirooms
Scenic Viewine Area
BIS
Q
Camping/Wilderness
Canoeing
Fishing
Showers
Skiing (cross-country)
Snowmobiling
0
Hiking
Historic Site
Horseback Riding Trails
Swimming
3| Trailer/R.V. Dumping
Trailcr/RV Hookup
B
0
■ Walking Trails
50
GOALS VISITOR SURVEYS
During the summer of 1994 a visitor survey was distributed
to campers, and also conducted in interview fashion with day-
users. The parks covered by the survey are Dunn Pond SP, Lake
Dennison SP, Otter River SF, Erving SF and Wendell SF. The
number of surveys returned does not allow for formulation of
quantitative results from full statistical analysis, but does
indicate some characteristics of our park visitors that can help
DEM gain insights to improve our delivery of visitor services.
Along with the following text description, a table summarizing
the survey results is provided in Appendix E.
The return rates for the surveys ranged between ten and
twenty percent. Most of the visitors had learned of the state
park opportunities from family or friends. Road signs and maps,
DEM brochures, tourism brochures and local media were less
important but consistent sources of information. There was no
clear distinction between day users and campers or between parks
related to the number of years that visitors had been returning
to the DEM facilities. Overall, the visitors were fairly evenly
distributed between those who were on their first visit, those
who had been coming to the park for one to five years, and people
who had been regular visitors for more than five years.
The day users originated mostly from local communities and
other locations in central Massachusetts or along the Route 2
corridor. The campers came to the facilities from greater
distances. Only one-quarter to one-half of the campers came from
local communities. Approximately one-half came from the greater
Boston area or other locations in eastern Massachusetts, and ten
to fifteen percent came from abutting states.
The day use visitors came to Dunn Pond, Lake Dennison and
Ruggles Pond mainly to swim and have a picnic, but taking a walk
or a hike while they were in the park was an activity enjoyed by
more than half of the visitors. Fishing and boating are also
popular activities as indicated by a lesser but consistent
percentage of the responders. It is interesting to note that ten
percent of the visitors who were surveyed at Dunn Pond indicated
they had attended outdoor band concerts in the city. The band
concerts are organized through the efforts of DEM' s Heritage Park
staff. Also, more than twenty percent of survey responders
indicated skating at the pond as one of their recreation
activities. This is a sizable percentage considering that the
survey was administered during the summer.
A survey distributed in the Wendell Post sampled a different
group of state forest users, people not as likely to be found at
the Ruggles Pond day use area. The responders to this local
newspaper survey were most interested in non-motorized trail use
in DEM forests and parks. Hiking, nordic skiing and bird
watching were the most popular activities mentioned by two-thirds
or more, swimming and picnicking were checked by about half the
Si
respondents, and a moderate activity level was indicated for
mountain biking, skating, camping, fishing and boating at Wendell
State Forest or other DEM parks .
A total of forty eight campers, staying at campgrounds in
Erving State Forest, Lake Dennison Recreation Area and Otter
River State Forest, responded to the survey. Swimming and
picnicking, along with the opportunity to camp, are the primary
reasons that people come to these DEM campgrounds. The visitors
often walk and hike during their stay, and about one -third
indicated that they take advantage of opportunities for fishing
and boating.
The campers survey also questioned the park visitors as to
what they were doing outside the park, providing a window on
products and services they might be purchasing in nearby
communities. This allows us to get a sense of tourism related
benefits to the local economy, generated as a result of people
visiting DEM parks. Survey responses indicate that more than
half of DEM park campers in this region patronize grocery stores,
restaurants and retail stores. The day use visitors also
purchase local services, but not as frequently as the campers.
The staff of Gardner Heritage SP in cooperation with the Greater
Gardner Area Chamber of Commerce have noticed a particularly
strong connection between attendance at the Heritage Visitor
Center and visits to the local furniture outlets.
SANDLER ASSOCIATES SURVEY
In 1995 DEM contracted with Richard Sandler & Associates to
conduct a Recreation Consumer Attitude Survey and a Camping
Consumer Attitude Survey. Respectively, the purpose of these
surveys was to learn more about the interests and desires of the
"outdoor recreation public" in Massachusetts, and to learn more
about the habits and preferences of people who regularly go
camping in the northeast. The long range objective is for DEM to
use the survey results to increase its responsiveness to its
potential park visitor market.
A summary of the recreation survey indicates that walking,
picnicking, swimming and hiking are popular activities with more
than 50% of the respondents. Historic appreciation, biking,
nature study, fishing and camping are also very popular, having
been mentioned by one-quarter to one-half of the respondents,
perhaps reflecting more specific interest groups. Summer is the
dominant season for use of the parks, but spring and fall are not
far behind, and about one-third of the respondents use the parks
during the winter months. This is particularly significant
related to this plan that covers an area with winter conditions
that afford excellent cold weather recreation opportunities.
The recreation survey and the camping survey both indicate
that the most important services we can offer to visitors include
a knowledgeable and friendly staff, and ample information about
the parks .
51
The camping survey determined that preference between public
and private campgrounds is evenly split, autumn and spring
camping are surprisingly popular with 4 out of 5 campers likely
to go camping at that time of year, weekend trips are more
popular than camping vacations, and tent camping is the most
popular type of camping. When deciding where to camp,
cleanliness, safety and an attractive setting are considered to
be the most important criteria. This speaks well for
Massachusetts Forests & Parks, because overall Massachusetts
ranked high in the northeast as a popular camping destination,
tying with New Hampshire and New York. The following facilities
are considered important by more than two- thirds of the camping
public; hot showers, fire places, self -guided nature trails,
swimming facilities, picnic tables, information/education center,
park store, water at the site, play fields, and universal access
enhancements. Finally, the camping survey indicates that cabins
would be popular if facilities were available. Most campers have
never camped in a cabin, but more that 4 out of 5 would like to
try it in the future .
Marketing recommendations from the Richard Sandler &
Associates surveys are incorporated with the recommendations at
the end of this section.
VISITOR ATTENDANCE
Using one park (Lake Dennison) from the eastern end of the
cluster, and one park (Erving) from the western end, data on
numbers of day users and campers in 1984, 1989 and 1994 is shown
in the following bar graphs to highlight recent trends in visitor
attendance. The greater number of visitors at Lake Dennison is
simply a reflection of the capacity of the facility. In this
subjective analysis one must also take into account the weather,
because overall visitor attendance during a cloudy cool summer
will be less than attendance during a year with many warm and
sunny weekends .
There is no outstanding trend in number of campers at either
of these parks. The graphs reflect camping facilities that
maintain a fairly steady attendance rate with both parks at or
near capacity for most of the summer. The decrease in number of
paid day users in 1994 may reflect the decreased ability to cover
and charge a fee for day use facilities due to reduced staff
numbers. Although data on number of nonpaid day users is an
estimate from park staff, the estimates from both facilities show
a trend towards a decrease in attendance. This could be a
reflection of weather factors for the years used in this
analysis, or it could reflect a trend in public use of these
facilities and dispersed recreation activities in general.
53
LAKE DENNISON STATE PARK
VISITOR ATTENDANCE
K§9 ESTIMATED
DAY USERS (NONPAID)
DAY USERS (PAID)
CAMPERS
1984
1989
1994
Si
ERVING STATE FOREST
VISITOR ATTENDANCE
on
O
i^
CO
>
o
or
CD
55S ESTIMATED
DAY USERS (NONPAID)
DAY USERS (PAID)
CAMPERS
1984
1989
1994
55
SCORP
In order to qualify for Federal Land .& Water Conservation
Fund allocations, Massachusetts must develop a Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) . The plan is
renewed on a five-year basis and includes an analysis of
recreation supply and demand, with the data separated by regions
that are mostly defined by county boundaries. The coverage area
of this GOALS plan is a small subregion within the Central Mass.
(Worcester County) and Connecticut River Valley (Franklin,
Hampshire & Hampden Counties) SCORP planning regions. SCORP
analysis (1988 - 1992) for this coverage area indicates a demand
for water-based recreation such as swimming, fishing and boating,
and increasing access to waterways. SCORP also recommends
expansion of hiking and nordic skiing opportunities, and
improving the image and public awareness of state-owned and
operated facilities with particular emphasis on facilities which
provide picnicking, hiking, fishing and boating. There is also
an indication of a need to expand opportunities for ice skating
and field-based activities and to actively promote existing
opportunities for ice skating.
Initial analyses from a survey conducted for the 1995 - 2000
SCORP indicate that, in comparison to other regions in
Massachusetts, responders from the Connecticut River Valley and
Central Mass. express a need for facilities offering picnicking,
camping, swimming, hiking, nordic skiing and mountain biking.
The results show that responders from all areas in the state most
often become aware of recreational resources either from family
and friends, or from newspapers. The recent SCORP survey also
reveals that, related to state funding initiatives, individuals
are most supportive of maintenance, rehabilitation and
improvements for existing facilities.
MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
DEM will strive to provide visitors with modern yet rustic
recreation facilities in a safe, clean environment. Visitor
services will continue to include a great variety of recreation
activities, outdoor educational experiences, and a chance to just
find a peaceful place to relax and draw in some fresh air.
In order to effectively provide these services, and to
enhance recreation opportunities, DEM will seek advice from
organized user groups, individual park visitors, neighbors and
the surrounding communities.
BC
RECOMMENDATIONS
Camping- : The Erving State Forest campground has 32 campsites,
which do not meet the full demand for camping at this park or on
a regional basis.
- Expand campground by 22 sites with corresponding infrastructure
improvements. Initial plans for expansion are shown in the
accompanying diagram (Figure 4) .
- Determine area(s) appropriate for wilderness campsites.
Cabins : The cabins at Savoy Mountain State Forest and Mohawk
Trail State Forest are very popular. They are completely booked
from April through October, and also full during weekend
throughout the year. The suitable site conditions, accessibility
from the headquarters area, proximity of Metacomet-Monadnock
Trail and popularity of nordic skiing are factors that make
Wendell State Forest ideal for addition of cabins/yurts
(Figure 5) .
Nordic Ski Center: Assess potential for public-private part-
nership using the trail system in Wendell State Forest.
Initiate with advertisement and request for letters of interest .
Swimming : Assess options for increasing opportunities for
swimming. Criteria for assessment includes water quality,
distance to population centers and regional demand for water
contact recreation, costs for swimming facility rehab or
improvements, and water quality enhancement. The following
alternatives are listed in order of priority.
- Acquisition and development of Lake Wyola site in Shutesbury
would distribute availability of water-based recreation towards
an area where population density is greater and therefore demand
will also be greater.
- Rehabilitation of facilities and water quality improvement for
Ruggles Pond in Wendell State Forest. This site is fairly close
to population centers and the facilities are already present.
However, long-term water quality management would require a major
dredging project to remove the forest soils that were not cleared
from the site prior to the dam construction that initiated the
pond. A project of this scope would require a great deal of
environmental review at the local level and through DEP and the
MEPA process .
- Development of facilities at Sheomet Lake/Clubhouse Pond. Even
though initial beach site preparation was conducted by DEM in the
1970s, this lake is not very close to population centers and
would require major capital investment to develop new facilities.
Skating: Establish a skating area to cover public demand at the
western end of the cluster. Flooding the Mt . Grace State Forest
recreation field is one possible option if staffing levels allow
for increased winter coverage .
57
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FIGURE 5
Wendell State Forest cabin development proposal
51
River access: Coordinate with the Millers River Watershed
Council to promote and provide more public access to the river.
The Route 2 corridor westward from Wendell can be promoted as a
canoe route with access to the Millers River from Wendell State
Forest or other points. With a portage at the Turners Falls Dam,
canoeists can access Connecticut River Greenway State Park and
canoe path. A list and map of river access sites from the 1983
Millers River Management Plan is included in Appendix F.
Marketing: Promote what DEM has to offer, thereby stimulating
and strengthening the tourism aspect of the local economy.
♦ Continue to use interpretive programs as a promotional tool.
♦ DEM's Internet Home Page is an interesting computer resource
that is increasing in popularity. Continue to upgrade this
educational tool for the benefit of Net surfers, providing
information related to recreation opportunities in Massachusetts
Forests & Parks.
♦ Communicate with publishers of travel guides (AAA, Mobile,
etc.) to expand coverage of state park opportunities.
♦ Increase availability of brochures and information on special
events in Chambers of Commerce, Offices of Travel & Tourism,
along highway stops in neighboring states, and at sporting goods
stores such as EMS.
♦ Through the Great Falls Discovery Center at the western end of
the cluster and Gardner Heritage State Park at the eastern end
(contingent on increased programming capability with a Visitor
Services Supervisor in Gardner) develop partnerships for events,
interpretive programs, and market the events and programs.
♦ The recent surveys provide some insight on ways that DEM can
focus marketing efforts to increase visitor attendance. Increase
in camping would have the most positive effect on the local
economy, because overnight visitors are most likely to purchase
local goods and services.
- The GOALS visitor survey indicates that a significant number
of campers come to this cluster of parks from the greater
Boston area and other locations in eastern Massachusetts,
while most of the day users come from local communities.
Therefore, marketing in the greater Boston area and eastern
Mass. might be the most effective way to increase day use
attendance by providing information about winter and summer
recreation opportunities "only one hour west of Boston", and
also increase camper attendance by marketing in a densely
populated area where we already know there is strong interest
for camping along the Route 2 corridor. The marketing for
camping should be focused to increase weekday attendance
because campgrounds are already mostly full on weekends .
£o
- The Sandler Associates recreation survey suggested that there
are many "light users", i.e. people who visit recreation
facilities only a few times per year. Visitor attendance could
be increased significantly if light users would come to the
parks just a few more times per year. Sandler Associates
recommended marketing specifically for the light users. It is
possible that marketing in greater Boston and eastern Mass.
might be the most effective way to reach this potential market,
because the densely populated nature of the area indicates that
there are more people of every variety, including ones who
could be considered light users of recreation facilities. The
camping survey found that camping is mainly a young person's
pursuit. The median age of the camping population is 29. Only
6% are over the age of 55. This is useful information for any
outreach effort aimed at DEM's campground visitors.
♦ The Sandler Associates survey indicates strong public interest
related to visiting and learning more about historic and cultural
sites . Sites within the state forests might be appropriate for
interpretive programs that could be marketed in the region or
statewide. Potential sites within this cluster of parks include:
- Native American sites such as prehistoric villages, a Colonial
Period tribal council meeting location, camp locations.
- Mill, tannery and house sites from the Colonial through
Industrial Periods (late-1600s thru early-1900s) .
- Civilian Conservation Corps sites.
Note: A professional determination of the significance and
integrity for any historical or cultural site, with development
of a treatment/protection plan, would be required prior to
establishing public visitation procedures.
♦ The Heritage Discovery Network database, developed by DEM's
Office of Historic Resources, provides an avenue for DEM to
increase the public's awareness of natural, scenic, cultural and
historic attractions of Massachusetts. The Network has a unique
focus on "second tier" heritage attractions- -those sites which
are most often missed in conventional tourist promotion. The
database includes detailed information on sites in Franklin
County along the Mohawk Trail. As additional sites are added to
the database, and the data availability becomes more tourist -user
friendly, DEM should take full advantage of this new tool to
promote recreation opportunities for this cluster of parks. The-
database is accessible at the Great Falls Discovery Center in
Turners Falls. The sites that are currently covered in the
database are listed in Appendix G. The following is an example
of Short Site Detail Reports from the Network database, presented
as a customized visitors guide.
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TRAILS
BACKGROUND
The trail network within the thousands of acres of DEM
forests and parks in eastern Franklin County and northern
Worcester County provide people with hundreds of miles of scenic
paths for a variety of uses in all seasons. There are
substantial public benefits in terms of physical and mental
health because the trails are an invaluable resource for
exercise, solitude, fun with friends and family, and enjoyment of
the outdoors traversing a beautiful landscape.
In addition to the extensive trail mileage located within
the forests and parks, the study area is bounded at the eastern
and western ends by well-established long-distance trails, and
also includes a trail corridor in a former railroad ROW that was
recently acquired by DEM. Specifically, at the eastern end of
this planning region, the Midstate Trail runs from Mt . Watatic on
the New Hampshire border all the way through to Douglas State
Forest near the Massachusetts/Connecticut/Rhode Island boundary.
The Midstate Trail is maintained by volunteers organized by the
Midstate Trail Committee in coordination with DEM - Region 3
Forests & Parks staff. The Ware River Rail Trail is also a
north- south oriented corridor located near the eastern end of the
region covered in this plan. It is approximately 15 miles long,
extending from the Baldwinville community in Templeton, southward
through portions of Phillipston and Hubbardston, with its
southern terminus in Barre . The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
traverses a north- south corridor from Connecticut to its northern
terminus on Mt . Monadnock in New Hampshire. The trail passes
through several of the DEM forests along the western end of this
planning region. The trail is maintained by Appalachian Mountain
Club volunteers, with DEM cooperation being especially important
throughout the extensive state forest sections.
The many scenic country roads in this area provide
opportunities for bicycles and horseback riding especially in
areas where unpaved roads connect with the trail systems in
public and nonprofit conservation areas. Snowmobilers and nordic
skiers also benefit from these informal trail connections due to
the excellent snow conditions in this region.
MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
DEM' s primary objective is to maintain a trail system within
the forests and parks that provides for public safety and
enjoyment without allowing deterioration in conditions of the
natural and cultural resources that the Department is also
mandated to conserve for future generations.
:
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Stepping back and looking at the region as a whole, there
are opportunities to establish a network of connector trails
between DEM forests and parks and other conservation areas with a
focus on east -west oriented corridors.
DEM will strive to achieve these goals by seeking advice and
working cooperatively with state park visitors, nonprofits, local
communities, private landowners and other government agencies.
RE COMMENDAT I ONS
♦ The state forests & parks within this cluster were evaluated as
to suitability for ORV use and, based on the established
criteria, all were found to be unsuitable for wheeled-motorized
use.
♦ All non-motorized trail uses and snowmobiles shall be permitted
on main trails, trunk trails and connector trails unless posted
closed with appropriate signage, or prohibited by special
regulation. (CMR)
♦ Trails and ways may be posted closed to one or more use(s) with
signs at trailheads, intersections, or prominent locations such
as the forest headquarters or visitor centers. With oversight
from the Regional Forest & Park headquarters, Forest Supervisors
will have the authority to temporarily close trails during mud
season or during times of extreme fire danger conditions. (CMR)
♦ Enforcement of trail regulations will be enhanced in several
ways :
- DEM will strive to improve communication and promote
environmental education for our visitors.
- DEM will communicate information to DFW Environmental Police
Officers related to trouble spots and specific incidents.
- As of 1996, thirty five Forest & Park Supervisors were
authorized to write non-criminal citations. An additional
group will receive the training in 1997. This authority
is used in a non-confrontational and educational manner.
The Park Rangers also provide educational programs and
visitor services such as first aid and technical user
information. The primary focus of a Park Ranger, in
addition to their park supervisory responsibilities, are
patrols for campgrounds, day use areas and trails, and
visitor contact for educational purposes.
- DEM's Park Ranger Program training brings supervisors to a
higher level of law enforcement capabilities.
♦ Forest Supervisor with the assistance of trail volunteers
should establish more loop trails or improve existing loop trails
within the DEM properties. Where possible, work with dog
sledders to establish loops with open gates or without gates.
Some inner loop trails may be designated for specific uses .
CH
♦ All parks should consider installation of a short, self -guided
interpretive trail .
♦ Interpretive trail (s) through recent timber operation sites can
demonstrate Best Management Practices (BMPs) used in forest
management. The harvesting site near the Wendell State Forest
headquarters is one ideal area to establish this type of trail.
♦ Place signs at trail intersections with a numbering system.
Update trail map brochures with trail intersection numbering
system, and provide brochures for trail users. Orientation
wayside signs (3' X 5') should be considered for priority
trailhead locations.
♦ The northern portion of region 4 can provide good conditions
for dog sled training. The regional trails committee suggests
that dog sledders may use ATVs to train dog teams after obtaining
a Special Use Permit and provided that the motor will not be used
for vehicle propulsion.
♦ Visitor trail use patterns, site location and suitability,
point to Wendell State Forest as an ideal location to establish a
nordic ski touring center. The closest opportunity for this type
of formal nordic skiing is in Northfield, where the popular ski
touring center associated with the Northfield Mountain Recreation
Center is often inundated with use. Wendell State Forest would
be closer to population centers, and due to higher elevation, the
snow conditions would be slightly better. To support the nordic
ski use, the flatter area around Ruggles Pond could be reserved
for skiers, while snowmobilers and skiers would be permitted
throughout the remaining majority of the trail system. A ski
touring center could be developed as a public-private
partnership. There is potential to establish a concession area
at an off -road parking site along Montague Road.
♦ Warwick State Forest - Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
- Establish trail connections between DEM and MGLCT properties
where feasible. Prior to establishing additional hiking
trails, supply and demand for this type of trail mileage
should be surveyed.
- Work with the local snowmobile club to extend snowmobile
trails into the new 108 -acre property that was acquired in •
fee by DEM.
- Construct bollards or gates in key locations to restrict ORV
and 4WD access.
- Develop trailhead signs indicating the cooperative nature of
the newly acquired conservation properties. Trailhead signs
should include a list of invited uses. MGLCT signs will not
list hunting as an invited use. Trail signs can be
standardized with new carsonite markers.
Ls
♦ Ware River Rail Trail (WRRT)
- Promote implementation of WRRT improvement project.
Phase I - Feasibility study, with input from citizen
advisory committee, to make recommendations
for trail surface, multi-use orientation, &
investigate problem areas.
Recommendations of the north-Quabbin GOALS Trails
Committee :
o This rail trail does not connect population centers and
therefore should not have an alternative transportation
focus. It is a very important recreation resource for this
region and should be available for snowmobilers, hikers,
x- country skiers, horseback riders, mountain bikers.
o The surface should be a non-paved, porous, compactible
material such as stone dust .
o Burnshirt River bridge needs safety improvements, including
chain link fence along the sides, and measures to prevent
access by 4-WD vehicles.
Phase II- Design
(Including Route 2 double tunnel) .
Phase III Construction.
(Phases II & III should also be emphasized in the capital
recommendations section of the GOALS plan, approximate cost
of double tunnel is one-half to one million dollars)
Assess possibilities for acquisition of New England Power /
B&M railroad ROW extending northward from the end of the
Ware River Rail Trail. This includes a crossing of the
Otter River where steel beams and decking would be required.
♦ Potential long-distance trail network (Figure 4) .
- Utilize protected open space and unimproved town and county
roads wherever possible. Focus on establishing east - west
trail connections. Prioritize possible connections with
old unimproved roads . Attempt to contact towns related to
these specific roads, with information on options to
discontinue, while maintaining public access.
- Emphasize benefits for municipalities by promoting
methods for alleviating town maintenance responsibility and
liability for unimproved roads, while maintaining the roads
as public rights-of-way.
- Work with MHD and Town of Northfield related to options
and possible funding sources for widening a sidewalk /
shoulder for both warm and cold weather use on the Route 10
bridge to allow trail connections across the Connecticut
River. Also, work toward legal access for snowmobiles across
the French King Bridge .
Uo
- Monitor for future initiatives to relocate Route 2 in the
Erving area. This type of project might be used as an
opportunity to improve trail connections between Wendell
and Erving State Forests, and to improve continuity of the
Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.
- Contact landowners related to permission to access large
private ownership parcels in order to establish linkages
in a potential trail network.
- Establish spur connections to Mid-State Trail, Metacomet-
Monadnock Trail, Athol - Orange Greenway, Ware River Rail
Trail, and town centers wherever possible.
- Provide advisory support for the North Central Pathway
project in Gardner & Winchendon. This path will link the
downtown Heritage State Park visitor center with Dunn Pond,
and will be compatible with the Universal Access facilities.
Also, the Winchendon end of the trail will provide the
potential to link with the Ware River Rail Trail and Otter
River State Forest .
- Potential long-distance trail routes must be thoroughly
field checked related to permission to access private,
municipal or nonprofit land, and for sensitive resources that
could make areas unsuitable for trail use.
- The establishment of long-distance trails that include a
variety of ownerships will require a lead-off study phase
to determine suitable routes, and an organizing group to
direct communications, volunteer efforts, & implementation.
The Conway School of Design (CSD) has expressed interest in
undertaking the study phase as one of their school projects.
DEM should remind CSD and promote this as a viable and
interesting project. The organizing group might be formed
from a combination of DEM staff, interested members from the
GOALS trails committee, and members from the following
groups :
Franklin County Commission trails planning project,
Franklin County Bikeway, Millers River Greenway Committee and
Watershed Council, North Central Pathway in Gardner and
Winchendon, MDC-Quabbin Recreation Plan Committee, Statewide
Greenways & Trails Plan, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust,
Army Corps of Engineers, municipalities.
♦ Enhance trail accessibility contingent on limiting site
factors, following guidelines of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Bring interested individuals into a public
decision process whenever new trails are being considered.
47
♦ Trail maintenance & volunteer coordination.
- Plan and implement small volunteer maintenance and
construction projects to bring together the different user
groups .
- Provide guides for trail etiquette on multiple use trails and
for construction and maintenance that include the needs of
various trail users to promote cooperation by helping user
groups learn more about each other.
- Promote formation of advisory committees / friends groups for
these forests & parks.
- Provide support for trail interest groups (see Appendix H) .
♦ Promote the excellent trail opportunities and scenic /
interesting stops along trails with marketing options listed in
the recommendations of this plan's Recreation Section. Develop
links between Bed & Breakfasts and the regional trail system
(Figure 6) .
aBMp^Jfe%C3^ . flPfllf If
'*«•«-.« — ... •. ■•■
Access to the Metacomet -Monadnock Trail in Wendell State Forest
Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns shown on the regional trail map
Ashburnham :
♦ John Adams Homestead. 287 Russell Hill Rd. (508) 827-5388.
Barre :
♦ The Old Jenkins House. 7 West St. (508) 355-6444.
♦ Harding Allen Estate. Route 122. (508) 355-4920.
♦ Hartman's Herb Farm B&B. Old Dana Rd. (508) 355-2015.
Gardner :
♦ Hawke B&B. 162 Pearl St. (508) 632-5909.
♦ Colonial B&B. Betty Spring Rd. (508) 630-2500.
Greenfield:
♦ Brandt House. 2 9 Highland Ave. (413) 774-3329.
Leverett :
♦ Hannah Dudley House. 114 Dudleyville Rd. (413) 367-2323.
Northfield:
♦ Northfield Country House B&B. School St. (413) 498-2692.
♦ Centennial House B&B. 94 Main St. (413) 498-5921.
North New Salem:
♦ Bullard Farm B&B. 89 Elm "St. (508) 544-6959.
Petersham:
♦ Winterwood at Petersham. North Main St. (508) 724-8885.
"71
Ware River Rail Trail in Barre .
1*.
STAFF ORGANIZATION
One of the most important reasons for studying a cluster of
several parks as a single management unit, is to be able to
develop strategies for staff coverage and for shared use of
equipment and vehicles that will promote the most efficient
delivery of visitor services and management of park resources on
a regional basis.
STAFFING KEY
Supervisor IV = S4
Supervisor III = S3
Supervisor II = S2
Supervisor I = S
Rink Supervisor (reassigned
Visitor Services Supervisor
Maintenance Supervisor = M
Laborer II = L2
Laborer I = L
from Greenfield Rink)
= V
= RS
[Seasonal Positions]
Supervisor = [S]
Laborer = [L]
Interpreter = [I]
Lifeguard = [G]
Summer Worker = [W]
Clerk = [C]
CURRENT FY 96 STAFF POSITION ASSIGNMENTS
Otter River / Lake Denn:
Year-round - S4 , S2 , L2 , L2 , L , L
Long-term seasonal
Otter Riv -
Lake Denn -
Short-term seasonal
Otter Riv -
Lake Denn -
[S] ,3[L]
2 [S] ,7[L]
[C]
3 [G] ,2 [W]
[I] ,4[G] ,6[W]
Gardner Heritage :
Year-round - S3,S,V,C,
Long-term seasonal
Dunn Pond - [L]
Center - [L]
Short-term seasonal
Dunn Pond - [I]
Center - [W]
2(20 hr/wk "Green Thumb" employees)
4 [G] , [W]
Erving:
Year-round - S3,RS,L2,L
Long-term seasonal - 3 [L]
Short-term seasonal - 5 [G] , [W]
Wendell :
Year-round - S2,L,L
Short-term seas. - 2 [G]
73
RECOMMENDED ORGANIZATION WITH CURRENT STAFFING LEVEL
Otter River / Lake Denn
& Federated:
Gardner Heritage :
Erving :
Wendell :
Mt Grace :
Summer
S4,S2,L2,L2,L,L
S3,S,V,L,C
S3,RS,L2,L
S2,L
Winter (Oct. - April)
S4 , S2 , S2 , RS , L2 , L2 , L , L
S3,S,V,L,C
S3,L2,L,L (includes
coverage for Wendell
and Mt . Grace)
Summer seasonal assignments as indicated above in current FY 96
organization.
Long-term seasonal:
Otter Riv -
[S] ,3[L]
(Federated)
Lake Denn -
2[S] , 7[L] , [C]
Dunn Pond -
[L]
Gardner Center -
[L]
Erving -
3[L]
Short-term seasonal:
Otter Riv -
3 [G] ,2[W]
(Federated)
Lake Denn -
[I] ,4[G] ,6[W]
Dunn Pond -
[I] ,4[G] , [W]
Gardner Center -
[W]
Erving -
5 [G] , [W]
Wendell -
2[G]
This cluster of parks is being studied as a single management
unit in order to improve the effectiveness of staff coverage, and
shared use of vehicles and equipment . The new cluster
organization will be more apparent in the winter with Otter River
as the headquarters of the cluster. Erving and Gardner Heritage
will be important satellites due to the significance of winter
recreation and programs, with Erving covering the western end of
the cluster.
Crews for specific work projects will be organzied out of Otter
River during the winter. Work projects will be conducted
throughout the cluster as needed and will include road grading,
trail grooming/marking/rerouting/closing/new construction,
boundary work, structural rehab such as roof reshingling, snow
plowing, picnic table construction, additional coverage for
special events that generate large visitor attendance such as ice
skating with bonfires at Dunn Pond and for special needs such as
carpool travel assistance when DEM vehicles require professional
service station maintenance, cleanup of illegal dump sites.
At the beginning of the winter staffing time period, priorities
and timetable for work projects will be developed by the Regional
Sc Assistant Regional F&P Director in coordination with cluster
park supervisors. Priorities and work schedule will be updated
at the monthly F&P Regional staff meeting or as needed.
1M
ENHANCED STAFFING ORGANIZATION
The following recommendations were developed to improve public
safety and recreation services, and strengthen DEM's ability to
protect valuable natural and cultural resources in the most
effective manner possible, with a minimum of additional staff.
Addition of 2 Year-round Laborers as floating positions for the
east end of the cluster (Otter River & satellites/Gardner
Heritage) , and
Addition of 2 Year-round Laborers as floating positions for the
west end of the cluster (Erving/Wendell/Warwick) would allow:
- Increased ability to grade park roads on a regular basis.
- Increased ability related to trail grooming and other trail
maintenance .
- Strengthen productivtiy and increase scheduling flexibilitiy of
proposed winter period work crews .
- The staff in this portion of Region 4 constructs picnic tables
for DEM forests and parks statewide, and provides signs for all
of Region 4. This work is mostly accomplished in the winter.
An additional Laborer position during the winter would benefit
these regional and statewide projects.
- Increased provision of recreation services such as preparation
for earlier opening and later closing for campgrounds,
reopening the Mt . Grace field as a picnic area or reopening the
toboggan - sliding hill, improved maintenance and availability
of camping sites at Federated State Forest.
Addition of year-round laborer for Dunn Pond SP to cover
additional maintentance responsibilities associated with the new
universal access facilities.
Convert seasonal clerk to year-round position to cover campground
reservations for Lake Dennison and Otter River, and to assist
with other work for the cluster.
Addition of 2 seasonal positions, summer workers or laborers, for
each park that offers camping services would allow for overnight
contact station coverage. (2 for Beaman/Dennison, 2 for Erving)
Otter River currently uses the services of the seasonal Park
Interpreter assigned to Lake Dennison, but level of use justifies
two separate seasonal Interpreter positions .
Seasonal Park Interpreters should also be considered for Erving
and Wendell if additional positions become available.
Addition of seasonal laborer for coverage of Mt Grace. Mt Grace
is a locally important recreation area, which can not be
adequately covered at the current staffing level. This would be
an important step towards providing visitor services during the
summer recreation season.
Regional funding for priority boundary survey contracts,
including blazing newly acquired lands.
"75
PARK RANGERS
The Park Ranger Program, which was initiated in 1983, is
administered within DEM' s Division of Forests & Parks. The
program has the responsibilities of enforcing DEM rules and
regulations within the state forests & parks, searching for lost
or missing persons, and assisting the Bureau of Fire Control when
needed. In addition, the rangers are responsible for providing
educational programs and numerous visitor services such as first
aid and technical user information.
There are no full time Park Rangers in DEM, but the
commitment to law enforcement is fulfilled by 35 park supervisors
who have been trained to be Park Rangers . The training focuses
on compliance through education as a first step on the
enforcement ladder, rather than the more traditional enforcement
measures taught to law enforcement officers. Only after the
educational process has failed, do park rangers begin to use
their law enforcement training and invoke the non-criminal
citation process. The Park Rangers who work out of the forests &
parks in the Connecticut River Valley and Central Massachusetts,
will combine their efforts whenever possible to enhance the
educational and enforcement presence in this region.
The primary issues that need to be dealt with by DEM's Park
Rangers are campground and day use patrols, bike trail patrols
and ORV patrols. In addition, the ever expanding winter usage of
DEM facilities has created a demand for winter patrols which
include nordic skiing and snowmobile patrols. Park Rangers also
provide support and education at Department events and hearings.
In the parks represented by this GOALS plan there are two
park rangers authorized to perform these functions. Each
supervisor enforces rules and regulations at their assigned
forests & parks as they carry out their regular duties. In
addition, whenever possible, they patrol other sites to provide
an enforcement presence in areas with specific problems,
particularly related to restrictions on the use of ORVs in these
parks .
The immediate future of the Park Ranger Program for these
parks will include the training of additional staff to enforce
rules and regulations, and the placement of seasonal park rangers
to support the supervisors efforts. However, the year-round
activity in this area of the state supports the presence of two
full time park rangers to provide programming, visitor services
and enforcement required to protect the resources and the
visitors .
-u
CAPITAL REHABILITATION & IMPROVEMENTS
CATEGORIZED BY PARK
The listing of vehicle and equipment, and road grading
recommendations at the beginning of this section is intended to
emphasize the importance of these regional priorities.
VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
West end of cluster (Erving/Warwick/Wendell) :
- Rack truck with snow plow
- Large tractor with all attachments
- Small vehicle (golf cart size) for comfort station maintenance
East end of cluster (Otter River & satellites/Gardner Heritage) :
- Light truck with plow for GHSP
- Large tractor with all attachments
- Small vehicle (golf cart size) for Dunn Pond universal access
trail maintenance
- New industrial grade planer for sign construction
($4.5K estimate)
To make inter-park shared use of equipment and vehicles more
effective, a log book with vehicle use and maintenance
information should be kept with equipment on loan. Also, sublet
of equipment should be reported to the area supervisor prior to
use elsewhere in the cluster or region.
Grading of park roads on a regular basis to ensure adequate
access related to public safety and resource management is a
priority of Forest & Park and Bureau of Forest Development staff.
- Establish dedicated funding for road grading materials from
local gravel operations.
The criteria used to establish capital rehabilitation and
improvement priorities are health and safety of visitors,
enhancement of visitor services and environmental protection,
including upgrades to comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act and Title V requirements. Cost estimates are provided in the
second Rehabilitation & Improvement section, which is categorized
by type of project.
Priority Level
OTTER RIVER
♦ Replace remaining vault toilet . 1
♦ Filters for Beaman Area comfort stations w/ flush 1
automatics, also showers and ADA upgrades.
♦ Rehab bathhouse - install 200 amp service, 1
ADA upgrades .
♦ Beaman Pond dam gate valve replacement . 1
♦ Dam surfacing repair. 2
77
Priority Level
♦ Testing and removal of asbestos and underground 1
fuel tank.
♦ Upgrade transite pipes in water system. 1
♦ Headquarters, main garage & back garage rehab. 2
♦ Contact station sills, wiring, chimney, roof. 2
♦ Resurface road from federal gate to end of 1
pavement (0.5 mile) .
♦ Resurface headquarters parking area. 2
♦ Regrade gravel roads . 1
♦ Install two gates - wood shed area and ball field. 2
♦ Trails - rebuild foot bridges, Wilder McKensie 2
Trail maintenance.
♦ Install permanent site markers in camping area. 2
♦ Beaman Pond water quality - watershed management 2
action plan.
LAKE DENNISON
♦ Comfort stations upgrade 1
♦ Replace beach area bathhouse . 1
♦ Accessibility rehab for one comfort station in 1
North Area and one comfort station in East Area.
♦ Replace showers - two buildings in North Area 1
and one building in East Area.
♦ Rehab East Area structures - glass to 2
one-half inch plexiglass.
♦ Upgrade (slip lining) for transite pipes in 1
water system.
♦ Construct two small contact stations for Upper 2
Picnic Area.
♦ Resurface entrance road from Rt 2 02 to boat ramp 2
(1 . 1 miles) .
♦ Resurface day use parking lot. 2
♦ Relocate or rehab gravel roads that are flooded 2
in the spring.
♦ Rehab North Area roads - root damage, 2
shoulder repair.
♦ Install "Caution - Curve" signs at New Boston Rd 2
intersection .
♦ Install new fencing at Upper Picnic Area, 2
Beach Area and North Camping Area.
♦ Install single strand guardrail from boat ramp 2
in both directions (2000 to 2500 feet total) .
♦ Install bike racks in all areas (5 racks total) . 2
♦ ACOE required lakeshore erosion study / action plan. 2
Note: ACOE - Real Estate Division should be informed in writing
of rehab, and improvement projects proposed for Lake Dennison.
Under the terms of the 50 -year lease, ACOE is entitled to review
DEM plans.
■n
Priority Level
BIRCH HILL
♦ Rehab office roof. 2
FEDERATED
♦ Reclaim entrance road (3 miles) . 1
♦ Install gate. 2
WARE RIVER RAIL TRAIL
♦ Design contract phase. 1
♦ Install gates. 2
♦ Regrade - multi-use surfacing, drainage 2
improvements .
♦ Bridge rehab. 2
♦ Route 2 underpass tunnel . 2
GARDNER HERITAGE V . C .
♦ Painting exterior 2
♦ Acquisition / conversion of abutting structure 2
for garage & storage.
DUNN POND
♦ Universal access project completion. 1
♦ Remove brush and trees from earthen dam. 1
♦ Bury existing electrical service from the street 2
to the pond house .
♦ Plant young pine trees in pine grove picnic area. 2
♦ Title of Stump Pond parcel transferred from City 2
to DEM.
ERVING
♦ Leach field for day use comfort station. 1
Work must be conducted prior to repaving road.
♦ Resurface Laurel Lake Rd (3 miles) . 1
♦ Campground comfort station, power line & 1
removal of vault toilet .
♦ Headquarters septic & removal of shallow 1
injection well.
♦ Landfill capping. 1
♦ Install iron gates in the following locations: 1
- entrance to camping area, 110 feet from brook,
- entrance to beach area to replace wooden gate,
- entrance to Moss Brook Rd to replace wooden gate,
- entrance to North Rd to replace wooden gate.
♦ Install fencing barrier along Laurel Lake Rd 2
(by fire pond) .
♦ Laurel Lake dam gate system rehab, (see Appendix I) 2
for detailed recommendations)
♦ Install permanent site markers for campground 2
(new trail marker material) .
♦ Headquarters structural rehab. 2
♦ Resurface headquarters parking area. 2
♦ Laurel Lake pH management - establish dedicated 2
fund for lime applications.
-tt
Priority Level
MT GRACE
♦ Headquarters septic. 1
♦ Parking area and recreational field rehab. 2
♦ Headquarters rehab - heating system and 2
security system.
♦ Gravel road grading and gates . 1
WARWICK
♦ Security fencing with gate. 2
♦ Security system for building. 2
♦ Resurface parking area. 2
♦ Gravel road grading and gates. 1
♦ Sheomet Lake dam rehab, (see Appendix I for 1
detailed recommendations)
♦ Richards Reservoir dam rehab. (see Appendix I) 2
♦ Recreation demand analysis and possible design for 2
swimming area development at Sheomet Lake .
WENDELL
♦ Road rehab. - extensive repairs needed due to 1
severe 1996 storm damage.
♦ Clivus composting toilets (2) for Ruggles day 1
use area.
♦ Design for dam sluiceway rehab. 2
♦ Ruggles Pond water quality improvement 2
action plan.
♦ Picnic area well rehab - uncap, pump, test, 2
replace hand pump.
♦ Headquarters toilet ADA upgrade. 2
M&M TRAIL
♦ Trail maintenace (ongoing) and construction of 2
shelters .
to
Potential Long-range Recreation Improvements
♦ Lake Wyola acquisition and swimming area development.
♦ Erving campground expansion - 22 family sites,
and a group site.
♦ Wendell cabin/yurt development .
♦ Wendell nordic ski center development .
♦ Lake Dennison upper picnic area expansion and comfort station
♦ Ruggles Pond swimming area upgrade .
♦ Sheomet Lake swimming area development .
♦ Lake Dennison group camping area and comfort station.
♦ Erving - expansion of parking area for boat ramp.
♦ Determine best location at the western end of the cluster for
playground facilities (eastern end has facilities at Dunn
Pond) .
An annual or semi-annual working session with the Regional Forest
& Park staff, Regional Engineer and Regional Planner should be
held to develop and update rehab and improvement priorities, with
the intention of coordinating GOALS plan and 5 -year Capital Plan
recommendations for improved implementation.
New comfort station in Erving State Forest
Si
CAPITAL REHABILITATION & IMPROVEMENTS
CATEGORIZED BY TYPE OF PROJECT
The cost estimates included in this section are for 1996.
Estimates will appear after specific rehabilitation or improvement
items in the following format: (18K) = $18,000
VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
West end of cluster (Erving/Warwick/Wendell) :
- Rack truck with snow plow
- Large tractor with all attachments
- Small vehicle (golf cart size) for comfort station maintenance
East end of cluster (Otter River & satellites/Gardner Heritage) :
- Light truck with plow for GHSP
- Large tractor with all attachments
- Small vehicle (golf cart size) for Dunn Pond universal access
trail maintenance
- New industrial grade planer for sign construction
($4 . 5K estimate)
To make inter-park shared use of equipment and vehicles more
effective, a log book with vehicle use and maintenance information
should be kept with equipment on loan. Also, sublet of equipment
should be reported to the area supervisor prior to use elsewhere in
the cluster or region.
ROADS & PARKING AREAS
♦ Wendell - Road rehab. - extensive repairs needed due to severe
1996 storm damage. (452K - cost breakdown is included on the
following page . )
♦ Establish dedicated funding for road grading materials from
local gravel operations.
♦ Erving - Resurface Laurel Lake Rd - 3 miles. (150K)
♦ Lake Dennison - Resurface entrance road from Rt 2 02
to boat ramp - 1.1 miles. (100K)
♦ Lake Dennison - Resurface day use parking lot. (75K)
♦ Otter River - Resurface road from federal gate to end of
pavement - 0.5 mile. (50K)
♦ Otter River - Resurface headquarters parking area. (50K)
♦ Erving - Resurface headquarters parking area. (150K)
♦ Federated - Reclaim entrance road - 3 miles. (150K)
♦ Lake Dennison & Birch Hill - Relocate or rehab gravel
roads that are flooded in the spring. (200K)
♦ Lake Dennison - Rehab North Area roads - root damage,
shoulder repair. (150K)
♦ Otter River - Regrade gravel roads. (100K)
♦ Mt Grace - Parking area. (25K)
♦ Mt Grace - Gravel road grading. (2 5K)
♦ Warwick - Resurface parking area. (40K)
♦ Warwick - Gravel road grading (3 5K) and gates (15K) .
%z
WENDELL STATE FOREST ROAD SURVEY SUMMARY
Explanation
Cost 1
Dozer prep work
Backboe diU h & drain work
Gravel (Delivered)
Gravel (Spreading)
Culvert materials
Culvert Installation
BBD coos traction
Doxer prep work for 3.06 ML of boar/ gullied roads @
1/4 ML per 4 HRS. dour time or 12.24 X 4 HRS.
Dozer time @ $65 per HR.
48.96 HRS. X $65 »
24.42 ML or 128,937.6 FT. of work required.
@ 800 FT. per 8 HRS- machine lime,
128,937.6 a / 800 1* per day - 16L17 days
of backboe work
8 HRS. machine lima X $45 per HR. « $360 per day.
Ditch work required estimated by observation during
road survey
161.17 days X $360-
RR/CR 3L633 CU. YDS. X SS-SO per CU. YD.
PG/SG 12,506 CU. YDS. X $8.00 per CU. YD.
$3,182
$58,021
$175,084
$100,051
BR/CR 3L833 CU. YDS. + PG/SG 12^06 CU. YDS.
» 44339 CU. YDS. divided by 16 CU. YDS. per load
■ 2,771 leads @ 16 cu. yards per load.
.25 hr. doser spreading time per load for a total of 692.7 hrs. dozer
.2S HRS. X 2,771 loads «= 692.7 hrs. machine lima
629.7 HRS. X $65 per HR. = $45,028
NEW ADS (LINED) NEEDED
ADS 15" X 36 PCS. @ $98.00 per culvert - $3yS23
ADS 18" X 9 PCS. @ $137.80 per culvert = $1,240
ADS 36*X IPCS. ® $465.40 per culvert- $465
REPLACEMENT ADS (LINED) CULVERTS NEEDED
100% railed culverts totaled 70 PIPES, assumption
ASSUMPTION: 1/2 of 100% failed culverts will need to be
replace with ADS (lined) 15" culverts
1/2 number of failed culverts = 35
ADS 15" X 3S PCS.® $98.00 per culverts $3,430
PER PIPE
2.6 HRS. backhoa @ $45 per HR = $117.00
2 laborers @ $22.50 per man hour HR.
for 2.6 hours pec pipe to rebuild headers
@ $117 per pipe installed
machine time ($117) ■*- labor ($117) = $234 per pipe
81 culverts X $234 per culvert installation — $18,954
MACHINETIME
363 BED'S (Broad base dips) needed
@ rate of 3 BED'S per HR.
363 BBD'S devided by 3 per HR. - 121 HRS.
machine time
121 HRS. X$6S per HR. = $7,865
MATERIALS
PG/SG = 12 CU. YD. per BBD
12 CU. YD. X 363 BBD's 4^56 CU. YD.
43S6CUYD. X$S.00CU.YD-» $34348
TOTAL for 28.67 ML of slate forest roads >>>>>> $451,696
S3
SEPTIC SYSTEM UPGRADES
♦ Lake Dennison - Comfort stations upgrade. (500K)
♦ Erving - Leach field for day use comfort station. Work must
be conducted prior to repaving road. (150K)
♦ Wendell - Replace vault toilets with Clivus composters . (22K)
♦ Erving - Campground comfort station, power line and removal
of vault toilet. (175K)
♦ Erving headquarters septic & removal of shallow
injection well. (100K)
♦ Otter River - Replace remaining vault toilet. (100K)
♦ Otter River - Filters for Beaman Area comfort stations
w/ flush automatics, also showers and ADA upgrades. (15K)
♦ Mt . Grace headquarters septic (15K)
WATER SYSTEM UPGRADES
♦ Wendell - Picnic area well rehab - uncap, pump,
test, replace hand pump. (8K)
♦ Lake Dennison - Upgrade (slip lining) for transite pipes in
water system. (100K)
♦ Otter River - Upgrade for transite pipes in water system. (100K)
STRUCTURAL REHAB
♦ Lake Dennison - Accessibility rehab for one comfort station
in North Area and one comfort station in East Area. (20K)
♦ Otter River - Rehab bathhouse - install 200 amp
service, ADA upgrades. (10K)
♦ Wendell - Headquarters toilet ADA upgrade. (10K)
♦ Gardner Heritage V.C. - Painting exterior. (8K)
♦ Erving - Headquarters structural rehab. (125K)
♦ Otter River - Headquarters, main garage & back garage
structural rehab. (75K)
♦ Lake Dennison - Rehab East Area structures
glass to one-half inch plexiglass. (10K)
♦ Otter River - Contact station sills, wiring, chimney
and roof. (25K)
♦ Mt Grace - Headquarters rehab - heating system and
security system. (IK)
♦ Warwick - Security system for building. (IK)
♦ Birch Hill - Rehab office roof. (7K)
RECREATION FACILITY SUPPORT
♦ Erving landfill capping. (1,000k +)
♦ Boundary surveys .
♦ Otter River - Testing and removal of asbestos and
underground fuel tank. (Clean Harbors funding)
♦ Erving - Install fencing barrier along Laurel Lake Rd
(by fire pond) . (3K)
♦ Lake Dennison - Install "Caution - Curve" signs at
New Boston Rd intersection. (OK)
♦ Lake Dennison - Install new fencing at Upper Picnic
Area, Beach Area and North Camping Area. (25K)
♦ Lake Dennison - Install single strand guardrail from boat
ramp in both directions (2000 to 2500 feet total) . (20K)
BM
♦ Lake Dennison - Install bike racks in all areas,
5 racks total. (7K)
♦ Erving - Install metal gates in the following locations:
- entrance to camping area, 110 feet from brook,
- entrance to beach area to replace wooden gate,
- entrance to Moss Brook Rd to replace wooden gate,
- entrance to North Rd to replace wooden gate .
(5K per gate if fabrication and installation is required.)
♦ Otter River - Install two gates - wood shed area and
ball field.
♦ Wendell - Install gates.
♦ Federated - Install gate.
♦ Mt Grace - Install gates.
♦ Warwick - Security fencing with gate. (7.5K)
♦ Dunn Pond - Plant young pine trees in picnic area. (OK)
♦ Erving - Install permanent site markers for campground
(new trail marker material) . (OK)
♦ Otter River - Install permanent site markers in
camping area. (OK)
♦ Dunn Pond - Completion of universal access improvements.
♦ Dunn Pond - Bury existing electrical service from
the street to the pond house. (110K)
♦ Mt Grace - Recreational field rehab. (OK)
♦ All parks should consider 3' X 5' "Welcome to..." orientation
wayside signs for all main buildings. (5K)
TRAILS
♦ Otter River - Rebuild foot bridges, Wilder McKensie
Trail maintenance. (OK)
♦ Ware River Rail Trail (WRRT) - Design contract phase. (400K)
♦ WRRT - Install gates.
♦ WRRT - Regrade - multi-use surfacing, drainage improvements.
♦ WRRT - Bridge rehab.
♦ WRRT - Route 2 underpass tunnel .
♦ Metacomet - Monadnock Trail - Trail maintenace (ongoing)
and construction of shelters. (OK)
♦ All parks - installation of short, self -guided interpretive
trails, and orientation wayside signs for priority trailhead
locations. (10K) .
LAKE & POND MANAGEMENT
♦ Lake Dennison - ACOE required lakeshore erosion study
and action plan. (OK)
♦ Dunn Pond - Remove brush and trees from earthen dam. (OK)
♦ Wendell - Ruggles Pond water quality improvement
action plan. (400K)
♦ Erving - Laurel Lake pH management - establish dedicated
fund for lime applications.
♦ Otter River - Beaman Pond water quality - watershed
management action plan.
♦ Wendell - Design for dam sluiceway rehab.
♦ Erving - Laurel Lake dam gate system rehab.
(see Appendix I for detailed recommendations)
♦ Otter River - Beaman Pond dam gate valve replacement .
r>
♦ Otter River - Dam surfacing repair.
♦ Warwick - Sheomet Lake dam rehab, (see Appendix I for
detailed recommendations)
♦ Warwick - Richards Reservoir dam rehab. (see Appendix I)
♦ Dunn Pond - Title of Stump Pond parcel transferred from City
to DEM. (OK)
♦ Erving - Laurel Lake carrying capacity analysis
for use of boats. (OK)
♦ Warwick - Recreation demand analysis for swimming area
development at Sheomet Lake. (OK)
NEW OR REPLACEMENT STRUCTURES
♦ Lake Dennison - Replace beach area bathhouse. (14 OK)
♦ Otter River - Replace remaining vault toilet. (100K)
This item is also listed under Septic System Upgrades.
♦ Lake Dennison - Comfort stations upgrade. (500K)
This item is also listed under Septic System Upgrades.
♦ Gardner Heritage V.C. - Acquisition / conversion of abutting
structure for garage & storage .
♦ Lake Dennison - Construct two small contact stations for
Upper Picnic Area. (OK)
♦ All parks with interpretive programs should consider
interpreter centers/pavilions (2 OK) & amphitheaters (5K) .
POTENTIAL RECREATION FACILITY EXPANSION
♦ Lake Wyola acquisition and swimming area development.
♦ Erving campground expansion - 22 family sites, and a group site
♦ Wendell cabin/yurt development.
♦ Wendell nordic ski center development.
♦ Ruggles Pond swimming area upgrade.
♦ Lake Dennison upper picnic area expansion and comfort station.
♦ Sheomet Lake swimming area development .
♦ Lake Dennison group camping area and comfort station.
♦ Erving - expansion of parking area for boat ramp.
♦ Determine best location at the western end of the cluster for
playground facilities (eastern end has facilities at Dunn
Pond) .
%lo
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report was prepared as a cooperative effort between the
Division of Forests & Parks and the Division of Resource
Conservation, Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Management .
Peter C. Webber, Commissioner - Dept . of Environmental Management
Division of Forests & Parks
Todd Frederick, Director of Forests & Parks
Carroll Holmes, Regional Forests & Parks Director
Division of Resource Conservation
Peter Smith, Deputy Commissioner
Rich Thibedeau, Director - Bureau of Resource Protection
Andrea Lukens, Director - Office of Natural Resources
Jack Lash, GOALS Program Director
GOALS Planning Team
Carroll Holmes, Regional Forests & Parks Director
Rodney Whipple, Assistant Regional Forests & Parks Director
Joe Iagallo, Otter River management unit Supervisor & Regional
Trails Coordinator
Mike Pelletier, Erving State Forest Supervisor
Wes Adams, Gardner Heritage State Park Supervisor
Hal Stowell, Wendell State Forest Supervisor
Dave Richard, Management Forester
Scott Nelson, formerly Warwick State Forest Supervisor
Dorothy Zug, formerly Gardner Heritage State Park Supervisor
Andy Backman, GOALS Program Planner
Plan Contributors & Reviewers
Andrea Lukens, Director - Office of Natural Resources
Dick Whiting, Otter River State Forest
Ed Torcoletti, formerly Lake Dennison Recreation Area
Danny O'Brien, Bikeways & Rail Trails Planner
Bill Rivers, State Managament Forester
Chuck Pernaa, Management Forester
Anne Marie Kittredge, Service Forester
Joe Smith, Service Forester
Bob Hartzel, Lakes & Ponds Planner
Brian Rod, GOALS Program Intern
Charlie Gibson, Project Manager - Dunn Pond Universal Access
Peter Brandenburg, DEM Trails Coordinator
Gary Briere, Chief - Bureau of Recreation
Karl Honkonen, Chief of Interpretive Services
Susan Ziegler, GIS Coordinator
Judy O'Kula, Region 4 Engineer
11
Cathy Garnett, GOALS & ACEC Program Planner
Gail Benedict, GOALS Program Planner
Chris Greene, Director - Office of Historic Resources
Nancy Dubosque, Great Falls Discovery Center
John Scanlon, DFW Wildlife Biologist
Tom Decker, DFW Wildlife Biologist
Lee McLaughlin, DFW Aquatic Ecologist
Dave Basler, DFW Aquatic Ecologist
Gretchen Eliason, DFW Natural Heritage Program
David Kittredge, Associate Professor - UMass Dept . of Forestry
Joseph Faloretti, Army Corps of Engineers
Leigh Youngblood, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Cynthia Wood, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Special thanks to the volunteers who contributed their time and
ideas on the Trails Advisory Committee.
Kenneth & Lunette Prue, North Orange
Robert Phelps, Northfield
Tom Lively, Heath
Dean Zuppio, Rutland
Anne Zak, Wendell
Pat Gillespie, Bernardston
Rick Wilkey, Orange
Mike Magee, Orange
Barry Lacasse, Hubbardston
Robert Tucker, Concord
Bob Hicks, Wenham
Brian Peters, Warwick
Pat Fletcher, Westfield
Donald Flye, Athol
Peter Taylor, Clinton
John Keeney, Gardner
Henry Warchol , Westfield
David Chirnitch, Acton
U
REFERENCES
Sc SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ahern, Jack, Julius Gy Fabos, Niels laCour and F. Shan McAdoo .
Conservation Networks and Greenways : Essential Components for a
Sustainable Future. Proceedings of the 11th annual ESRI User
Conference .
Banfield, Walter M. , Frank Bequaert, Christopher Ryan. 1991.
Metacomet-Monadnock Trail Guide. Appalachian Mountain Club -
Trails Committee of the Berkshire Chapter.
Brosnan, Deborah, John Elliot, Timothy Grubba, Ingri Quon.
Guidelines for Monitoring and Detecting Visitor Impacts.
in Bulletin of the Sustainable Ecosystems Institute.
1994.
Chadwick Martin Bailey Inc. 1995. SCORP 1995 - 2000 Demand
Research: Report of Findings. Compiled for the Executive Office
of Environmental Affairs.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental
Management, and University of Massachusetts Department of
Forestry. 1979. Field Manual for Silvicultural Prescription.
Joseph Mawson and William Rivers.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental
Management, Scenic Rivers Program. 1983. Millers River
Management Plan. J. Geer & R. Helfeld in cooperation with the
Millers River Advisory Board.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental
Management. 1983. Cultural Resources Inventory.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental
Management. 198 8. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan 1988 - 1992.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental
Management & Office of Travel and Tourism. 1993. Massachusetts
Heritage Discovery Network - Prototype Database - Final Report .
of Environmental
& Rehab Plan: Fiscal
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department
Management . Five Year Capital Facilities
Years 1992 thru 1996 - Facilities Report.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental
Management . (Draft) Wendell State Forest GOALS Management Plan.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental
Protection, Water Pollution Control. 1991. Phase II Restoration
of Dunn Pond.
W
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife
& Environmental Law Enforcement, Division of Fisheries &
Wildlife. 1992. Forest Management Plan for the Proposed
Wildlife Management Demonstration Area at Northfield Mountain. -
John J. Scanlon, Wildlife Biologist.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife
& Environmental Law Enforcement, Natural Heritage & Endangered
Species Program. 1995. Massachusetts Priority Habitat Atlas.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Natural Resources.
1971. Mt Grace Master Plan: Warwick - Mt Grace - Northfield
State Forests.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of Travel & Tourism. 1995.
Analysis of Travel Planning Processes & Key Motivators of Getaway
Destination Selection. Prepared by Houston Effler Herstek Favat .
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of Travel & Tourism. 1993.
Consumer Attitude Research Study. Managed by Houston, Effler &
Partners. Conducted by Dorr Research Corporation.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations 304 CMR 7 thru 20.
Cortell Associates. 1987. Diagnostic Evaluation, Management
Alternatives & Recommendations - 21 Commonwealth Lakes and Ponds.
Cortner, Hanna and Margaret Shannon. July, 1993. Embedding
Public Participation. pp 14-21 in Journal of Forestry.
DeGraaf, Richard and Deborah Rudis. 1986. New England Wildlife:
Habitat, Natural History and Distribution. USDA Forest Service,
Northeastern Forest Experiment Station - General Technical Report
NE-108.
DeGraaf, Richard, and David M. Richard. 1995. Forest Wildlife
of Massachusetts: Cover Type, Size Class & Special Habitat
Requirements . USDA Forest Service, University of Massachusetts
and Massachusetts Counties cooperating.
Environmental Institute, University of Massachusetts. 1990.
An Atlas of Massachusetts River Systems : Environmental Designs
for the Future . Published for the Massachusetts Division of
Fisheries & Wildlife. Edited by Walter E. Bickford and Ute Janik
Dymon.
Frost, Karro. 1994. Vegetational Survey of the Zellmer, Maynard
& Earle Properties. Unpublished report prepared for Mount Grace
Land Conservation Trust.
Golodetz, Alisa. 1993. Historical Patterns of Land Protection
in North Central Massachusetts: The Emergence of a Greenwav.
Unpublished report prepared for Hampshire College and the Harvard
Forest .
Horsley Witten Hegeraann, Inc. 1990. Lake & Pond Management
Field Manual . prepared for a Department of Environmental
Management workshop .
Leahy, Christopher. 1988, revised 1993. Eden's End: The Case
for Ecological Protection in Massachusetts. Massachusetts
Audubon Society Report .
Living Lakes, Inc. 1992. Final Report - Laurel Lake. Living
Lakes Program Report .
Mawson, Rivers & Fisher. 1978. A Forest Land Classification
System for Massachusetts . University of Massachusetts
Cooperative Extension Service.
Massachusetts Audubon Society. 1989. Watershed Decisions: The
Case for Watershed Protection in Massachusetts. Edited by
Elizabeth A. Colburn and Robie Hubley.
Midstate Trail Committee. 1989. Midstate Trail Guide: A Hiking
Map Through Worcester County. printed by Eastern Mountain Sports
in cooperation with Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Management .
Noss, Reed F. and Allen Y. Cooperrider. 1994. Saving Natures
Legacy. Island Press, Washington, D.C. 416 p.
Rezendes, Paul. 1994. Wildlife Inventory: The Earle Project -
Warwick, Mass. Unpublished report prepared for Mount Grace Land
Conservation Trust.
Richard Sandler & Associates / CRC Direct Marketing Services.
1995. Recreation Consumer Attitude Survey. Unpublished report
prepared for the Department of Environmental Management .
Rubinstein, Lynn. 1990. Discontinuing Town & County Roads.
Prepared for the Franklin County Planning Department, with
funding from Massachusetts Department of Public Works.
Ryan, Christopher. 1987. Understanding Public Ways.
Unpublished report prepared for the University of Massachusetts.
Sample, V. Alaric . July, 1993. A Framework for Public
Participation in Natural Resource Decision Making. pp 22-2 5 in
Journal of Forestry.
Scanlon, John J. 1992. Managing Forests for Wildlife Diversity.
in Northeast Wildlife, Volume 49.
Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts. 1991. Massachusetts
Snowmobile Corridor Trail Map.
Society of American Foresters. 1991. Task Force Report on
Biological Diversity in Forest Ecosystems.
Stolzenburg, William. July/August, 1991. The Fragment
Connection. pp 19-25 in Nature Conservancy.
Urban Research Development Corporation - Bethlehem, PA. 1977.
Guidelines for Understanding and Determining Optimum Recreation
Carrying Capacity. Prepared for USDI Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Massachusetts
Ecological Regions Project. Prepared by the EPA Environmental
Research Lab, Corvallis, Oregon, for the Massachusetts Department
of Environmental Protection.
USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1967. Soil Survey of Franklin
County, Mass.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Interim Soil Survey
of Northern Worcester County, Mass.
Wetzel, R.G. 1975. Limnology. Saunders College Publishing,
Philidelphia. 743 p.
<?2
APPENDIX A
Massachusetts State Forest Road Classification System
The Ciassificauon System was put into effect in June of ! 99S on all DEM properties. Its purpose is to
serve as a means through which the hundreds of miles of roads in the State Forest and Park system can
he inventoried, evaluated.and comprehensive plans for their maintenance developed. Additionally, it puts
forth standard des.gn and mamtenance specifications and provides a framework whhin which budgets can
be developed.
Road Classes;
A three character code is used to describe the Road Class for each road in the State Forest system -
both its present condition and what its future state should be. The code would be expressed as a fraction
with the numerator representing the proposed class and the denominator its present class
(proposed/present). The first character would indicate the Type (the specs in the table and drawings)
from Type I through Type 4. The second character would describe the Maintenance Level and the
third character, the type of Traffic Management for the road.
For example:
3 A B (Future)
4 DA (Present)
The foregoing describes a a road that presently has a narrow, natural surface, is not (or is poorly)
™nca,ned and has no access controls (is open to the public). It is recommended that it be upgraded to a
type 3 road by the adteon of gravel, graded and that drainage structures be installed as per the
specifications on the following two pages. Future ar»« ,-«,«...« i. • -u z * j
r7> , * K * ut-ure access controls in the form of year-round gates are also
Type:
1 . Paved, asphalt, stone and oil, etc., 2 lane, 40 mph.
2. Processed gravel or crushed stone surface, 2 lane, 20' wide, 25 mph.
3. Bank run gravel surface, single lane, 14' wide, 15 mph.
4. Natural surface, single lane, 10' wide, 10 mph.
Maintenance Level:
A. Maintained for low clearance (<6") vehicles (passenger cars). Surface graded (if gravel)
culverts cleaned and ditches mowed annually. Inspected at least quarterly and after major
storm events.
Maintained for high clearance (>6") vehicles (pickups and 4wds.). Inspected at least quarterly
and after major storm events. Spot maintenance to prevent degradation of the road prism and
drainage structures. Mowed to retard invasion by woody plants.
C. Maintained for occasional 4wd administrative use only. Inspected at least quarterly and after
ma,or storm events. Bridges and culverts removed. Water bars, rolling dips and broad-based
dips installed. Mowed to retard invasion by woody plants.
D. Not maintained. Culverts plugged or damaged; bridges unsafe; significant (>4") surface erosion;
ditches brushed in or non existent.
Deactivated. Bridges and culverts removed. Deep (2') water bars, rolling dips and broad-based
dips installed. Sidehill sections outsloped. Allowed to revegetate.
Traffic Management:
A. Open to traffic year-round
B. Gated seasonally
C. Gated year-round
D. Fixed barriers (boulders, posts, etc.)
^3
Minimum Standards by Road Type
Please note that these are minimum specs, e.g.: a Type 3 road could be surfaced with crushed stone, a
Type 4 road could be 1 2' wide. etc.
Strict interpretation of clearing widths is for new construction - healthy root systems and heavy
equipment can't coexist. Along existing roads larger, vigorous, "specimen" trees that do not interfere with
maintenance should be retained. However, smaller trees and shrubs occurring in the clearing limits and
high risk trees outside the clearing limits that may fall into the roadway or ditch should be removed and
not be allowed to develop into future problems. This is a judgement call.
Most specs for Type One roads are case specific and are subject to development by Engineering. For the
time being, detailed specifications for surfacing material and subgrade on all types of roads will also be
done on a case by case basis in consultation with Engineering. These specs, will be developed with their
help as we move along.
Type 1
Type 2
Type 3
Type 4
Back slope
<l:l
<l:l
< 1/2:1
Ditch bottom
Vto4'
V
V
Side slope
<3:l
<l 1/2:1
1 1/2:1
Ditch depth
>r
>r
>.5'
Base type and thickness
Site specific
Site specific
Native
Surface
Asphalt
Proc. gravel/stone
Bank run gravel
Native
Roadway width
20'
14'
10'
Shoulder width
none
none
none
Crown slope
1/8"- 1/4" per ft.
1/4"- 1/2" per ft.
optional
Design speed
25 mph
15 mph
10 mph
Structure width
(bridges, gates)
20'
14'
14'
Sight distance
200'
150'
100*
Curve radius
125"
75'
SO-
Turn outs
Not needed
4/mile
Opportunistic
Max. Grade: Short / Sustained
10%/ 8%
1 2% / 1 0%
14%/ 12%
Bridge loading
HS-20
HS-20
HS-20
HS-20
Design storm (>2' pipe)
50 yr.
50 yr.
25 yr.
lOyr.
Total cleared width
Back slope + 5'
(381)
Back slope + 5'
(32')
Back slope + 5'
(24')
<H
Massachusetts State Forest
Road Classification System
Type 4
10' Total Width
Backs lope
< 1/2:1 /*
Depth > 5'
Sideslope
< I 1/2: I
Crown optional
Ditch to "V"
-X 4' min. >K-
14' Total Width
Type 3
>
Ditch depth I ' min.
Crown 1/4" - 1/2" per foot
Ditch to "V"
-X 4' min. Xr
Sideslope
<3 : I
20' Total Width
Ditch depth I ' min
Crown 1/8" - 1/4" per foot
Type 2
>4
45
46
APPENDIX B
Regulations
1 AS anas wiQ be closed to the public between dusk
aid dawn.
1 Fires are permitted in fireplaces only.
3 Picnicking and other use of food and alcoholic
beverages are allowed only in designated camping
4. Linering and waste disposal of any kind are prohib-
ited on both land and water.
5. Only banery-operaied power boats are allowed on
■be ponds.
6 Motorized off-road vehicles are restricted to desig-
nated trails.
7. Camping is allowed only in designated camping
areas.
8. All boats must be equipped with one Coast Guard
approved personal floatation device per person.
9. Hunting, fishing and trapping are subject to the Divi-
sion of Fisheries and Wildlife general laws, regula-
tions and statutes.
10. Please refer to Fish and Wildlife Laws, Common-
wealth of Massachusetts. Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife.
CURLEW POND A3 acres
Fishing is fair. Some large bass and pickerel. Shoreline is
developed and pans are privately owned, limiting access
for shore fishing. Canoes can be carried in or make use of
die launch site on the northeast side of the pond.
NEW LONG POND 23 acres
Bass fishing. This small pond also has some yellow
perch. The shoreline is undeveloped and there is easy
access for shore fishing or small boats. Camping at this
pond is for non-profit organizations only.
Brown Bullhrad
igS&rj,
Fishing Guide to
Myles Standish
State Forest
EAST HEAD RESERVOIR 86 acres
The reservoir is the best choice for fishing from a canoe
or small boat Shore fishing is prohibited. There is some
excellent bass fishing along the weedy undeveloped
shoreline. This is the largest body of water within the
state forest boundaries, but is privately owned.
This brochure is primed on recycled paper.
Visitors to Myles Standish State Forest often ask,
where.is the best fishing?" This guide tries to answer
that question by highlighting six ponds chosen for their
reputation as good fishing spots.
The Kettle Ponds
Most of the poods at Myles Standish State Forest were
formed over 10.000 years ago at the end of the last ice-
age. The retreating glaciers left behind large blocks of
buried ice which later melted to form depressions in the
landscape. These kettleholes as they are called filled
with groundwater to form round shape ponds.
Today these ponds are inhabited by a wide variety of
plants and animals including such native fish species as
yellow perch, eels, chain pickerel, rjurnpkinseed,
sunfish and hompout. Other introduced species include:
brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, small-
mouth bass, bluegill sunfish and white perch. A few of
the kettle ponds in the area are borne to the endangered
xd-beflied turtle, while a number of rare and endan-
gered plant species are found along the shores of these
ponds.
Unfortuanately. most freshwater ponds in this area are
suffering from the adverse effects of acid precipitation,
believed to be caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The
ernmission of sulfur and nitrogen as a byproduct of
fossil fuel combustion mixes in the atmosphere with
water vapor which then condenses and falls to the
ground as acid ram and snow. These ponds do not have
the ■buffering capacity" or ability to counteract the
effects of highly acidified waters. As a result, the
water's add level is increasing, and scientist; fear this
will be harmful to many fish and other aquatic organ-
isms.
Please Protect All Wildlife and
Prevent Water Pollution
Key
D Fisherman's Landing
.A. Camping Area
P Parking
Most access points are not marked.
Rocky Pond Road
~T5
ROCKY POND 20 acres
Easy access for canoes and small boats. This pond has a
partially undeveloped shoreline, with good cover for
bass, pickerel and brown bullhead. Access for fisher-
men is on the south side of the pond.
Conservation Guidelines
o Put litter where it belongs. Use trash receptacles
or carry out what you carry in.
□ Do not disturb shoreline vegetation by driving or
walking along pond edges. The plants here help to
maintain the ecological balance of the ponds.
O Do not use soaps or detergents in or near ponds;
' these substances are harmful to fish and other
wildlife.
T) Be careful with fire.
O Respect all wildlife.
D Release all unwanted fish carefully.
n Read and obey all fishing regulations. Abstracts of
the regulations are available at the contact station.
A<3
FEARINGSPOND 24 acres
This is the only pond in the forest stocked with trout-
Fishing for brown and rainbow trout is best in the fall
and spring. There is good fishing for bass and bluegill
sunfish in the summer. Canoes can be carried in. There
is a partially developed shoreline.
Ye How Penh
CHARGE POND IS acres
Perch and sunfish are plentiful in Charge Pond. Fishing
for smallmouth bass is fair. The pond has an undevel -
oped shoreline with good access for shore fishing.
Canoes can be carried in.
%1
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APPENDIX C
CARRYING CAPACITY: Factors influencing optimum capacity and
suggested optimum capacity ranges for
various recreation activities.
Primary Factors Influencing the Selection of Optimum Capacity - Factors Common
to Many Activities
A list of primary factors which affect the choice of an optimum capacity level is
provided below each of the suggested optimum capacity ranges. These factors can
be used by recreation planners and administrators as a basis for listing factors,
observing conditions and calculating the "net effect" figures indicated in the
five step process discussed earlier in this Chapter.
The same factors affect the optimum carrying capacity of many activities. Those
factors, which are common to many activities, are listed below and are referred
to when appropriate under the suggested optimum capacity range for a given recrea-
tion activity. The most common factors influencing optimum carrying capacity
for many activities are:
A. Location of the Recreation Activity Area - Recreation participants in an urban
area will generally expect, tolerate and accept higher use densities than par-
ticipants who travel to remote locations; for this reason, an activity area
located within an urban area can generally be used at a higher optimum capacity
than an area in a remote location.
B.~ Size of the Recreation Activity Area - The size of a recreation activity area
affects optimum carrying capacity because of the generally unfavorable cumula-
tive effect that is perceived when there are many recreation participants
located over a very large area; therefore, very large activity areas should
probably be developed and operated at a lower capacity level than smaller areas.
C. Quality of Site Amenities - The number and quality of site amenities affects a
person's willingness to tolerate and accept higher levels of capacity; therefore,
recreation sites with amenities such as scenic natural features, views or "vistas
can generally be developed and operated at a higher optimum capacity level.
D. Proximity to Convenience Facilities - Activity areas conveniently located near
comfort and other support facilities can generally have higher use intensities
because they are developed and operated at a higher optimum capacity level
than areas which are inconvenient .to support facilities.
i
E. Homogeneous User Groups - Areas used by similar socio-economic, age and interest
groups can generally be developed and operated at higher optimum capacities than
areas used by dissimilar groups.
F- Length of Day - For some activities, night lighting can extend the length of
the user day, thus increasing the capacity of the activity area.
G. Duration of Use - The duration of use varies by activity and by participant
type. It is important to recognize that management policies regarding the
duration of use have a definite effect on optimum carrying capacity.
H. Vulnerability of the Site - A site which is environmentally sensitive because
of vegetation which cannot withstand abuse, soil compaction problems, poor
drainage and runoff, erosion, climatic condition, and other similar features
should be developed and operated at a much lower capacity level. Sites with
these natural features should be considered only for activities which are not,
by nature, likely to be injurious to the site.
SWIMMING, BFACH
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
SQUARE FEET OF WATER/
SWIMMER
Low
200
BASE
100
High
64
(10' apart if 'equally spaced)
(14' apart if equally spaced)
(8' apart if equally spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A and E
o Waders /Swimmers - Waders require less space than swimmers; thus, a beach area
which has a preponderance of waders could accommodate more people per acre
of water.
o Weather, Season, Time of Day - The number of swimmers will vary depending
upon the weather, season and time of day.
o Extent of Beach* - Depending upon the depth of the beach area, the beach area
might be the limiting factor determining optimum capacity.
(*N0TE: Where the beach area is the limiting factor, the suggested range for
Sunbathing (page III-3) can be used to determine the appropriate
capacity)
SUNBATHING
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
1600
SQUARE FEET/ BLANKET
(40* between blanket
BASE
576
(24* between
centers)
High
324
J
blanket centers)
(18' between blanket centers)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A, B, C, D, E and H
o Weather, Season, Time of Day - The number of sunbathers will vary depending
upon the weather, season and time of day.
ICC
CAMPING, PRIMITIVE
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low BASE High
50 23 10
ACRES/CAMPSITE
X1476' between sites
(1000' between sites if equally spaced)
if equally spaced)
(660' between sites if equally spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A, C and H
o Degree of Privacy Afforded by the Site - The type of vegetation and the topo-
graphic characteristics of the site affect the perceived closeness of the
campsites; a 100-acre area that is heavily wooded and moderately sloping can
accommodate more campsites per acre than a 100-acre open field.
CAMPING, TENT AND TRAILER
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low BASE High
3 7 19
CAMPSITES /ACRE | 1 |
(79' between sites if equally spaced) .
(120' between sites if equally spaced)
(48* between sites if equally__spaded)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A, B, C, D and H
o Degree of Privacy Afforded by the Site - The type of vegetation, forest and
field and slope characteristics, affect the perceived closeness of campsites.
A densely-wooded, moderately-sloping area can accommodate more campsites per
acre than an open field or lawn.
o Siting Limitations - The type of vegetation, e.g., field or forest, and slope
characteristics also affect the ease of locating campsites. For example, a
lower density may be appropriate if the area has slopes steeper than 10 percent,
o Proximity to Other Activity Areas - Areas in very close proximity to swimming,
boating, historical features or other activity areas are generally attractive
campsites and can accommodate more per acre than an area with no related
activities nearby.
/C|
PICNICKING
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
4
BASE
13
High
35
TABLES /ACRE
(58' between
(104* between tables if equally spaced)
tables if equally spaced)
(35 ' between tables if equally spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A, B, C, E, and H
o Degree of Privacy Afforded by the Site - The type of vegetation, forest and
field and slope characteristics affects the perceived closeness of picnic
sites. A densely wooded, moderately sloping area should accommodate more
tables per acre than an open field or lawn.
o Siting Limitations - The type of vegetation, e.g., field or forest and slope
characteristics also affect the ease of locating picnic table sites. For
example, a lower density may be appropriate if the area has slopes steeper
than 10 percent.
o Configuration of Picnic Area - The shape of the picnic area has some bearing
on picnic table density; lineal-shaped picnic areas can accommodate a higher
density than square-shaped picnic areas.
BOATING, NON- POWER FLAT WATER
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
2.5
ACRES OF WATER/ BOAT
t
(330' between boats
BASE
1.3
(240' between
if equally spaced)
boats if equally spaced)
High
.5
*1\
(148 ' between boats if equally spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A, B and C
o Boat Type - Row boat and canoes require less space than sailboats because they
are more easily maneuberable; therefore, areas where there are sailboats also
using the areas should accommodate fewer boats per acre.
C2.
SKIING, WATER
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
ACRES OF WATER/BOAT
Low
BASE
20
12
I
High
J
j
(723' between' boats if equally spaced)
(933* between boatls if equally spaced)
(552' between boats if equally_ spaced)
BOATING, UNLIMITED POWER
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
18
ACRES OF WATER/ BOAT
(626' between
(900* between boats if equally spaced)
BASE
9
High
3
boats if equally spaced)
(361' between boats if equally spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A, B and C
o Type of Aquatic Life - Certain types of aquatic life, under certain circum-
stances, cannot withstand large volumes of boat traffic.
o Multiple Use of Water Area - The number of boats/acre should be lower if
other activities, such as swimming, are also allowed in the boating area.
o Depth of Water - Water areas that are shallow should accommodate fewer boats
per acre.
o Rate at Which Water is Circulated Through System - The faster water is circu-
lated through the system, the more boats the water area can accommodate from
the standpoint of polluting the water with oil, etc.
o Shoreline Configuration - Water areas with very irregular shorelines should,
on the basis of safety, accommodate fewer boats per acre than those with
regular, even shorelines.
o Degree of Policing - Water areas that are policed can accommodate more boats
per acre than those which are not policed.
o Circulation Patterns - Water bodies with defined ski lanes can safely accom-
modate more boats per acre than unmarked water bodies which allow a random
pattern of tow paths.
IC3
FISHING, SHORELINE
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
41
FISHERMEN/MILE
BASE
M7
I
High
528
(30' between fishermen if equally spaced)
(129' between fishermen if equally spaced)
(10* between fishermen if equally 'spaced-)-
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A and B
o Fish Availability - Generally, fishermen will accept and tolerate more fisher-
men per mile of shoreline if they are catching fish; therefore, streams and
rivers that are either well-stocked or naturally abundant with fish can accommo-
date more fishermen per mile of shoreline.
o Tolerance of Fish Species to People - Certain types of fish are more tolerant
to people than other types, streams containing less tolerant species, such as
the trout, should accommodate less fishermen per mile of shoreline.
o Type of Fishing - The type of fishing, i.e., fly, bait or spin cast, surf
fishing, etc., affects the o'ptimum carrying, capacity of the shoreline; certain
types of fishing, e.g., surf fishing, require greater distances between fisher-
men.
o Stability of Shoreline - Certain shorelines physically are more stable than
others and can accommodate more fishermen per mile without increasing erosion
and sedimentation.
HUNTING, WATERFOWL
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
20
ACRES /BLIND
BASE
13
High
6
(752' between blinds if evenly spaced)
s if evenly spaced) (511' between blinds if evenly
(933' between blind
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
spaced)
o Supply and Availability of Waterfowl - The supply of waterfowl in the area
being hunted affects a person's willingness to tolerate and accept higher densities,
i.e., more hunting groups per acre; therefore areas that are abundant with
waterfowl can accommodate more hunters per acre than in an area where game
is scarce.
o Density of Vegetative Cover - The density of the vegetative cover affects the
perceived closeness of other hunting groups; areas with dense vegetation should
accommodate more groups per acre.
HUNTING, BIG GAME
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
62
ACRES /HUNTER*
BASE
47
i
r
High
35
(1430' between hunters if equally spaced)
(1640' between hunters if equally spaced)
(1235* between hunters if equally spaced)
*NOTE: The above range is based solely upon the low, high and average
SCORP Survey results.
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Density of Vegetative Cover - The denser the vegetative cover, the longer it
takes for a hunter to move through an area; hunting areas which have dense
vegetation should accommodate fewer hunters per acre per day.
o Terrain - Areas with very rugges terrains accommodate less hunters per acre
per day.
o Amount of Game in the Area - Hunters will move more slowly through an area
and will be more willing to tolerate other groups of hunters if game is
readily available.
HUNTING, SMALL GAME
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
ACRES /HUNTING GROUP
50
L
BASE
30
1
High
10
_J
(1143' between groups is equally spaced)
(1476* between groups if equally spaced)
(361' between groups if equally spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Density of Vegetative Cover - The denser the vegetative cover, the longer it
takes a hunter to move through an area; hunting areas which have dense vegeta-
tion should accommodate fewer hunters per acre per day.
o Terrain - Areas with very rugged terrains accommodate less hunters per acre
per day.
° Amount of Game in the Area - Hunters will move more slowly through an area and
will be more willing to tolerate other groups of hunters if game is readily
available.
° Use of Hunting Dog - Hunters using dogs move slower through the hunting area
than hunters without dogs; areas where hunting dogs are often used should
accommodate less hunters per acre.
\0S
HIKING
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low
3
GROUPS /MILE*
BASE
12
High
21
(1760 ' between groups (440* between groups
if evenly spaced) if evenly spaced)
t
(250* between groups
if' evenly spaced)
(*For the purpose of this activity a "group" is defined
as a related hiking party consisting of one or more
individuals )
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A and C
o Degree of Privacy - The type of vegetation and topographic characteristics
found along the trail affect the perceived closeness of other hiking groups;
a trail across densely wooded, rolling topography should accommodate more
groups per mile of trail than a trail which extends across predominantly
flat, open land.
o Stability of Trail Surface - The degree of stability of the trail surface
affects the optimum carrying capacity of the trail; trail surfaces that are
very stable, e.g., paved surfaces, can accommodate many hikers per mile of
trail without damaging the trail surface.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
GROUPS /MILE
Low
2
L
BASE
5 1/2
High
9
_1
(960 ' between groups if evenly spaced)
(2640 T between groups if evenly spaced)
(593 ' between groups if evenly spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A and C
o Degree of Privacy - The type of vegetation and topographic characteristics found
along the trail affect the perceived closeness of other groups of riders; for
example, a trail across densely wooded, rolling topography should accommodate
more groups per mile of trail than a trail which extends across predominantly
flat, open land.
o Stability of Trail Surface - The degree of stability of the trail surface affects
the optimum carrying capacity of the trail; trail surfaces that are stable, e.g.,
those with dry, sandy soils versus those with wet, clay soils, can accommodate
more riders per mile of trail with less damage to the trail surface.
I0(,
SKIING, NORDIC
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low BASE High
2.2 3.5
GROUPS /MILE
/S
. (2400' between groups if evenly spaced)
(5280' between groups if evenly spaced)
(1500' between groups if evenly spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A, C and H
o Degree of Privacy - The type of vegetation, forest and field and topographic
characteristics of the ski area affects the perceived closeness of other
ski groups. Ski areas which are predominantly wooded and moderately sloping
can therefore support more skiers per mile of trail than a predomonantly
open ski area.
o Stability of Snow Cover - The type and depth of snow cover along the trail
affects carrying capacity; the carrying capacity should be lower on days
when there is only a minimal amount of snow cover.
o Slope and Terrain Conditions - A ski trail which crpsses a steep and rugged
terrain will turnover less skiers per mile than a more gentle trail.
ICE SKATING
Suggested Optimum Capacity Range
Low BASE High
400 mi] ' 30
SQUARE FEET OF ICE/PERSON I I ; I
(20' between skaters
t
(12' between skaters if equally spaced)
if equally spaced)
(5%' between skaters if equally spaced)
Primary Factors Influencing Selection of Optimum Capacity Level
o Refer to Factors A, B and E
o Type of Skating Experience - Skaters on an ice rink will be willing to toler-
ate and accept more skaters per acre than skaters on natural ice.
o Circulation Control - Skating areas where there is controlled circulation of
skaters can accommodate more skaters per acre of ice than where skater circu-
lation is uncontrolled.
in
\c%
APPENDIX D
Gap analyses are being conducted state by state under the general
coordination of the USDI Fish & Wildlife Service. In
Massachusetts, the Forestry & Wildlife Department at UMass Amherst
is conducting the research. The initial detailed cover type
inventory is nearly complete. LANDSAT imagery is being used in
combination with aerial video transects taken from a 2000-foot
elevation. The video transects, and field checking to verify
specific cover types, will allow definition of 30 to 40 vegetation
types. The data representing the cover type maps will be on a GIS
system that can be transferred to EOEA' s ARC- INFO system. The data
will be available to EOEA via the Internet .
In the mean time, existing GIS data layers have been used to
conduct modified gap analyses:
♦ With the intention of highlighting areas of functional wildlife
habitat, the Mass. Division of Fisheries & Wildlife used GIS
coverages showing river and stream corridors, nonforested wetlands,
and Natural Heritage Program priority and estimated habitat.
♦ UMass Amherst Assistant Prof. David Kittredge started with a land
use coverage of residential / commercial / industrial areas,
representing sites that were "bad" ecologically. He used a
buffering analysis to extend the influence of the developed areas,
and then compared remaining areas that approximately represent
undeveloped inner forest habitat, with an existing protected open
space coverage. The intention is to highlight inner forest habitat
that is not currently protected.
With permission to use Dave Kittredge 's idea on EOEA' s ARC-
INFO system, additional available coverages and newly digitized
coverages allow for a slightly more elaborate analysis that was
conducted for portions of the north-Quabbin region. A roads
coverage was also buffered in a similar way to the residential /
commercial / industrial land use areas in order to remove the road
corridors and associated area of influence from consideration as
habitat. Also, DFW biologists were consulted relative to
identifying general areas or landscape swathes that could be
considered good habitat for inner forest species that are sensitive
to human development such as the Fisher, Bobcat and River Otter.
These area were identified on USGS quadrangle maps and digitized
to enhance the information being considered in this modified gap
analysis . In order to show how private landowners can add to the
region's stewardship potential, parcels enrolled in the Forest
Stewardship Program were also digitized, to be considered along
with the protected open space. The DFW Hatural Heritage Program's
data indicating priority habitat areas are also considered in this
analysis. The intention of the modified gap analysis is to
highlight important ecological areas and inner forest habitat that
are unprotected, and also to highlight viable corridors that could
potentially connect existing protected open space.
0°,
UO
APPENDIX E
Park Visitor Survey Results - Summer 1994
Survey Methodology:
Survey forms were distributed to campers at check- in during July
1994. Campers responded by selecting from several choices for each
question. Day use visitors were surveyed by interview during July,
1994, selecting from several choices for each question. A survey
distributed as an inclusion in the Wendell Post in June, 1994
sampled subscribers of that newspaper who live in or near Wendell.
Return rates for surveys varied from park to park, ranging from 10%
to 2 0%. The number of returned surveys (4 8 from campers, 64 from
day users and 3 2 from the Wendell Post survey) do not allow for a
quantitative statistical analysis. The following summaries show
approximate totals.
Visitors came from:
Lake Dennison (camp)
Otter River (camp)
Erving (camp)
Dunn Pond (day use)
Lake Dennison (day)
Wendell (day)
Wendell Post survey
local
regional towns
greater
towns
&
Rt
2
corridor
Boston
out-
-of state
25%
25%
40%
10%
25%
65%
10%
50%
25%
15%
10%
55%
-
22%
15%
8%
75%
25%
50%
50%
100;
How many years the visitors
have been returning:
1st visit 1-5 years over 5 yrs
Lake Dennison (camp)
Otter River (camp)
Erving (camp)
Dunn Pond (day use)
Lake Dennison (day use)
Wendell (day use)
40%
80%
30%
30%
30%
40%
10%
30%
55%
40%
10%
20%
10%
40%
15%
60%
60%
They learned of
the park from:
Lake Denn . (camp)
Otter River (campi
Erving (camp)
Dunn Pond (day)
Lake Denn. (day)
Wendell (day)
family or
DEM
maps &
road
friends
b:
rochure
guidebooks
signs
media
95%
5%
65%
10%
25%
85%
10%
5%
50%
15%
25%
90%
10%
85%
5%
5%
5%
Pi
What they do in the
park - by land:
Lake Dennison (camp)
Otter River (camp)
Erving (camp)
Dunn Pond (day)
Lake Dennison (day)
Wendell (day)
other
interp
nature
picnic
hike
walk
trail
proaram
photos
35%
25%
45%
15%
15%
15%
18%
27%
64%
25%
25%
64%
50%
36%
7%
50%
50%
40%
100%
74%
37%
47%
30%
What they do in the
park - by water:
Lake Dennison (camp)
Otter River (camp)
Erving (camp)
Dunn Pond (day)
Lake Dennison (day)
Wendell (day)
swim boat fish skate
80%
30%
48%
73%
18%
93%
30%
43%
65%
12%
7%
100%
25%
90%
26%
16%
20%
The surveys distributed with the Wendell Post sampled local
residents. Their activities in DEM parks include;
hiking (97%) , x-country skiing (72%) , swimming (65%) ,
bird watching (65%) , ice skating (50%) , picnicking (47%) ,
camping (41%) , boating (38%) , mountain biking (38%) ,
fishing (31%) , nature educ. programs (22%) , hunting (10%) ,
horseback riding (10%) , nature observation (6%) , running (3%) ,
snowmobile use (3%) , ATV/ORV use (3%)
What they do
outside the park:
Lake Denn. (camp)
Otter River (camp)
Erving (camp)
Dunn Pond (day)
Lake Denn. (day)
Wendell (day)
rocery
retail
dine
cultural
sight-
visit
shop
shop
out
events
seeincr
folks
44%
9%
35%
17%
26%
60%
10%
30%
30%
53%
20%
13%
53%
7%
8%
11%
8%
13%
3%
11%
13%
25%
5%
15%
20%
5%
5%
Hi
APPENDIX F
River Oriented Recreation
Existing Access - (A)
1 - west of Route 63 Bridge (privately owned)
2 - on Route 2, east of Erving landfill
3 - east side of railroad bridge on north side of river (privately owned)
4 - Hart's landing off East River Street
5 - Route 202 bridge and Millers River
6 - Routes 2A and 202 and Millers River - ending point for the annual Millers
River Rat Race
7 - confluence of Tully and Millers Rivers
8 - Athol Conservation Commission land
9 - AtholRod and Gun Club
10 - Tully Lake Dam (access for fishing along East Branch Tully River until
confluence with West Branch Tully Rive^)
11 - east side of Tully Lake
12 - downstream from Tarbell Brook
13 - north shore of Millers River, off Route 12
14 - north of Sunset Lake, south shore of Bear Meadow Brook
15 - western shore of Upper Naukeag Lake
16 - near Hubbardston -Temple ton town line
Potential Access - (a)
1 - Farley Flats
2 - on Route 2 for approximately one mile on the north side of river
3 - end of Sears Road in Wendell
4- - mouth of Moss Brook on Route 2A
5 - east of Holtshire Road Bridge (privately owned)
6 - near Whitney Pond
7 - upstream from Whitney Pond
8 - eastern shore of Millers, downstream from Sunset Lake
9 - eastern shore of Bear Meadow Brook, upstream of Sunset Lake
/'3
JW
APPENDIX G : Heritage Discovery Network Sites
jme
'97 House
H Forest
>ercombie Play Area
nherst College Lot
nherst Woods and Hop Brook
chibald Macleish Collection
tSpace Gallery
tifacts Loft
ts Council of Franklin County
igard House
ihfield Historical Society
kins Flats
kins Reservoir
igusta Savage Gallery
ilky Farms
irton Cove Campground
iseball Field
lyberry
sacon Field
sar Swamp
sar Swamp Visitor Center
sars Den Reserve
■ment School
imardston Conservation Land
imardston Elementary School
■mardston Fire and Water Supply
imardston Historical Society
srnardston Historical Society Museum
^shelters, Inc.
sbee Family Maple
zer Fish Hatch
je Heron Farm
ee-Z-Knoll Farm
ewer Tatro Memorial Woods
idge of Flowers
ookledge Sugarhouse
ickland Recreation
ickland State Forest
illard Farm Bed & Breakfast and Conference
imett's Sugarhouse
imt Hill Farm
itterfield Park
ibot Woods Lot
imp Avery
imp Stonehenge
jmegie Public Library
rtamont State Forest
rtamount State Forest
;metery
jntennial House
lapelbrook Reservation
larity Farm
lariemont Fairgrounds
larlemont Historical Society
der Mill Pond
jlrain Elementary School
)lrain Fire District
>lrain Historical Society
immunity Recreation Field
jnway Historical Society, Inc.
inway State Forest
inway Swimming Pool
jnway Town Forest
jmer Porches Bed & Breakfast
jvered Bridge
Dwell Gymnasium
raig Mountain Lookout
ranston's Tree Farm
LiShman Brook Conservation Area
jshman Park
Address
City
Village
Phone
2 Charlemont Road
Shutesbury Rd., SCORP SITE # 154006
Montague City Rd., SCORP SITE ID# 1 1401
Reservoir Rd., SCORP SITE ID# 289005
Central Amherst
One College Drive, Greenfield Comm. Coll.
7 Franklin Street
Carnegie Public Library, Avenue A
, 7 Franklin Street
550 Station Road
Main Street
South Amherst
January Hills Road, SCORP SITE ID# 272013
101 Africa House, Central Resi, University of
15 Main St.
Rte2
Little Mohawk, SCORP ID# 268005
East Amherst
Beacon Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14025
Hawley Rd., SCORP SITE ID# 013003
, New England Power Company
Neilson Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 204002
Old Deerfield, SCORP SITE ID # 074005
Bemardston Road, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14049
Off of South St., SCORP SITE ID # 029003
Off Rt 5 & 10, SCORP SITE ID # 029001
Church Street, Powers Institute
500 Sunderland Road
24 Old Chesterfield Rd.
Montague Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 192001
Warner Hill Rd.
160 North County Rd.
Montague Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 192001
189 Haydenville Rd.
Rte 112, SCORP SITE ID # 047012
Bray Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 04701 1
89 Elm Street
Rt. 116, 42 N. Poland Rd.
East River St., SCORP SITE ID # 223002
South End, SCORP SITE ID # 192004
Scout Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14032
Barton Road, SCORP SITE ID # 114031
, Avenue A
Route 112
Rt 2 and Rt 1 12, SCORP SITE ID # 066003
Orange Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 312013
94 Main Street
Williamsburg Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 013008
Bald Mountain Road, SCORP SITE ID # 029010
Rt 8A Heath Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 053007
, Main Street
North- East Amherst
Jacksonville Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 066002
Off of Rt. 112, SCORP SITE ID # 066006
, Main Street
Leverett Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 272006
, Main Street
W. Whately Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 068001
Rte. 1 1 6, SCORP SITE ID # 06801 0
Crickett Hill, SCORP SITE ID # 068003
82 Baptist Corner Road
RRE 116, SCORP SITE ID # 06801 1
Maple St., SCORP SITE ID # 268007
197BellusRd.
North-west Amherst
OFF Church Street.,
SCORP SITE ID # 029007
M7
Buckland
Leverett
Greenfield
Sunderland
Amherst
Greenfield
Greenfield
Montague
Amherst
Ashfield
Amherst
Shutesbury
Amherst
Northfield
Gill
Shelburne
Amherst
Greenfield
Ashfield
Florida
New Salem
Deerfield
Greenfield
Bemardston
Bemardston
Bemardston
Amherst
Chesterfield
Montague
Charlemont
Leyden
Montague
Shelburne Falls
Whately
Buckland
Buckland
North New
Conway
Heath
Orange
Montague
Greenfield
Greenfield
Montague
Colrain
Colrain
Warwick
Northfield
Ashfield
Bemardston
Charlemont
Amherst
Colrain
Colrain
Colrain
Shutesbury
Conway
Conway
Conway
Conway
Ashfield
Conway
Shelburne
Northfield
Ashfield
Amherst
Bemardston
Buckland
Leverett
Greenfield
Sunderland
Amherst
Greenfield
Greenfield
Turners Falls
Greenfield
Amherst
Ashfield
Amherst
Shutesbury
Amherst
Northfield
Gill
Shelburne
Amherst
Greenfield
Ashfield
Florida
New Salem
Deerfield
Greenfield
Bemardston
Bemardston
Bemardston
Amherst
Chesterfield
Montague
Charlemont
Leyden
Montague
Shelburne Falls
Whately
Buckland
Buckland
North New
Conway
Heath
Orange
Montague
Greenfield
Greenfield
Turners Falls
Colrain
Colrain
Warwick
Northfield
Ashfield
Bemardston
Charlemont
Charlemont
Amherst
Colrain
Colrain
Colrain
Shutesbury
Conway
Coway
Conway
Conway
Ashfield
Conway
Shelburne
Northfield
Ashfield
Amherst
Bemardston
(413)625-2697
(413)774-3131
(413)772-6811
(413)863-3214
(413)772-6811
(413)256-6920
(413)628-4541
(413)545-5177
(413)498-2077
(413)659-3714
(413)424-5213
(413)648-9600
(413)549-3558
(413)296-4717
(413)339-4045
(413)774-3757
(413)665-3837
(508) 544-6959
(413)369^437
(413)337-4454
(413) 863-3214
(413)339-5504
(413)498-5921
(413) 339-4342
(413)863-8501
(413)369-4082
(413)628-4592
(508) 544-3939
(413)648-3911
Name
D.A.R. State Forest
D.L Moody Museum
Davis Street School
Davis Street Tennis Courts
Dean's Sugarhouse
Deerfield Academy
Deerfield Fire District
Deerfield Inn
Deerfield Town Forest
Deerfield's Yellow Gabled House
Dexter Park School
Dry Hill Area
Dubuque State Forest
Dwyer Lot
E & J Scott Orchards
E. Whately Grammar School
Eaglebrook School
Eastman Brook
Ed's Sugar Shack
Elementary School
Elementary School Lot
Elf Meadow
Emily's Amherst Bed & Breakfast
Erving Elementary School
Erving Historical Engine House
Erving State Forest
Ervingside Playground
Eunice Williams Memorial
Falls River Inn & Restaurant
Federal Street Grade School
Fort Pelham
Fort Shirley
Four Corners Elementary School
French King Bridge
Frontier Regional School
G. William Pitt House and Museum
GTD Conservation Land
Gale Brooks School
Gill Boat Ramp
Graves' Sugarhouse
Gray's Sugarhouse
Green Market Farm
Green River Conservation
Green River Elementary School
Green River Park
Green River/ Riverside
Greenfield Community College
Greenfield Department of Recreation
Greenfield High School
Greenfield Historical Society
Greenfield School
Greenfield Skating Rink
Greenfield Swimming Area
Greenfield(Leyden) Covered Bridge
Greenwood Farm
Griswold Wildlife Sanctuary
Gulliver Meadow
H O Cook State Forest
H.O. Cook State Forest
Hail to the Sunrise Statue
Hamilton Orchards
Hampden Council Boy Scout Camp
Hampden Gallery
Hannah Dudley House
Harkness Brook
Harold White, Jr.
Hart Farm
Haskins Meadow
Hawlemont Regional Elementary School
Hawley Bog
Address
Rte112
, Moody St. & Highland Ave.
Davis Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14038
Davis Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14042
32 Hawk Hill Rd.
Old Deerfield, SCORP SITE ID # 074006
THe Bars, SCORP SITE ID # 074009
81 Old Main Street
Pine Nook Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 074007
307 North Main St.
Dexter St., SCORP SITE ID # 223004
Dry Hill, SCORP SITE ID # 192016
Route 8A
Conway St., SCORP SITE ID # 074016
RT. 116
River Road, SCORP SITE ID # 337002
Pine Nook Rd, SCORP SITE ID # 074008
North Amherst
72 S. County Rd.
West Pelham Road, SCORP SITE ID # 27201 1
School Street, SCORP SITE ID # 289006
South-East Amherst
Route 63, SCORP SITE ID # 091003
Main Street
Rte 1 16, SCORP SITE ID # 217015
Moore St., SCORP SITE ID # 091004
Eunice Williams Drive, SCORP SITE ID #
P.O. Box 762- Routes 5& 10
Federal Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14035
Pond Road, SCORP SITE ID # 253001
East Oxbow, SCORP SITE ID # 130001
Ferrante Ave., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14033
,Rte2
North Main Street, SCORP SITE ID # 074003
, Main Street
Lampblack RD., SCORP SITE ID # 114015
North Orange, SCORP SITE ID # 223006
Rte 2, SCORP SITE ID # 106002
104 Wilson Graves Rd.
Barnes Road
710 Rt.202
N. of Swimming Area, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14048
Meridian Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14007
Off Deerfield, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14018
Riverside Dr., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14040
, One College Drive
Silver Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14052
Union Streets, Comer of Church and
Federal Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14051
Barr Avenue, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14055
Nashs Mill Rd, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14019
, Eunice Williams Drive
265 Millers Falls Rd.
Lampblack Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14006
Central Amherst
Off Rt. 8A, SCORP SITE ID # 066005
State Farm Road
, Off Rte. 2
22 West Salem St.
Tunnel Road, Scorp Site ID # 253006
Hampden Student Center, Southw, University of
114 Dudleyville Road
East Central Amherst
10 West Hawley Rd.
Central Amherst
North-east Amherst/Shutesbury
School Street, SCORP SITE ID # 053006
97 Spring St., SCORP SITE ID # 129006
It*
City
Village
Phone
Goshen
Goshen
(413)268-7098
Northfield
Northfield
(413)498-3000
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Charlemont
Charlemont
(413)625-2681
Deerfield
Deerfield
Deerfield
Deerfield
Deerfield
Deerfield
(413) 774-5587
Deerfield
Deerfield
Deerfield
South Deerfield
(413)665-4922
Orange
Orange
Montague
Montague
Hawley
Hawley
(413)339-5504
Deerfield
Deerfield
Ashfield
Ashfield
(413)628-3327
Whately
Whately
Deerfield
Deerfield
Amherst
Amherst
Leyden
Leyden
(413)773-7619
Shutesbury
Shutesbury
Sunderland
Sunderland
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
(413)549-0733
Erving
Erving
Erving
Erving
(508) 544-6339
Erving
Erving
(508) 544-3939
Erving
Erving
Greenfield
Greenfield
Bemardston
Bemardston
(413) 648-9904
Greenfield
Greenfield
Rowe
Rowe
Heath
Heath
Greenfield
Greenfield
Millers Falls
Millers Falls
Deerfield
Deerfield
Colrain
Colrain
(413)624-3701
Greenfield
Greenfield
Orange
Orange
Gill
Gill
Shelburne
Shelburne
(413)625-6174
Ashfield
Ashfield
(413)625-6559
New Salem
New Salem
(508)544-7911
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
(413)774-3131
Greenfield
(413)772-1553
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
(413)863-9245
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Northfield
Northfield
(413)498-5995
Greenfield
Greenfield
Amherst
Amherst
Colrain
Colrain
Colrain
Colrain
(413)339-5504
Charlemont
Charlemont
New Salem
New Salem
(508) 544-6867
Rowe
Rowe
Amherst
Amherst
(413)545-4197
Leverett
Leverett
(413) 367-2323
Amherst
Amherst
Charlemont
Charlemont
(413)339-4426
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Charlemont
Charlemont
Hawley
Hawley
ame
awley Swamp (1 .5 acres)
eath Historical Society
erter Art Gallery
ghland Park
illcrest Elementary School
Jiside Park
storic Deerfield
istorical Hall
itchcock House
Dltshire Recreation Area
Dlyoke Range
award Trust
dian Cave
dustriai Land
»nt McCarthy Memorial Museum
ng Philip's Hill
wanis Park
ike Mattawa
ike Wyola
irch Hill and Larch Hill North
iwrence Swamp
slie Farm
sverett Crafts & Arts
sverett Historical Society
sverett Pond
sverett State Forest
sverett Sugar Shack
syden Elementary School
syden House Bed & Breakfast
syden State Forest
syden Town Common
yden Woods/Green River Conservation Area
jrary
icoln Avenue Bed & Breakfast
on Knoll Camp
oti's Club
mgley Swamp
>rd Jeffery Inn
wer Fort
iwer Mill River
int Field
M Belding Memorial
CI Warwick
ary Arms Property
ary Lyon Birthplace
assachusetts Forests and Parks
aynard Pond
emorial Hall Museum
emorial Street Lot
illers Falls Playground
ohawk Trail Regional School
ohawk Trail State Forest
onroe Elementary School
onroe State Forest
onroe Town Forest 1
onroe Town Forest 2
ontague Center Playground
ontague Industrial Park
ontague State Forest
ontague, Town of
oore's Pond
ount Sugarloaf State Reservation
ount Toby State Forest
L Castor Marsh
t. Grace State Forest
t Pollux
unicipal Golf
uns Ferry Boat Camp
uzzy Field
ew England Power Co. 1
Address
North-east Amherst
125A Herter Hall, University of Massachusetts
Highland Ave., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14003
Crocker Ave., SCORP SITE ID # 192005
Off Conway Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14021
Heath Center, SCORP SITE ID # 130005
15 Congress Street
Holtshire Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 223005
South Amherst
Fire Lane, SCORP SITE ID # 312016
Rt. 91, SCORP SITE ID # 114045
, Zoar Road
, SCORP SITE ID #217021
Route 5 and 91 junction, SCORP SITE ID #
Holtshire Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 223008
North Shutesbury, SCORP SITE ID # 272010
525 South Pleasant, West-central Amherst
South-East Amherst
South Amherst
Montague Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 154001
North Leverett Road, Moores Corner
Putney Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 154013
, SCORP SITE ID #154004
113 Long Plain Rd.
Brattleboro Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 156001
200 Brattleboro Road
Old Country Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 156002
Town Center, Greenfield Rd., SCORP SITE ID #
Leyden Woods, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14004
Hotpl Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 312010
242 Lincoln Ave.
Off Oak Hill Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14023
Montague Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 192025
South-Central Amherst
30 Boltwood Avenue
West-Central Amherst
North Central Amherst
Davis Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14022
Ashfield Lake, SCORP SITE ID # 01301 1
233 Richmond Rd. RFD 2, SCORP SITE ID #
Stage Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 074018
E. Buckland Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 047001
Connecticut River Valley, Regional Office
Overland Road, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14020
Memorial Street
Memorial Street, SCORP SITE ID # 074004
Lyman Street, SCORP SITE ID # 192017
Ashfield St., SCORP SITE ID # 047003
Route 2 - Mohawk Trail
River Road, SCORP SITE ID # 190004
Tilda Hill Road
Tilda Hill Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 190002
Tulley Hill Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 190001
Montague Center, SCORP SITE ID # 192014
Millers Falls Road, SCORP SITE ID # 192018
Montague Plains, SCORP SITE ID # 1 192022
, SCORP SITE ID #312018
Rte116
Long Plain Road, SCORP SITE ID # 289009
East-Central Amherst
Winchester Rd
South-central Amherst
Bears Den Road, SCORP SITE ID # 114045
Off Rte 1 0, SCORP SITE ID # 21 7008
Hayen Street, SCORP SITE ID # 223001
Cross Road, SCORP SITE ID # 253008
I ft
City
Village
Phone
Amherst
Cushman
(0Z
Heath
Heath
(413)337^980
Amherst
Amherst
(413)545-0976
Greenfield
Greenfield
Montague
Montague
Greenfield
Greenfield
Deerfield
Deerfield
(413)774-5581
Heath
Heath
Greenfield
Greenfield
(413)774-7452
Orange
Orange
Amherst
Amherst
Warwick
Warwick
Warwick
Warwick
(508) 544-3491
Greenfield
Greenfield
Rowe
Rowe
(413)339-4700
Northfield
Northfield
Bemardston
Bemardston
Orange
Orange
Shutesbury
Shutesbury
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Leverett
Leverett
Leverett
Leverett
(413)367-2800
Leverett
Leverett
Leverett
Leverett
Leverett
Leverett
(413)548-9486
Leyden
Leyden
Leyden
Leyden
(413)772-0858
Leyden
Leyden
Leyden
Leyden
Greenfield
Greenfield
Warwick
Warwick
Amherst
Amherst
(413)549-0517
Greenfield
Greenfield
Montague
Montague
Amherst
South Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
(413)253-2576
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Greenfield
Greenfield
Ashfield
Ashfield
Warwick
Warwick
Deerfield
Deerfield
Buckland
Buckland
(413)545-5993
Greenfield
Greenfield
Deerfield
Deerfield
(413)774-7476
Deerfield
Deerfield
Montague
Montague
-
Buckland
Buckland
Charlemont
Charlemont
(413)339-5504
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
(413)339-5504
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Monroe
Montague
Montague
Montague
Montague
Montague
Montague
Montague
Turners Falls
Warwick
Warwick
Deerfield
South Deerfield
(413)545-4802
Sunderland
Sunderland
Amherst
Amherst
Warwick
Warwick
(413)544-6536
Amherst
South Amherst
Greenfield
Greenfield
Northfield
Northfield
Orange
Orange
Rowe
Rowe
Name
Address
City
Village
Phone
New England Power Co. 2
New England Power Co. 3
New Salem State Forest
New Salem Town Forest
Newton Street School Field
Nipponzan Myohoji
No. 2 Hydro Station
No. 3 Hydro Station
North Greenfield Park
North Parish School
Northampton Water Department
Northampton Water District
Northeast Utilities
Northeast Utilities/Western Mass Elec.
Northfield Boat Ramp
Northfield Country House
Northfield History Museum
Northfield Manor
Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental
Northfield State Forest
Oak Courts Playground
Old Deerfield Grammar School
Old Town Farm Land
Orange Historical Society
Orange Municipal Airport
Orange State Forest
Orchard Terrace Bed & Breakfast
Pauchaug Brook W.M.A.
Peace Pagoda
Pelham Lake Park
Penfrydd Farm Bed & Breakfast
Peskeumskut Park
Pine Hill Orchards
Pioneer Valley Institute
Pitt House Museum
Plum Brook North
Plum Brook South
Plum Brook West
Plum Springs
Podick and Katherine Cole Santuaries
Poets Seat Tower
Poland Brook W. M. A.
Pumping Station & Covered Bridge
Quabbin Watershed
Recreation Field
River Maple Farm
Rocky Mountain Conservation Land
Rocky Mountain Park
Rowe Elementary School
Rowe Historical Society
Rowe State Forest
Ruth Mclntyre Site
Salem Conservation Area
Salmon Falls & Glacial Potholes
Sanderson Academy
Satan's Kingdom
Shattuck Park
Shearer's Sugarhouse
Shelburne Falls, Town of
Shelburne Grange Pool
Shelburne Historical Society
Shelburne Rd. Conservation Land
Shelburne State Forest
Shutesbury Community Center
Shutesbury State Forest
Shutesbury Town Forest
Silver Lake
Simmons Farm
Skillings Path
So. Deerfield Rod & Gun
Tunnel Road, SCORP SITE ID # 253007
Steel Brook Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 253004
Blackington Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 204001
West Street, SCORP SITE ID # 204007
Newton Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14024
, 100 Cave Hill Raod
Conway Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 047006
Creamery Ave., SCORP SITE ID # 047007
Off Severance Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14026
Place Terrace, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14037
Haydenville Conway Rds, SCORP SITE ID #
Whately Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 091006
Rte. 63, SCORP SITE ID # 0091006
215 Shelburne Road
Rte 63
181 School Street
Pine Street
1026 Millers Falls Rd. (Rt. 63
99 Millers Falls Road
Northfield Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 217005
Oak Courts / Elm Street., SCORP SITE ID #
Memorial Street, SCORP SITE ID # 074017
Leyden Road, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14041
, 41 North Main Street
East River Street, SCORP SITE ID # 223009
Tully Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 22301 1
124 N. Main Street
Rte. 63 North, SCORP SITE ID # 217001
, 100 Cave Road
Pond Road, SCORP SITE ID # 253003
105 Hillman Road
Avenue A, SCORP SITE ID # 192023
248 Greenfield Road
One College Drive, Greenfield Comm. Coll.
Rt 1 12, SCORP SITE ID # 066008
South-central Amherst
South-central Amherst
West Amherst
South- East Amherst
North-west Amherst/North-east
Off Rtes 2 & 5, Rocky Mt.
Poland Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 068004
Off Leyden Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 114028
Rte 202, SCORP SITE ID # 272007
RTe 116, SCORP SITE ID # 068006
250 Brattleboro Rd
Mountain Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14047
Off Beacon St., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14027
Pond Road, SCORP SITE ID # 253012
Brown Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 253005
Depot Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 154014
Central Amherst
Buckland Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 013010
Bernardston, SCORP SITE ID # 029018
Off Federal Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14002
270 Greenfield Rd.
Rte 2, SCORP SITE ID # 268014
Corner of Maple & Church Sts
Off Shelburne Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14005
Rte 2, SCORP SITE ID # 268010
Cooleyville Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 272009
Cooleyville Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 272008
Dudleyville Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 272005
Church Street, SCORP SITE ID # 029016
South Amherst
Central Amherst
Mathews Road, SCORP SITE ID # 07401 1
I 7-0
Rowe
Rowe
(0Z
Rowe
Rowe
New Salem
New Salem
New Salem
New Salem
Greenfield
Greenfield
-
Leverett
Leverett
(413)367-2202
Buckland
Buckland
Buckland
Buckland
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Whately
Whately
Erving
Erving
Erving
Erving
Greenfield
(413)774-2227
Northfield
Northfield
(413)659-3714
Northfield
Norhtfield
(413)498-2692
Northfield
Northfiled
(413)498-2049
Northfield
Northfield
(413)498-2650
Northfield
Northfield
(413)659-3715
Northfield
Northfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Deerfield
Deerfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Orange
Orange
(627) 575-0408
Orange
Orange
Orange
Orange
So. Deerfield
So. Deerfield
(413)665-3829
Northfield
Northfield
Leverett
Leverett
(413)367-2202
Rowe
Rowe
Colrain
Colrain
(413)624-5516
Montague
Montague
Colrain
Colrain
(413)624-3324
Greenfield
Greenfield
(413)774-3131
Colrain
Colrain
Amherst
South Amherst
Amherst
South Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Greenfield
(413)772-1553
Conway
Conway
Greenfield
Greenfield
Shutesbury
Shutesbury
Conway
Conway
Bernardston
Bernardston
(413)648-9767
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Rowe
Rowe
Rowe
Rowe
Leverett
Leverett
Amherst
Amherst
Shelburne Falls
Shelburne Falls
Ashfield
Ashfield
Bernardston
Bernardston
Greenfield
Greenfield
Colrain
Colrain
(413)624-3788
Shelburne Falls
Shelburne Falls
Shelburne
Shelburne
Shelburne Falls
Shelburne Falls
(413)625-2026
Greenfield
Greenfield
Shelburne
Shelburne
Shutesbury
Shutesbury
Shutesbury
Shutesbury
Shutesbury
Shutesbury
Bernardston
Bernardston
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Deerfield
Deerfield
ame
>. Deerfield Watershed
>uth Deerfield Elementary School
>uth Deerfield Water Supply
>uth Deerfield Water Works
>uth Face Farms
wth River State Forest
jring Farm
acy Mountain
etson-Adams Tract
ockwell Lot
udent Union Art Gallery
inderland Fish Hatchery
inderland Town Park
mnyside Farm
reet Alice Conservation Area
rift River Pre-School
awaddle Hill
mple Woods
le Allen House
ie Brandt House
ie Drop-In Center
ie Ivy House
>e Ledges
lomas Herlihy Park
iwn Common
iwn Common, Heath
wn Forest
wn Forest, Rowe
wn Land
iwn Land, Sunderland
mm Landfill
wn Property
wn Property, Rowe
wn Recreation Area
ailrace Area
irkey Pass
irners Falls
liversity Gallery
>ingil
>per Fort River
)per Mill River & Puffer's Pond
abeek Rock
arwick Historical Society
arwick Town Hall
endell State Forest
entworth Farm
est County Winery
heeler Art Gallery
ilcox Hollow State Forest
ildwood Conservation Area
Hliams Farm Inc.
5t
Address
Rt. 5, south Deerfield, SCORP SITE ID # 074014
Conway Street, SCORP SITE ID # 074001
Roaring Brook Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 068007
Glenn Road, SCORP SITE ID # 337006
Watson-Spruce Corner Rd.
Depot Road
230 Wilson Graves Rd
Rte. 2 in Gill, SCORP SITE ID # 106007
Off E. Leverett Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 15401 1
Heath Center, SCORP SITE ID # 13009
Student Union Building, University of
Rte 116, SCORP SITE ID # 289008
Park Road, SCORP SITE ID # 289004
21 River Road
South Amherst
Wendell Depot Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 319005
72 Teawaddle Hill Rd.
Mountain Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 1 14030
559 Main St.
29 Highland Ave.
Washington Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14036
1 Sunset Court
Tower Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 268002
River Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 337005
Main Street, SCORP SITE ID # 1 14039
Heath Center, SCORP SITE ID # 130006
Off Bald Mt. Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 029005
Zoar Road, SCORP SITE ID # 253009
Off Boyle Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 106004
South Main Street, SCORP SITE ID # 289003
Lee Road, SCORP SITE ID # 074013
Kings Highway, SCORP SITE ID # 253010
Davis Mine Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 253013
Locks Pond Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 029019
Rt. 63, SCORP SITE ID # 217023
South-West Amhert
Fine Arts Center, University of Massachusetts
Center Rd.
East-Central Amherst
North Central Amherst
south end of Town Common, Behind the fire
, Warwick Center
Athol Rd., SCORP SITE ID # 312014
Montague Road
East-central Amherst
248 Greenfield Rd
Wheeler House, Central Residen, University of
Central Amherst
P.O. Box 246, Main St.
test
City
Village
Phone
Deerfield
Deerfield
(02
Deerfield
Deerfield
Conway
Conway
Whately
Whately
Ashfield
Ashfield
(413)628-3268
Conway
Conway
(413)339-5504
Colrain
Colrain
(413)625-9230
Gill
Gill
Leverett
Leverett
Heath
Heath
Amherst
Amherst
(413)545-0792
Sunderland
Sunderland
Sunderland
Sunderland
Whately
Whately
(413)665-3113
Amherst
Amherst
Wendell
Wendell
Leverett
Leverett
(413)548-9526
Greenfield
Greenfield
Amherst
Amherst
(413)253-5000
Greenfield
Greenfield
(413)774-3329
Greenfield
Greenfield
Amherst
Amherst
(413)549-7554
Shelbume
Shelburne
Whately
Whately
Greenfield
Greenfield
Heath
Heath
Bernardston
Bernardston
Rowe
Rowe
Gill
Gill
Sunderland
Sunderland
Deerfield
Deerfield
Rowe
Rowe
Rowe
Rowe
Bernardston
Bernardston
Northfield
Northfield
Amherst
Amherst
Montague
Turners Falls
(413) 863-3221
Amherst
Amherst
(413) 545-3670
Gill
Gill
(413)863-2297
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Amherst
Warwick
Warwick
(518)544-3491
Warwick
Warwick
(508) 544-3461
Warwick
Warwick
Wendell
Wendell
(413)659-3797
Amherst
Amherst
Colrain
Colrain
(413)624-3481
Amherst
Amherst
(413)545-0680
Shelburne
Shelburne
(413)339-5504
Amherst
Amherst
-
Deerfield
Deerfield
(413)773-5186
test
test
(423) 444-4444
/2i
APPENDIX H
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
GREENWAYS AND TRAILS DEMONSTRATION GRANTS PROGRAM
1996 Project Summaries
AMC/Metacomet & Monadnock Trail Committee $3000
The Appalachian Mountain Club's Berkshire Chapter maintains the Metacomet &
Monadnock Trail. The Chapter will be taking a pro-active role in the protection of this 117
mile trail by compiling information on property owners in Franklin County. This grant will
fund a graduate student to start this inventory, digitize maps, and set up an ownership
database.
Bay State Trail Riders $2513
The Bay State Trail Riders will coordinate the restoration of the Around-the-Mountain
loop trail at the Mt. Grace State Forest. Several volunteer groups, from scouts to
snowmobilers, will be working together to rehabilitate the northern and southern loops
of the trail to stop erosion, install water bars, brush-back the trail, and clear new paths.
This grant will fund the initial professional management work necessary before the
volunteers begin.
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Inc. ' $2900
The Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust will complete a feasibility study for
establishing greenways and trails along the east and west branches of the Tully River.
Using GIS, Mount Grace will analyze natural resource, land use, and land ownership
data to determine the best location for potential trails. This information will be used to
identify and eventually secure gaps in existing trails, creating the potential for continuous
hiking from downtown Athol to Tully Lake and Tully Mountain. Grant funds will be
used to hire a GIS expert to generate the digital information needed for the analysis.
Orange Revitalization Partnership $3000
The Orange Revitalization Partnership has been working with the Millers River
Watershed Association and the Town of Athol to build consensus and develop
conceptual designs for a 7-mile multi-purpose trail linking downtown Orange to
downtown Athol along the Millers River. Now in the beginning stages of negotiating
easements, the 40-member community Greenway Committee is seeking professional
assistance to finalize the proposed route and develop a detailed trail and management
plan. Grant funds will be applied toward hiring a trail consultant to assist with this work.
City of Gardner and Town of Winchendon $4,500
The City of Gardner and the Town of Winchendon are working together to create a 14-
mile recreation trail linking the two municipalities. Grant funds will be used to complete
a comprehensive, preliminary master plan and map of the proposed trail. In addition,
the grant will fund the installation of an information kiosk at the entrance to the first
mile of the trail currently underway in Gardner.
11%
APPENDIX I
Laurel Lake Dam Description (from 1987 Dam Inspection /
Evaluation Report - prepared for DEM by GEI Consultants, Inc.)
The dam is located on Laurel Lake Road in Erving State
Forest, impounding approximately 510 acre-feet of water. The
outlet from the dam is an unnamed brook which flows into Moss
Brook, through Harris Swamp about 0.5 mile downstream of the dam,
and into the Millers River about two miles downstream of the dam.
The dam is classified as having a low hazard potential because
there are no inhabited structures downstream of the dam site
which could be affected if the dam failed, although the culvert
under Wendell Road and Wendell Road would be damaged in such an
event .
Laurel Lake dam is approximately 12 5 feet long, with a crest
width varying from 25 to 50 feet. An open-channel spillway,
which is spanned by a timber bridge, is located about halfway
between the abutments. There is a concrete stoplog structure at
the upstream end of the spillway. This is the only control for
the lake level.
The dam was originally constructed as an earth embankment
dam covered by smooth-faced paving stones. The downstream faces
of the left and right embankments were vertical dry-stone masonry
walls up to 5 feet high. The right embankment was later widened
about 10 feet by placing fill on the upstream side (to widen the
roadway on the dam crest) . Sand and gravel has been placed along
the downstream side of the right embankment to stabilize the
partially collapsed dry-stone-masonry wall.
The depth of the lake just upstream from the stoplog
structure is about 6 inches underlain by 3 feet of soft sediment.
2-3
Laurel Lake Dam Recommendations
- The trees and brush growing on the upstream face of the right
and left embankments are being removed. The stumps and roots
should be excavated and the holes backfilled with compacted
impervious fill.
- The stoplog timbers are deteriorating and should be replaced
with modifications to allow removal during periods of heavy flow,
or the entire structure modified with a gate that can be drawn up
from the bottom of the spillway.
- A dogging device should be installed on the stoplog structure
to prevent vandals from removing stoplogs from the dam, while
permitting easy access for operation during an emergency.
- The 4-inch-thick concrete lining walls poured against the
spillway masonry training walls have deteriorated and should be
removed. The stone masonry walls behind the concrete should then
be inspected and remedial repairs made if required.
- Brush should be removed from the downstream toe of the left and
right embankments, and the area inspected for seepage.
- The top stones of the dry stone masonry wall on the downstream
face of the left embankment should be realigned.
- Trees and shrubs should be removed from the dam site and the
dam inspected on a regular basis.
- A formal emergency action plan should be developed including
monitoring the dam during heavy rainfall and spring runoff, and
procedures for notifying local authorities in the event of an
emergency .
m
Dunn Pond Dam Description (Information from 1995 Dam
Inspection/ Evaluation Report - prepared for DEM by Root
Engineering)
Situated between Pearl Street and Betty Spring Road in
Gardner, the Dunn Pond Dam normally stores 60 acre-feet of water.
The dam is an earthfill embankment with a concrete core wall,
it's crest stretching a length of about 160 feet and a width of 8
feet. Dunn Pond continues to be used for recreation, as was the
original intent of the dam's construction in 1934.
The dam's spillway approach channel is 10.5 feet wide and 4
feet deep. It is located in the pond area upstream of the right
dam abutment. The exit channel from the spillway is 32 feet long
with low concrete training walls. Dunn Pond Dam's gated outlet
is a 24 inch cast iron low-level conduit that was inserviceable
at the time of the dam's most recent inspection due to a missing
shear key for the hand wheel operator.
Structural deficiencies coupled with the outlet being
inoperable lead to the conclusion that Dunn Pond Dam is in poor
condition and in need of repair. The dam is classified as a
significant hazard because of its potential threat to downstream
structures in the event of dam failure. Betty Spring Road, a
secondary road, is located 500 feet downstream of the dam. Also
in close proximity is a commercial area that lies 1.4 miles
downstream at the intersection of MA Route 2 and business route
140. A recent and substantial capital investment to rehabiltate
the pond for recreation would also be affected by dam failure.
2.5
Dunn Pond Dam Recommendations
- Provide construction procedures for the removal of trees,
stumps and roots and make recommendations for the proper
restoration of the soil disturbed by the removal process.
- Investigate the need for further repair to the outlet gate.
(It is assumed that DEM, Forest and Parks will install the
missing shear key.)
- Investigate the failed concrete in the left spillway tarining
wall and make recommendations for repair or replacement.
Investigate the spillway exit channel training walls and make
recommendations for stream bank protection.
- Investigate the failed concrete in the gatewell and make
recommendations for repair or replacement.
- Cut the brush on the upstream dam embankment.
- Regrade the dam crest and provide a gravel path for pedestrian
use.
- Trees growing on the downstream slope of the embankment should
be removed, the roots grubbed, the embankment graded, and the
ground cover established. The area should be cleared to 2 0 feet
below the toe of the dam.
- Repair or replace the left spillway training wall.
- Place streambank protection along the spillway exit channel.
- Repair or replace the gatewell foundation.
- Repair or replace the outlet gate.
- Remove debris from low level outlet intake structure. Confirm
the presence of and/or install a trashrack on the inlet.
- Remove debris from the outlet channel for the low level outlet.
- Evaluate the outlet channel lining and the seepage through the
outlet headwall. Repair or replace these structures, as
necessary.
- Prepare an operations and maintenance manual for the dam. The
manual should include provisions for annual technical inspection
of the dam and for surveillance of the dam during periods of
heavy precipitation and high water levels. The procedures should
delineate the routine operations and maintenance work to be done
to ensure satisfactory performance and upkeep of the facility.
A Notice of Intent will need to be filed with the Gardner
Conservation Commission prior to any work being done on the Dunn
Pond Dam.
2-6
6.5 Cost Estimates*
Remedial Measure
Total
1 . Cut and remove upstream brush+
$400
2. Grade dam crest & gravel path
$2,000
3 . Cut and remove downstream trees
$15,000
4. Repair/replace left spillway wall
$3,000
5 . Place bank protection along
spillway exit channel
$2,000
6. Repair/replace gatewell
$8,000
7. Repair/replace outlet gate
$7,500
8. Investigate, clear, and repair
intake+
$2,000
9. Remove debris from low level
outlet channel+
$200
10. Line outlet channel and repair
outlet headwall
$4,000
Subtotal
$44,000
20 % Engineering & Contingencies
$8,800
Total; 1-10 including Engineering and
Contingencies
$53,000
11. O&MManual
$3,000
Total Estimated Project Cost
$56,000
' The estimated costs, including labor and materials, are based on limited investigations and is
provided for general information only. Actual construction costs may vary.
Work can be undertaken without a Chapter 253 permit or assistance from an engineer. Permits
other than Chapter 253 may be required.
/27
Sheomet Lake Dam Description (from 1987 Dam Inspection /
Evaluation Report - prepared for DEM by GEI Consultants, Inc.)
The dam is located on Tully Brook in Warwick State Forest,
about 500 feet north of Athol Road. When Sheomet Lake is at a
normal level, the dam impounds about 174 acre-feet of water. The
dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential due to
one inhabited structure on Royalston Road, about 4.5 miles
downstream of the dam site, which could potentially be affected
by a failure of the dam. Also, two bridges downstream of the dam
could be damaged in the event of a dam failure. One bridge
carries the park access road over Tully Brook about 160 feet
downstream of the dam, and the other bridge carries Athol Road
over Tully Brook about 750 feet downstream of the dam.
The main dam consists of a downstream dry stone masonry wall
with an upstream earthfill embankment. The upstream face of the
main dam is protected by heavy riprap. The main dam is
approximately 150 feet long and has a maximum height of 17 feet.
An earth embankment extends from the right end of the main
dam to the Park Access Road at the right abutment. The earth
embankment is 150 feet long and has a maximum height of 5 feet.
The principal spillway has a crest length of 60 feet and is
located at the left end of the masonry dam. On the left side of
the spillway is a bedrock knoll and to the left of the knoll is a
small dike embankment. The dike embankment is about 65 feet long
and has a maximum height of about 8 feet. The downstream face of
the dike embankment is a dry stone masonry wall and the upstream
face consists of earth fill. The dike embankment spans between
the bedrock knoll and the beach access road on the left abutment.
There is a low- level -out let structure located under the masonry
dam.
\%%
Sheomet Lake Dam Recommendations
- Place compacted sand and gravel on the downstream side of the
dike embankment sloping up to the dike crest to stabilize the
embankment. Install a toe drain system downstream of the dike
embankment to filter and collect seepage water coming through the
dike.
- Investigate and repair areas where water flows into the lake
bottom immediately upstream of the spillway weir.
- Investigate the areas of seepage found on the downstream side
of the main dam and earth embankment related to location and
amount of fine material coming from the embankment.
- Open low-level outlet pipe once a year to clear out any debris
which may collect in and around the outlet.
- Continued removal and control of trees and shrubs on the dike,
and backfilling with compacted impervious material.
- A registered civil engineer should conduct a technical
inspection of the dam once a year.
- Institute a formal emergency action plan to include monitoring
the dam during heavy rainfall and spring runoff, and procedures
for notifying downstream authorities in the event of an
emergency .
\Z°,
Richards Reservoir Upper and Lower Dams Description (from 1987
Dam Inspection / Evaluation Report - prepared for DEM by GEI
Consultants, Inc.)
The dams are located in Warwick State Forest along Black Brook at
the south end of Richards Reservoir. The lower dam is
approximately 13 5 feet south of the upper dam. The water that
was impounded between the two dams was used as a small swimming
area for Camp Warwick when the MCI facility was in operation.
The upper dam impounds Richards Reservoir, which has a normal
storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Both dams have heights of less
than 10 feet and are classified as small and low hazard dams.
There are no inhabited structures within the potential flood zone
downstream of the dam site. Engineering data is not available
for these dams. The assessment is based on visual inspection,
hydraulic computations and DEM reports of past performance.
Recommendations
Upper Dam:
- The downstream masonry wall has partially collapsed and should
be restored or stabilized with a soil berm.
- The brush which has grown on the right and left downstream
embankments should be removed. Growth of shrubs and trees should
be monitored and controlled on an ongoing basis.
- The crest of the dam should be leveled adjacent to the concrete
spillway walls.
- Concrete walls should be repaired by adding surfacing material
in worn sections.
- A technical inspection should be conducted annually, and a
formal emergency action plan should be established.
Lower Dam :
- Hydraulic and hydrologic study indicates the dam will be
overtopped during the "design flood". The upper two feet of the
right concrete wall should be removed so that this area will
operate as an emergency spillway.
- Concrete walls should be repaired by adding surfacing material
in worn sections.
- A technical inspection should be conducted annually. The lower
dam might be used in the future to impound water for swimming if
Camp Warwick is reopened.
/3c
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