For Immediate Release Contact: Wendy Fox

May 9, 2007 617-626-1453

Jim DiMaio

617-626-1430

State Plans Boxford State Forest Management

Field Trip and Public Meeting

BOSTON – The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced today that after careful review of the forest health conditions at Boxford State Forest, a project is being proposed to initiate forest management activities to improve the long-term health of the forest and its wildlife.

“Before more planning commences, the public is invited to attend a field review of the forest on May 17, starting at 5:15 p.m. from the Council on Aging building,” said Jim DiMaio, DCR Chief Forester. After the field trip, the public is invited back to the Council on Aging building to meet with DCR foresters at approximately 7:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed project further. The Council on Aging is at 4 Middleton Road in Boxford.

The DCR is responsible for managing Boxford State Forest and its vegetation for a variety of uses, including water quality, wildlife habitats, protecting rare species, aesthetics, recreation, and traditional and nontraditional wood products. All DCR lands are certified by the international Forest Stewardship Council as being sustainable and well-managed.

DiMaio said DCR will work closely with neighbors to make sure the public’s concerns are addressed.

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