Department of Conservation and Recreation



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About DCR

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is steward of one of the largest state parks systems in the country. Its 450,000 acres is made up of forests, parks, greenways, historic sites and landscapes, seashores, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and watersheds.

Contact Us:
Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2104

DCR Main Phone: 617-626-1250
DCR Main Fax: 617-626-1351

E-Mail: mass.parks@state.ma.us

Community Relations Group Line: 617-626-4973

Press Contact:

S.J. Port

sj.port@state.ma.us

617-626-1453

DCR Mission

To protect, promote and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources.

In meeting today's responsibilities and planning for tomorrow, DCR's focus is on:

Improving outdoor recreational opportunities and natural resource conservation
Restoring and improving our facilities
Expanding public involvement in carrying out DCR's mission, and
Establishing first-rate management systems and practices.

The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depend on the accessibility and quality of our green infrastructure - our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. The DCR continues to improve the vital connection between people and the environment for the well being of all.

DCR Park Properties

This is a list of DCR properties and their associated acreage, with data drawn from state GIS mapping. It includes DCR-owned parks, forests, beaches, playgrounds, pools, and rinks, flood control sites, and piers. Note: Some of the properties are operated by other parties, under agreements executed with DCR, and it is possible that properties for which ownership has recently transferred, either to or from DCR may be excluded from, or included in, this list, respectively.

Divisional Structure of DCR

The Division of State Parks and Recreation maintains nearly 300,000 acres of the state’s forests, beaches, mountains, ponds, riverbanks, trails, and parks. The Division protects land and resources on privately and municipally held land through technical assistance, grant and planning programs, policy development, and other services.

The Division of Water Supply Protection manages and protects the drinking water supply watersheds for Greater Boston. The Division provides technical support to other state agencies, monitors lakes and ponds, and rainfall throughout the state.

The Bureau of Planning and Resource Protection provides professional planning, design and project management services, and natural and cultural resource protection in support of DCR’s state parks and forests, urban parks and reservations, and water supply divisions.

The Division of Engineering provides comprehensive engineering and construction management services throughout the Commonwealth in support of the DCR’s state parks, forests, and reservations, and water supply divisions.

Stewardship Council

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Stewardship Council is a thirteen member citizen advisory council appointed by the Governor to work with the Secretary of Environmental Affairs, the Commissioner of Conservation and Recreation, and agency staff. Learn more...