Resource Management Plan

Mount Holyoke Range Planning Unit

The Mount Holyoke Range extends from Belchertown westward to the Connecticut River. Across the river, the Mount Tom Range extends southward from the oxbow toward downtown Holyoke. Three of this planning unit’s properties; Mount Holyoke Range State Park, Joseph Allen Skinner State Park, and Mount Tom State Reservation are located on these ranges and extend from valley floor to ridgeline. The fourth property in the planning unit, Holyoke Heritage State Park, is located along a canal that once used the Connecticut’s waters to power cotton and paper mills. All four properties provide recreation opportunities and the opportunity to experience and learn about the region’s natural and cultural histories.

Resource Management Plans (RMPs) are working documents that consider the past, present and future of a property. They draw on available existing information to provide an inventory and assessment of existing conditions and activities, enabling the DCR to establish guidelines for future management. Results of this planning process include guidance for short and long-term management of properties and identification of priorities for capital and operating budgets.

Public input is an important component of the process. It enhances communication and cooperation among the DCR, park visitors, stakeholders, partners, and the surrounding communities.

Comments should be sent by e-mail to dcr.updates@state.ma.us (please note “[name of park] RMP” in the subject line) or by U.S. mail to the Office of Public Outreach, Department of Conservation and Recreation, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA  02114.  Please note that public comments received by DCR will be posted in their entirety to the DCR website, and that no content, including personal information, will be redacted.   Questions about the RMP can be directed to the above-mentioned email or mailing address or to the DCR Updates phone line at 617-626-4974.