Service Programs

ACEC Program
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) are places in Massachusetts that receive special recognition because of the significance of their natural and cultural resources. ACEC designation creates a framework for local and regional stewardship of these resources.

Bureau of Forestry
There are 3.2 million acres of privately owned forest land in Massachusetts and 285,000 acres of State Forests and Parks. Municipal watershed lands cover 245,000 acres and there are 351 municipalities with associated urban trees and forests. The Bureau of Forestry serves all of these owners and the forest they care for through the programs listed below. If you have questions or simply care about the forests of Massachusetts this is a good place to start.

Conservation Trust
The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Conservation Trust provides a mechanism through which visitors, businesses, and foundations can protect and improve Massachusetts state forests and parks directly. Tax-deductible contributions to the Trust can be earmarked for a favorite forest or park, or for a favorite program.

Forest Fire Control
Since 1911, the Massachusetts Bureau of Forest Fire Control has been providing aid, assistance and advice to the Commonwealth's cities and towns in the prevention, detection and suppression of forest fires. This web site details these and other services that the Bureau provides as it works towards the protection of 3.5 million acres of state, public and private wooded lands, and over 100,000 acres of municipal drinking water reservoirs that lie within Massachusetts.

Hazard Mitigation
"Hazard Mitigation" means to permanently reduce or alleviate the losses of life, injuries and property resulting from natural and human-made hazards through long-term strategies. These long-term strategies include planning, policy changes, programs, projects and other activities.

Historic Landscape Preservation Initiative

The Historic Landscape Preservation Initiative (HLPI) promotes the preservation and protection of significant landscapes through identification and documentation, technical assistance, partnership, training, outreach and, when funds allow, municipal matching grants. HLPI staff develop and participate in inter-agency initiatives and direct the treatment of historic landscapes under DCR ownership and management, in part through participation in the preparation of resource management plans and direct oversight of historic landscape treatment programs.

Ranger Services
The Bureau of Ranger Services provides a variety of programs and services to assure that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Park facilities and resources are protected and their visitors have an enjoyable and safe experience.

Well Drillers Program
The Office of Water Resources is responsible for implementing and enforcing the law that protects the Commonwealth's groundwater resources from impairment by ensuring that productive and non-productive wells are drilled, constructed, altered, or abandoned properly. The office administers well driller exams, maintains a well completion report database, and responds to complaints regarding persons engaged in the business of well drilling. The office also provides assistance to local boards of health to ensure that well drillers operate in conformance with local requirements.

Grant Programs

Educational Programs and Statistics

DCR home       Contact DCR      Disclaimer      Privacy policy