WILDLIFE LANDS

Explore over 120,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with your binoculars, fishing or hunting gear. WMA's are open to many types of outdoor activities, protecting wildlife habitat for all kinds of creatures and providing recreation opportunities for people. Check with your local MassWildlife District Office about wildlife lands near you. Maps are available on line, click on the above Maps button.

Wildlife Management Area Regulations -- Though open to hunting, fishing, trapping and other passive recreation, there are some restrictions on WMAs. For hunters, hunting hours are somewhat different i.e. blaze orange caps are required on pheasant stocked areas during the pheasant season and permanent tree stands are not permitted. Snowmobiles and ATVs are not allowed on these properties. Camping is also not allowed. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these simple rules and enjoy the "wild" spaces of Massachusetts!

WILDLIFE LAND ACQUISITIONS

Information on wildlife lands acquired since 1998. In many cases, the property adds on to an existing wildlife lands. In some cases, it is a new property. This listing is updated annually and follows the fiscal year..

All wildlife needs food, water, shelter and space arranged in such a way that their populations will thrive. Wildlife habitat is formed from these 4 essential building blocks. Scientists and other conservationists agree that habitat loss is the number one threat to many wildlife populations. MassWildlife is protecting habitat across the state, providing habitat for rare and endangered species, as well as game and non-game fish and wildlife species.

People need habitat to thrive as well. MassWildlife lands provide space for people to hike, and watch birds. Successful hunters and anglers can supplement a taste of the wild side to their food. Wildlife lands provide us with shelter from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Many wildlife lands provide access to water, for boating, fishing, and wading explorations as well as protecting water quality. All of these elements contribute to a higher quality of life for both people and wildlife.

Assist MassWildlife with the Habitat Equation! When you buy a hunting, fishing or trapping license, a Wildlands fee of $5 is included which goes into a fund that pays for the cost of protecting wildlife habitat. You may also make a direct donation to the Wildlands Fund by sending a check to MassWildlife's Boston office made out to: Mass. Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. On the memo portion of the check write: Wildlands Account Donation.

Publications Relating to Wildlife Lands

Some publications are available on line, others are available at district offices or ordered through our Westboro Office.

1. Our Irreplaceable Heritage; Protecting Biodiversity in Massachusetts (1998), $5.00 --This full color 84 page booklet illustrates locations of habitats in the state, location and status of representative species, what has been done and what more needs to be done to save Massachusetts' native flora and fauna. Free if picked up at District or Westboro offices!

2. Massachusetts Wildlife Viewing Guide (1997), $8.95 --Your best tool to finding 67 wildlife areas across the state to observe wildlife.

3. Natural Heritage Rare Species & Habitat Atlas --A reference book, for wildlife professionals and others involved in environmental review processes. Call for price and availability. 508/389-6300 x200

4. Wildlife Sanctuaries --Maps and descriptions of the MDFW's 12 sanctuaries. $1.50

5. Field Guide to Animals in Vernal Pools -- $5 from the Westboro HQ. This spiral bound full color guide is an excellent reference for the creatures which depend on vernal pools (those wicked big puddles in the woods which dry up in summer) and to these interesting and ephemeral habitats.

6. Pond Maps--These are pdf files of bathymetric maps with text write ups on fish species and habitats.

7. BioMap and Living Waters--These 2 publications identify the areas most in need of protection in order to protect the native biodiversity of the Commonwealth. BioMap focuses primarily on state-listed rare species and exemplary natural communities, while Living Waters focuses on important aquatic habitats for rare species and exemplay natural communities. Both documents also includes the full breadth of the State's biological diversity. Contact the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program for information on the booklets as well as accompanying posters. 508/389-6300 x200. Free if picked up at District or Westboro offices!

Date Last Updated: February 8, 2007

Questions? Comments? Contact: MassWildlife at Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us