- The Department of Conservation and Recreation, acting through its Bureau of Forestry is responsible for the conservation, health, and management of forest vegetation within DCR State Forests, Parks and Reservation system lands.
- The Bureau of Forestry endeavors to meet and exceed the Massachusetts Forestry Best Management Practices (Appendix 1); Forest Management Guidelines 2012(Appendix 3); statewide forestry guidelines in coordination with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife; and Forest Resource and Natural Resource Management Plans pursuant to MGL Ch. 21, § 2F; and is responsible for meeting the standards of the regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Forest Cutting Practices Act: 304 CMR 11.00 – 11.10 Forest Cutting Practices (Appendix 2) and other requirements of the law such as the Wetlands Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.
This policy is intended to provide guidance on Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) internal review, public notice of and comment on forest management plan implementation and timber harvesting projects. This policy applies to DCR State Forests, Parks, and Reservations commercial timber sales and home fuelwood projects.