Best Management Practices - DCR

DCR guidance for resource protection

DCR has developed a series of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in response to frequently recurring issues identified through the Resource Management Planning process, technical assistance inquiries, and observations made in the field. DCR resource specialists, including planners, ecologists, and cultural resource professionals, have developed the BMPs utilizing guidance from technical, planning, or policy documents from within the agency, as well as from other state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations with missions similar to DCR.

These BMPs provide readily accessible guidance for field operations staff on day-to-day management of natural, cultural, and recreational resources that are commonly found throughout the DCR system. DCR staff can employ the BMPs at any time. BMPs also delineate how and when resource specialists, regulatory agencies, or others should be consulted for more intensive management activities.

BMPs are becoming a standard reference in Resource Management Plans. Common resources like stone cellar holes and vernal pools will be managed largely through these BMPs. In cases where the resource is exceptional – highly significant, rare, threatened, or has high potential for public education – the RMP will include protection recommendations specific to the resource.

Current BMPs

Archaeological Features

Architectural and Engineering Plans

Bat Stewardship

Beach Maintenance

Cemeteries and Burial Grounds

Closing and Restoring Trails

Compliance with the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act

Compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act

Disaster Planning and Response for Cultural Resources

Graffiti Removal

Grassland Management

Historic Building Maintenance

Historic Landscapes Built Features

Human-wildlife Conflicts

Managing Aquatic Invasive Plants

Managing Terrestrial Invasive Plants

Mothballing Historic Buildings

Pollinator Habitats and Gardens

Quarries

Records Management in Park Offices

Stone Walls

Trail Maintenance

Vegetation in Historic Landscapes

Vernal Pool Certification on DCR Lands

Vista Maintenance

Water Holes

Additional BMPs are currently in development – check back soon for new additions to this list

Making the Best of the Best Management Practices

1. Become familiar with the BMPs.
2. Identify specific resources in the park, complex or district for which BMPs apply.
3. Keep the BMP “book” on hand at the Complex Headquarters and at any staff offices for specific facilities.
4. Print specific BMPs and add to seasonal work plans, binders or other tools used to scope out work during seasonal transitions. For example, the Mothballing Historic Buildings BMP could be used as a winter preparation checklist for vacant buildings.
5. Make Best Management Practices available to any DCR staff, partners, leaseholders, vendors or other stakeholders.
6. Include discussion of BMPs in annual work planning, staff training, partnership development and other activities.
7. Attend trainings offered by the agency that apply to natural, cultural and recreational resources.