DCR's Central Highlands District is a collection of 32 parks, forests, and reservations located in Worcester County, eastern Franklin and Hampshire counties, and northwest Middlesex County. One property, Mount Watatic Reservation, already has a plan adopted by the Stewardship Council. DCR is now preparing RMPs for each of the remaining 31 properties.
DCR parks within the Central Highlands District getting RMPs
- Ashburnham State Forest
- Dunn State Park/Gardner HSP
- Erving State Forest
- Federation of Women's Clubs State Forest
- Hubbardston State Forest
- J. Harry Rich State Forest
- Johnny Appleseed State Park
- Lake Dennison Recreation Area
- Lake Wyola State Park
- Lancaster State Forest
- Lawton State Forest
- Leominster State Forest
- Montague State Forest
- Mount Grace State Forest
- New Salem State Forest
- Northfield State Forest
- Orange State Forest
- Otter River State Forest
- Pearl Hill State Park
- Petersham State Forest
- Royalston State Forest
- Shutesbury State Forest
- Squannacook Brook State Forest
- Templeton State Forest
- Townsend State Forest
- Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
- Warwick State Forest
- Wendell State Forest
- Westminster State Forest
- Willard Brook State Forest
- Winchendon State Forest
Each park is the subject of its own Resource Management Plan; all plans are currently underway and will be released for public review and comment in 2023.
Public Input
Public input is an integral component of the RMP process; and provides a forum within the RMP to enhance communication and cooperation with park visitors, partners, and surrounding communities. A virtual public meeting is being held June 7, 2022, to solicit public input regarding recreation, stewardship of resources, and park facilities. Public comment will be accepted between June 7 and June 28.
Submit comments to inform the development of Central Highlands RMPs at DCR Public Comments.
If you wish to offer additional information on a DCR property in the Central Highlands District, please consider taking our visitor survey. This survey will ask you 12 questions about such topics as what you like about the park, the types of activities that you participate in at the park, challenges facing the park, what would make you feel more welcome or more satisfied with your park-going experience, and how the park has changed over time.
A second public meeting, to solicit input on Draft Resource Management Plans for properties in the Central Highlands District is anticipated in 2023. Please check the DCR Public Meetings Information page for updates.
Central Highlands District Plans Adopted by the DCR Stewardship Council
Additional Resources
Contact for Central Highlands District RMPs
Online
Phone
Open M-F 9am-5pm