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
- 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 have been drafted and are scheduled to be released for public review and comment in 2025. Due to the large number of properties, the RMPs will be released one Complex at a time (Wachusett Complex (7 properties), Otter River Complex (13 properties), and Erving Complex (11 properties)).
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 was held June 7, 2022, to solicit public input regarding recreation, stewardship of resources, and park facilities. Public comment was accepted between June 7 and June 28.
Three public meetings, to solicit input on Draft Resource Management Plans are anticipated in 2025. Please check the DCR Public Meetings Information page for updates.
Central Highlands District Plans Adopted by the DCR Stewardship Council
Additional Resources
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