Towns: Cheshire, Dalton, Lanesborough, Windsor
Acreage: 7,796
Wildlife Management Zone: 1, 2
Description
Most of the forest is comprised of northern hardwoods containing primarily maple, birch, white ash, black cherry, and American beech. Hemlock grows along moist, shaded slopes and stream channels. Red spruce and balsam fir are found at higher elevations especially near beaver ponds and meadows. Elevations range from 995 feet along Rte. 8 in Cheshire to 2,265 feet atop Weston Mountain.
Location, access, & parking
Parking areas are available on Flintstone Road in Windsor, North Street in Windsor, Windsor Road in Cheshire, Notch Road in Cheshire, Gulf Road in Cheshire, and Route 8 in Lanesboro. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
Several fields along the northern part of the parcel are managed under license agreement for agricultural use. These fields are kept open through haying to provide habitat for ground-nesting bird species.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting opportunities
At over 7,000 acres, Chalet WMA covers many different habitats. The large tracts of forest support a variety of game species including black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, eastern coyote, snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, and American woodcock. The northern part of the WMA contains and is adjacent to agricultural fields that provide meadows, hay, and crops that attract deer, turkey, and bear. Many furbearer species such as bobcats, coyotes, fishers, and beavers inhabit the WMA as well.
Wildlife viewing & other features
This large area of forest provides a variety of opportunities to see wildlife. Moose inhabit the area. The Appalachian Trail runs through the western part of the management area. At the headwaters of Tyler Brook, on the Dalton/Windsor line, is a red spruce swamp, an uncommon type of forested wetland.
Regulations
There is no hunting on the Appalachian Trail. All firearms must be unloaded when crossing or on the trail.
Read Wildlife Management Area regulations.
About Wildlife Management Areas
MassWildlife owns and manages over 220,000 acres of land to conserve fish and wildlife habitats and provide access for outdoor recreation. All WMAs are open to hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor recreation activities. Visit the MassWildlife Lands Viewer for an interactive map of MassWildlife properties.
You can support land protection in Massachusetts. Contributions to the Wildlands Fund help pay for the cost of acquiring wildlife habitat. Learn more about the Wildlands Fund.