DCR Office of Climate Resilience

DCR’s Office of Climate Resilience is the hub for climate action at DCR to strengthen the resources under its care so that these sites can better face the impacts of climate change.

Climate change affects our daily lives. Already, we are experiencing hotter than usual days, heavier rainfall, longer droughts, and stronger storms. In areas even away from the coast we are facing more frequent flooding. This happens inland because of more intense rainfall, and along the coasts because of rising seas. As the largest landowner in the Commonwealth, DCR has an obligation to lead on climate mitigation and adaptation.

DCR’s Office of Climate Resilience is the hub for climate action at DCR. The office shares the latest climate knowledge with the entire agency. This office works to reduce DCR’s greenhouse gas emissions, which warm the earth’s temperature causing climate change; and to strengthen the resources under its care so that these sites can better face the impacts of climate change, like damage from floods.

DCR Decarbonization Efforts

Decarbonization is a term that usually refers to a group of strategies aimed at slowing climate change. This occurs through the transition from or reduction of onsite combustion of fossil fuels in buildings or vehicles. Instead of using gas, oil, and propane, buildings and vehicles transition to low- or zero-carbon fuels, such as electricity, that are sourced from renewable resources. 

The Decarbonization Initiatives Online map is an interactive tool designed to showcase our ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Efforts include installing electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels, managed pollinator habitats, modern wood heat and green buildings. These types of action are governed by State Executive Order 594: Decarbonizing and Minimizing Environmental Impacts of State Government. 

To view the online map and learn more about DCR 's commitment to climate action click here: 

Key Features of the Map Viewer: 

Users can now explore regularly updated data and visuals that highlight our carbon reduction initiatives across DCR properties. Use the Legend to toggle on/off different layers and use the Filter List to choose which decarbonization initiative appear on the map. “Existing” projects have been completed and are currently active. “Planned” projects have been initiated but have not entered the design phase. “In Progress” projects have passed the design phase and are currently underway. “Pilot” projects are experimental efforts that are underway but may not be permanent. “Decommissioned” projects have been removed due to safety or regulatory requirements. 

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Climate Adaptation

In September of 2022, DCR conducted its very own Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Results of this effort helped DCR learn which of the many sites it owns and manages face the greatest climate susceptibilities. This helps inform what are the most adequate adaptation tactics to apply at each site. The agency incorporates this information into many of its planning and management initiatives. To learn more about the many other benefits of permanently protecting forest land visit the DCR Watershed Forestry, Climate Resiliency, and Carbon webpage.

For information on Massachusetts climate projections, data, and more click here.