Towns: Chester, Middlefield, Worthington
Acreage: 4,916
Wildlife Management Zone: 2, 4N
Description
Northern hardwoods including American beech, maple, birch, and white ash, along with scattered white pine comprise most of the forest. Eastern hemlock is found along stream corridors, shaded ravines, and poor drainage areas. Norway spruce plantations grow along Chipman Road. Elevations range from 700 feet along the Middle Branch of the Westfield River to 2000 feet at Pelton Hill in Middlefield.
Location, access, & parking
Parking areas are located at pull-offs along Main Road, Chipman Road, and East River Road in Middlefield, as well as at Buffington Hill Road and West Street in Worthington. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
Habitat forest cuts have been conducted off of Chipman Road between 2005 and 2007. These cuts have created young forest which is exceptional habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
White-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, black bear, bobcat, and fisher all inhabit this WMA. The large hardwood area, young forest, and the overall variety of habitats provide excellent food and cover for these species. A portion of Moss Meadow Brook and its headwaters are located in the western parcel of this WMA. The Little River which borders and bisects the eastern parcel is stocked with trout. For more information, visit mass.gov/trout.
Wildlife viewing & other features
Numerous nongame species are associated with the forest habitat and moose occasionally inhabit the 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.