Myles Standish Planning Unit

Resource Management Plan adopted by the DCR Stewardship Council

Myles Standish State Forest (MSSF) contains a significant portion of the third largest Pine Barrens in the World, and numerous coastal plain ponds harboring rare plants and wildlife. MSSF is also the largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts. MSSF offers 429 camping sites tucked into the forest or set along the edges of five of the park’s 58 ponds. The day use area at College Pond offers picnicking, swimming, fishing and canoeing. Fifteen miles of paved bicycle trails, over 28 miles of equestrian trails and 79 miles of hiking trails and unpaved forest roads take visitors deep into the Forest.

Management Principle:

Through the creative use of limited state management resources and partnerships, achieve a sustainable balance between the conservation of important natural and cultural resources, and the provision of quality outdoor recreation opportunities.

Management Goals:

  • Maintain and enhance habitats for rare species, native plants and wildlife.
  • Protect and enhance the quality of water resources within the Forest.
  • Preserve the distinct scenic and cultural qualities of the Forest.
  • Provide diverse opportunities for sustainable outdoor recreation.
  • Expand interpretive and environmental education programs.
  • Involve partners in the achievement of the management goals.

RMP documents

Public process

An initial public meeting was held on October 28, 2010. A series of five public workshops on specific aspects of the RMP were held between November 2010 and February 2011. Public meetings were held on May 9, 2011 and July 14, 2011 to present the draft RMP. The presentations were followed by a 60-day public comment period. The MSSF RMP was submitted to the DCR Stewardship Council on November 8, 2011, and was adopted on December 2, 2011.

Additional Resources

Contact   for Myles Standish Planning Unit

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