Watershed Permits

The DCR watershed system supplies drinking water to the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority to treat and distribute to 2.5 million people. To protect the quality of our water, as well as the watersheds' other natural and cultural resources, you'll need a permit for a variety of activities, such as fishing, hunting and boating, as well as large group gatherings. 

Quabbin Reservoir Watershed

• Group Access to Quabbin Park permit application
• Group Access (other than Quabbin Park) permit application
• Quabbin Vehicular Access permit application
• Quabbin Short-term Access permit application
• Quabbin Fishing Area Season Pass application
• Quabbin Fishing Area Boat Rental application
• Quabbin Reservoir Night Access application
• Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Research Permit: Instructions  Permit Application

For more information or to submit Quabbin reservoir permit applications, contact:

   Department of Conservation and Recreation
   Division of Water Supply Protection
   Quabbin Section
   485 Ware Road
   Belchertown, MA 01007
   (413) 323-7221

Ware River Watershed

• Ware River Watershed Group Access permit application
• Ware River Watershed Assembly permit application (weddings)
• Long Pond Boat permit application
• Ware River Watershed Research Permit: Instructions  Permit Application

For more information or to submit Ware River Watershed  permit applications, contact:

   Department of Conservation and Recreation
   Division of Water Supply Protection
   Quabbin Section
   485 Ware Road
   Belchertown, MA 01007
   (413) 323-7221

Wachusett and Sudbury Reservoir Watersheds

• Group Access to Wachusett Reservoir Watershed permit application
• Group Access to Poutwater Pond Nature Preserve permit application
• Five Year Hunting Permit on Wachusett Reservoir watershed lands
• Wachusett "Reservoir Zone" Controlled Deer Hunt lottery application

For more information or to submit Wachusett and Sudbury permit applications, contact:

   Department of Conservation and Recreation
   Division of Water Supply Protection
   Wachusett/Sudbury Section
   180 Beaman St.
   West Boylston, MA 01583
   (508) 792-7806

Fishing and Hunting Permits

Licenses from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife are required for fishing and hunting on DCR/DWM land.