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 Reservation Night Access permit 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
- Hunting on Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Lands permit 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.