Towns: Bourne, Falmouth
Acreage: 2,466
Wildlife Management Zone: 12
Waterfowl Zone: Coastal (South)
Description
Frances A. Crane WMA is an ecological gem, containing some of the region’s most diverse and important habitats. Many common wildlife species and over 20 threatened and endangered plants and animals are found here. The nearly 400-acre sandplain grassland you see before you is a globally imperiled habitat type that supports raptors, grassland birds, small mammals, butterflies, moths, and native pollinators. Other areas of pitch pine and oak woodlands with understories of scrub oak, lowbush blueberry, and black huckleberry support an impressive array of wildlife. MassWildlife has completed extensive restoration of the unique grasslands and woodlands found here. Since these habitats need some form of disturbance to thrive, visitors should expect to see operations like mowing and prescribed fires taking place periodically. Take time to explore these carefully restored areas and the native wildlife they support. A hike to the top of the glacial moraine, called “Mt. Zig” by locals, offers ocean views from one of the highest points on Cape Cod.
Learn more about MassWildlife's habitat management activities.
Location, access, & parking
There are 5 main dirt parking areas for Crane North along Route 151 which can hold 20-50 vehicles each. Additionally, there are several unofficial roadside pull-offs along Route 151 for additional parking and access. Crane South has 2 main parking areas; 1 off of Ashumet Road which can hold 6 vehicles and another off of Hayway road which can hold 8 vehicles. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
During the season, ring-necked pheasants are stocked in the northern section of the WMA and northern bobwhite quail are stocked in the southern section. American woodcock and ruffed grouse are also present. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, foxes, and cottontail rabbits can be found here as well. Anglers and boaters can access nearby Ashumet Pond and fish for brook, rainbow, and tiger trout, along with chain pickerel, yellow and white perch, and sunfish.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The pine–oak woodlands and grasslands are home to eastern whip-poor-wills, grasshopper sparrows, eastern meadowlarks, upland sandpipers, northern harriers, short-eared owls, American kestrels, eastern bluebirds, blue grosbeaks, red foxes, eastern coyotes, purple tiger beetles, and many types of moths, butterflies, and native pollinators. Prescribed fires are conducted periodically and help maintain the health and vigor of these habitats. Controlled fires help remove thatch, warm up the soil, release nutrients, and encourage new growth, including spectacular displays of native grasses, blueberries, showy aster, orange milkweed, wild indigo, and wood lily.
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.