Towns: Dalton
Acreage: 28
Wildlife Management Zone: 2
Description
This WMA is the land surrounding the Western District Headquarters. In addition to the building and parking areas, the property includes the East Branch of the Housatonic River and some fields mowed for access to the river. The history of the property is evident in the form of berms and a canal that were used to divert the river through a mill in the early 20th century. The mill building was removed decades ago, and the canal is now a corridor for wildlife through the otherwise suburban setting. Old apple trees and vernal pools on the property provide additional refuge for wildlife.
Location, access, & parking
The property can be accessed from the District Headquarters parking lot or from an informal parking area immediately west of the Old Windsor Road bridge over the Housatonic River. A sewer easement runs parallel to the river from this point and provides easy access into the property. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
MassWildlife mows the fields adjacent to the river once per year in the late summer to keep the area open while allowing nesting birds to utilize the habitat. Apple trees that are scattered throughout the property are occasionally pruned and cleared for wildlife food production.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
The property configuration and the proximity to nearby houses make the property unhuntable because of setbacks from homes and the nearby school. The East Branch is stocked with trout at multiple times throughout the spring. Access to the river for shore fishing is quite good and trout can be found here with regularity during the stocking season. There are also fishing opportunities for native brook trout, reproducing brown trout, and sunfish. The ease of access to the river makes this WMA a good location for anglers looking to take advantage of MassWildlife's trout stocking program. Go to mass.gov/trout for more information.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The fields and proximity to the river make this an important area for suburban wildlife. white-tailed deer are frequently seen on the property and black bear have been known to travel though. Woodchuck, fox, raccoon, and wild turkey are also commonly found.
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.