Towns: Ashfield, Cummington, Goshen, Plainfield
Acreage: 757
Wildlife Management Zone: 2, 4N
Description
The Swift River WMA is divided into 2 large parcels and contains a series of grassy fields bordered by hardwood and softwood forest. The forested area consists of a mixture of sugar maple, beech, black cherry, hemlock, and white pine. Regenerating forest can be found on the back edge of the northernmost forest on the eastern parcel.
Location, access, & parking
There is no official parking area but there is parking on the roadside next to the fields on both sides of Willcut Road in Cummington. Additional roadside parking and access can be obtained by multiple roads bordering this WMA in the towns listed above. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
A timber harvest was conducted a few years before the property was purchased. The cut occurred in the northeast corner of the WMA. New growth now covers a large part of the area.
Learn more about MassWildlife's habitat management activities.
Hunting opportunities
The Swift River WMA encompasses an array of habitats and therefore offers excellent opportunities to pursue many different game species. The areas of fields, new growth forests, black cherry trees, and apple trees provide great habitats for white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey. Additionally, cottontail rabbit can be found in the new growth forest and eastern coyote may be spotted in the fields.
Fishing opportunities
The Swift River WMA provides shore access to the Swift River and the North Branch of the Swift River, both of which are classified as cold-water fisheries resource. The Swift River is stocked annually with trout. For more information on trout stocking, visit mass.gov/trout.
Wildlife viewing & other features
This property was purchased to provide protection and access to the Swift River. There is an old maple sugar shack located on the property. The area is a good mix of habitats and provided excellent opportunities for bird watching as well as other wildlife viewing.
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.