Towns: Cummington, Plainfield, Windsor
Acreage: 329
Wildlife Management Zone: 2
Description
The Upper Westfield River WMA is separated into 2 parcels by River Road and the east branch of the Westfield River. The majority of this WMA is covered by upland forest with a mix of hard- and softwood, covering much of the higher terrain above the east bank of the river and to the west of River Road. There are some open flood plain areas along the river.
Location, access, & parking
There is no formal parking area for this WMA, but roadside parking is available. The property can be accessed from Savoy Rd (Cummington)/River Road (Windsor). Users may find it helpful to follow along the powerlines which run through the northern portion of the property. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting opportunities
Black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, eastern coyote, red fox, raccoon, opossum, cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, ruffed grouse, woodcock, and crow all frequent this area. There are excellent food sources for white-tailed deer and black bear as well as winter cover for many species of game.
Fishing opportunities
The Westfield River is stocked annually in the spring with trout. Wild brook trout populations are also present in the river. For more information about trout stocking, visit mass.gov/trout.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The East Branch of the Westfield River is an exceptional coldwater river, supporting several rare and uncommon fish and invertebrates. Wildlife viewing opportunities include monarch butterflies, moose, and beaver dams, and more.
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.