Towns: Newbury and Rowley
Acreage: 2,083
Wildlife Management Zone: 10
Waterfowl Zone: North Coastal
Description
This property contains salt marsh and upland habitat from sea level to 45 feet. This area is approximately 700 acres of upland surrounded by more than 1,300 acres of salt marsh. The uplands are predominately mixed oak and white pine woodlands with mature stands of red pine and spruce. Old fields have been taken over by white cedar. There are also approximately 60 acres of open fields maintained under cooperative agreements with local farmers, and an additional 20 acres are maintained in an early successional stage for purposes of biodiversity management. Marsh grasses dominate the marsh acreage.
Location, access, & parking
The main entrance can be reached by taking Boston Road to Hay Street from Route 1. A second parking area and canoe access is directly off Route 1 at the south side of Parker River. See WMA Map.
Note: WMA's are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
Mowing of the fields on Kents Island happens yearly. Fields off Rt 1A are mowed every 3 years. Early successional fields are maintained off Central Street near the marsh.
Learn more about MassWildlife's habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
The uplands support ruffed grouse, deer, fox, cottontail rabbit, coyote, raccoon, woodcock and gray squirrel. Depending on weather and tide, ducks and geese may be in the rivers. The area is stocked with pheasant. Portions of the Parker River and two of its major tributaries—the Little River and the Mill River—run through or border the area. The Parker is about 100 feet across at this point, while it's tributaries are roughly 30 feet wide. These are all tidal waters and during high and flood tides the surrounding marshes are underwater. The Parker and Mill are known for their white perch runs in the spring. There are two very small ponds also located on the property.
Wildlife viewing & other features
Excellent bird watching from brackish pools and tidal creeks along Route 1. Kents Island attracts migrating birds during Spring and Fall. Furbearer populations appear low but numerous non-game species are present including several species of song, shore and wading birds.
Regulations
During the pheasant season, a “hunter orange” hat is required for all hunters except while night-hunting raccoons or opossums or while hunting waterfowl from within a blind or boat. No person shall hunt before sunrise or after sunset during the open season on pheasant, except for the hunting of raccoons or opossums between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
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.