Towns: Brookfield, Sturbridge
Acreage: 1,358
Wildlife Management Zone: 8
Description
This property is comprised of hardwood ridges, conifer stands, overgrown fields, small agriculture fields, and a power line right-of-way passing over it. Also, Cranberry Pond, the Wolf Swamp complex, and Trout Brook flow through the middle of the property for water resources.
Location, access, & parking
Parking for this area is located on Rice Corner Road for six vehicles, Glendale Road for one vehicle, and Molasses Hill Road for two vehicles. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
Currently, this WMA has semi-annually mowed fields and active agriculture on some of the fields. This area is also managed for open space.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
This property has numerous hardwood ridges providing opportunities for white-tailed deer, wild turkey and small game hunting. Also, the agricultural fields and abandoned fields are well suited for predator hunting and small game. The wetland complexes and wetland edges also offer waterfowl and American woodcock habitat and hunting opportunities. Cranberry Pond, located at the northern edge, is a great choice for ice fishing and offers warm water/pan fishing opportunities.
Freshwater fishing regulations
Wildlife viewing & other features
This area offers waterfowl viewing opportunities at Cranberry Pond and a power line right-of-way provides opportunities for viewing raptors. There is a Kettlehole Level Bog, an uncommon natural community, around Cranberry Pond.
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.