Old Growth, Forest, and Open Space Protection and Management

Land Conservation and Forest Protection

Wachusett placed more than 100 acres of private adjacent forest land owned by the mountain into a forest protection program monitored by DCR. As part of its ongoing commitment to creating a balance between environmental protection and recreation, Wachusett Mountain Associates proudly supports Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program (a program of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation with funds from the USDA Forest Service). Wachusett Mountain Associates privately owns three parcels of land – totaling approximately 56 acres – adjacent to the ski area, that are registered in the state’s Forest Management Plan.

Property Information & Location

Approximately 8 acres of the parcel, located on the town line of Princeton and Westminster, have been forested. The state requires forest management practices to be completed within 10 years of registering the land in the program. To comply with the Forest Management Program, Wachusett will ad two more before 2008.

Forest Stewardship Program Background

“We welcome and applaud your commitment to the stewardship of your woodlands,” said Steve Anderson, forest stewardship coordinator. “In large measure the continued good health of the state’s forests is up to the 235,000 woodland owners like you who choose to act. In joining the Stewardship Program, you join landowners across the state who are balancing both the ecological and social values of our rich and diverse forests.” “Much is changing in the arena of land use, property rights and environmental health,” Anderson added. “We’re aiming toward solutions that keep ecosystems whole, yet still allow people to benefit from forest resources. On behalf of the State Stewardship Committee, I thank you for your commitment.”

Program Objectives

The two main objectives of the Forest Management Program are to grow forest products and enhance the recreational and aesthetic values of the property. Through good forest management practices, it is our goal to protect the soil water values of the property and develop trails for cross country skiing, hiking and viewing of wildlife.

Property Detail and History

This parcel of land includes a stand of predominantly Northern Red Oak, Black Oak, White Ash, Red Maple and Eastern White Pine. Other species include Black Birch, White Birch, Sugar Maple and Eastern Hemlock. Approximately 35% of the trees are acceptable growing stock. This species mix is the result of past harvesting practices which removed most of the merchantable oaks and pines leaving less desirable species of poor quality.
There are several intermittent streams which flow across the property and these streams will be protected during harvesting activity as Wachusett Lake, a public water supply, is located immediately downstream. The Mid State Trail crosses through this stand and offers an excellent opportunity to view wildlife and cascading brooks during the winter and early spring. Patch clear cuts in this stand would open great views of Wachusett Lake. These patch cuts will also create valuable browse for wildlife.

Recreational Use and Habitat Protection

There are numerous stone walls on the upper slopes of this stand and an excellent view of Wachusett Lake from many areas in the stand. There is an old camp located high on the slope at a site which could be developed into a cross country ski lodge. The Mid-State Trail passes through this stand from east to west and several logging roads provide hiking and skiing opportunities. There is a small patch of spruce saplings located at the wall corner in the middle of this stand which is surrounded by several cull Pines.
This property offers excellent opportunity for developing recreational uses. It is the landowners goal to open up a network of trails, create vistas and manage wildlife habitat for the enjoyment of skiers and hikers. This parcel, in conjunction with two adjacent parcels under the same ownership offer unique opportunity to develop cross country ski and hiking trails throughout the property.

Wachusett has pledged to help fund a full-time ecologist for DCR for an ongoing program of ecological monitoring, research and management of the biological resources of the state reservation.
Studies have shown Massachusetts has a shortage of open meadow land (other state parks have cleared trees to create more open space.) Ski trails create a perfect open meadow areas to foster biological diversity.
Wachusett has developed a program for rotation of mowing to foster a variety of meadow species including some rare naturally occurring plants. Wachusett also adjusted the design layout of a trail in its new Vickery Bowl to afford more protection for the mountain laurel.

Old Growth Forest Management

Wachusett Mountain has the largest known stand of Old Growth Forest in Massachusetts.

Created an Old Growth Management Policy in conjunction with DCR in 1998 to help educate, protect and study the areas of old growth forest located on the mountain. This includes monitoring all snowmaking to prevent excessive ice on trees within the old growth; annual inspection with DCR of hazard trees that may need removal; with DCR constant monitoring and patrolling of old growth areas to prevent unauthorized access.

Protecting the Old Growth Forest

Summer
When hiking on Wachusett Mountain, please stay on hiking trails. Take care not to disturb wildlife and the environment around you. Make sure all items you bring with you on your hike go home with you.
Winter
As you use the mountain for skiing and snowboarding, you have an important responsibility of helping to protect the old growth forest. Do not ski or snowboard in the Old Growth forest. Anyone found entering old growth areas will have their lift ticket revoked. Subsequent offenses will be subject to fines.
If you see anyone entering old growth areas, please report them to the ski patrol. For more information, call the State Reservation at 978-464-2987.

Protecting Open Space

Wachusett contributes a percentage of its gross receipts to a State Land Acquisition Trust Fund dedicated to the purchase and preservation of open space. The purpose of the trust is to provide the Department of Environmental Management with funds to acquire land desirable for conservation purposes.

Since 1988 more than $4.6 million has been contributed to the fund providing protection for more than 500 acres of open space in central Massachusetts; including areas around Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Leominster State Forest and Willard Brook State Forest.