Metacomet Land Trust Land Use Policies
This document establishes land use rules and policies for fee owned MLT properties. Information here will be presented on the Metacomet Land Trust website and in varying iterations on trail signs tailored for individual properties.
1) Overall, Metacomet’s properties are open to all, dawn to dusk, for hiking, nature study, photography, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog walking, horseback riding, fishing, and other pursuits that do not damage the land or hinder other people’s enjoyment of the same.
2) The Metacomet Land Trust welcomes overnight camping by permit at the beautiful Hop Brook Preserve in Blackstone! To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please submit a written request in advance. For the protection of the preserve, campsites must be at least 50feet from established trails and 100 feet from wetlands, ponds, streams, and property boundaries. An adult (18 years or older) must be present at all times. While campfires are permitted, campers are fully responsible for their safe use and extinguishment in accordance with local fire regulations. We hope you enjoy your stay at the Hop Brook Preserve!
3) Horseback Riding and Mountain Bikes are Permitted on established trails only.
4) Dog walking is permitted, provided dogs are kept under the effective control of their owners at all times, either by leash or through immediate voice command, particularly when encountering other visitors. Dogs must not be permitted to harass other dogs, people, horses, or wildlife. Dog owners are required to remove and properly dispose of pet waste.
5) Indigenous Cultural Practices: Indigenous peoples are allowed to conduct traditional spiritual ceremonies, seasonal celebrations, offerings, and cultural, educational, interpretive programming and to harvest plant-life for traditional cultural practices using methods which ensure sustainable populations of the harvested species.
6) Special Uses: Nighttime use, scientific studies, and events organized by individuals or other organizations may be allowed with advance, written permission only.
7) Trail Apps: We encourage visitors to use apps such as Alltrails, iNaturalist and Trailforks as they visit our properties. We encourage visitors to leave detailed reviews of their visits that point out both highs and lows of their time spent on our properties. Currently, we have management capabilities through Alltrails to communicate with visitors about conditions at specific sites. We request that iNaturalist users obscure the location of endangered, rare or collectible species.
8) Drones: MLT requires drone operators to obtain advance permission to launch from or fly over our properties and to consider adverse impacts on wildlife and our neighbors. Drone imagery should be shared with MLT. Drones operating on utility easements do not require permission.
9) Wildlife Cameras: Allowed with written permission but not on established trails.
10) To obtain advance permission for any activity requiring approval, please write to info@metacometlandtrust.org or send a written request to the Trust at PO Box 231, Franklin MA 02038 at least two weeks in advance.
11) Deer Hunting during the Massachusetts hunting seasons is permitted with prior approval from Metacomet at the following properties (please note that Massachusetts state regulations require that licensed hunters seek and obtain permission from private landowners ahead of hunting at any location):
- a) Hop Brook Preserve, Blackstone
- b) Steven’s Pond, Sutton
- c) Boria Family Farm, Millbury/Sutton
- d) Bonner Natural Area, Upton
Hunters are required to report the number and gender of harvested deer to Metacomet.
12) Restrictions
a) Trapping is prohibited. Trapping of beaver may be permitted by Metacomet only when necessary to protect infrastructure on MLT preserves or property adjacent to MLT preserves.
b) Tree stands (elevated hunting platforms) and hunting blinds are prohibited.
c) Hunting wild turkey, waterfowl, small game such as rabbit and squirrel, and predators, including bear, coyote, bobcat, and mustelids, is prohibited.
d) Pedal-assisted class-1 electronic bikes (no throttle), Electric mountain bikes, mobility assistance scooters and wheelchairs as well as emergency vehicles are the only motorized\vehicles permitted to pass over Metacomet properties. Motorized vehicles can cause significant soil erosion, damage to vegetation, and disturb wildlife habitats. By limiting their use, the land trust ensures that natural areas remain undisturbed and intact, preserving ecosystems for future generations.
e) Harvesting of edible fruits, berries, nuts, fiddleheads, and mushrooms for personal use at one’s own risk, is allowed: This limited allowance promotes sustainable use of the land's natural resources. It encourages people to connect with nature while ensuring that overharvesting does not harm local populations or disrupt ecosystems. By focusing on personal use, the trust limits the potential for commercial exploitation. Collection of seeds or plant parts for plant propagation purposes requires written permission from Metacomet and, if a plant is protected by the MA Endangered Species Act, permission from the MA Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.
f) The collection of entire plants is restricted: Removing entire plants can disrupt the ecological balance, harm local species populations, and lead to habitat degradation. Retaining plant life on-site maintains biodiversity, ensures the long-term sustainability of plant populations, and protects wildlife that may depend on those plants for food or shelter.
g) All collecting of non-game wildlife, cultural artifacts, and geological specimens is prohibited. Removing wildlife or natural and cultural objects can severely impact ecosystems and cultural heritage. Protecting these elements ensures the conservation of biodiversity, maintains the integrity of ecosystems, and preserves historical and geological records for future study and enjoyment.
h) Metacomet Land Trust does not currently permit the use of metal detectors. Metal detecting can disturb archaeological sites, wildlife habitats, and soils, potentially causing irreversible damage. We Prohibit this activity to help preserve the land’s natural and cultural history and to ensure that artifacts are protected for future generations and research.
i) Discharge of firearms outside of the regulated deer hunting season and recreational use of airsoft and paintball guns is not allowed : Prohibiting the discharge of firearms outside of regulated hunting seasons minimizes disturbances to wildlife and other visitors, reduces the risk of accidents, and prevents damage to natural habitats. Airsoft and Paintball guns and their accompanying tactical exercises at some locations in the past have resulted in habitat disturbance, pollution and a reduction in aesthetic values to visitors.
j) Alcohol consumption is prohibited: Alcohol use in natural areas can lead to unsafe behavior, littering, and environmental degradation. Banning alcohol reduces the likelihood of these impacts, ensuring that the property remains a safe and clean environment for all visitors.
k) We subscribe to the carry in, carry out environmental ethic and the American standard for being a good neighbor. Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic as described in his well-known book, “A Sand County Almanac,” asserts a right for nature to exist in its natural state. Disposing of refuse on the landscape can introduce invasive species, disrupt ecosystems, and harm native plants and wildlife. Keeping the land free of waste, including neighbors’ yard waste, ensures the preservation of natural habitats and prevents environmental contamination.
l) Campfires are only permitted for campers with permission. Uncontrolled fires can cause devastating wildfires, harm wildlife, and destroy habitats. By limiting fires to specific, regulated instances such as camping, the trust minimizes the risk of unintended environmental damage while still allowing for responsible recreational use.
m) Graffiti is not allowed on Metacomet Properties: Graffiti can damage natural features, historical sites, and scenic landscapes, detracting from the natural beauty and cultural value of the area. Prohibiting graffiti helps maintain the aesthetic and ecological integrity of the land.
n) The creation of new trails is strictly reserved to the Board of the Metacomet Land Trust and its entrusted agents or volunteers: Unauthorized trail creation can cause habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and disturbances to sensitive wildlife areas. Managing where trails are developed ensures that visitor impact is minimized and that critical ecosystems are protected.
o) No overnight parking without permit: Preventing overnight parking discourages unauthorized camping, reduces the risk of fire and littering, and limits wildlife disturbance. It helps maintain the security of the area and reduces human impact on the environment during nighttime hours.
p) Professional dog walking is not permitted. Professional dog walking can introduce high numbers of dogs to sensitive areas, leading to soil compaction, wildlife disturbance, and potential conflicts with other users. Limiting this activity ensures that dog use remains at a level that does not degrade the ecological integrity of the land.
Board approved on December 19, 2024
If there are questions please contact Metacomet Land Trust at 508-271-7131 or info@metacometlandtrust.org
