Code of Massachusetts Regulations 304 CMR - DIVISION OF STATE PARKS AND RECREATION
Here’s a comprehensive overview of 304 CMR – Division of State Parks and Recreation in the Massachusetts Code of Regulations:
⚖️ 304 CMR – Overview
Published by: Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries
Last updated: June 10, 2022 (mass.gov)
Scope: Regulations governing state parks, forests, reservations, and “Massachusetts Wildlands.”
📘 Title 7.00 – Management Plans & Wildlands
7.01 – Purpose
Defines the framework for stewardship planning across state parks and forests
Outlines procedures for stewarding “Massachusetts Wildlands” (mass.gov)
7.02 – Management Plans
For each DCR site, plans must include:
Description of the land’s unique resources
Potential uses
Land stewardship zoning analysis
Action recommendations
Must be developed with public input and approved by the Stewardship Council (law.cornell.edu)
7.03 – Massachusetts Wildlands
“Wildlands” include:
Representative Natural Areas (RNAs): minimally disturbed native natural communities
Backcountry Areas: more remote, wild areas suited for low-impact activities like hiking and canoeing (mass.gov)
7.04 – Management of Wildlands
DCR must prepare an Area Management Summary (AMS) for each RNA or backcountry area
Prohibited activities: open fires, motorized vehicles, vegetation or wildlife collection, mountain biking, etc.
These limitations do not apply to lawful hunting/fishing/trapping or safety-related DCR operations (mass.gov)
Wildland status may be revoked by the Commissioner (with Council approval) if ecological integrity is compromised or another site is more suitable (mass.gov)
🔍 Seeking the Full Text
To access the complete 304 CMR:
Official version (PDF): “304 CMR 7.00: Management Plans and Massachusetts Wildlands” via Mass.gov (mass.gov)
Mass.gov landing page: Provides links and Table of Contents (mass.gov)
Alternative sources: Cornell LII, Justia, and others also host the regulations (law.cornell.edu)
✅ In Summary
Title 304 CMR primarily governs the planning, management, and conservation of state parks, forests, and wildlands in Massachusetts. It sets out the required elements of management plans, defines wildland areas, restricts certain activities, and establishes oversight protocols.
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