Shermerhorn Brook Gorge October Mountain State Forest

Preserve October Mountain State Forest

Protesters gather at October Mountain State Forest to stop a proposed state logging operation

Heather Bellow - Berkshire Eagle June 17, 2023

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/central_berkshires/washington-october-mountain-state-forest-logging-cutting-clearcuts-trees-climate-ash-borer-dcr/article_a0172872-0d51-11ee-a396-0765affd9c86.html

About October Mountain State Forest

At 16,500 acres, October Mountain is the largest state forest in Massachusetts. You'll find trails for any level of hiking experience, and you can also visit nearby Tanglewood, popular music venue and home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Should we be logging and managing this area? Or should it be protected like a National Park? Please sign our petition to permanently protect this forest from unnecessary and damaging human management.

A PETITION TO MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR HEALEY AND DCR COMMISSIONER

BRIAN ARRIGO TO PRESERVE OCTOBER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST

We, the undersigned, strongly support Preserve October Mountain Forest’s goal to stop the logging and other forest management activities of 447 acres of woodlands as proposed in the “Ant Lot” project by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

In addition, we are requesting to change the DCR designation of all of October Mountain State Forest to “Reserve” to protect this forest so it will be influenced primarily by natural processes with minimal human interference.

The goal is to retain an intact forest for wildlife, water and soil protection, carbon accumulation and recreation.

Preserve October Mountain Forest is part of a larger movement to permanently protect Massachusetts state-owned lands as Reserves for recreation, wildlife, and other public benefits.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION HERE: https://forms.gle/7iwuHkQMmD6TZvSd8

DCR makes the case for logging October Mountain State Forest

Wood from Berkshire County's state parks and forests that would have gone to waste is getting a second life in classrooms
Wood can be sourced from many places. But why not preserve our state land as protected like a National Park?
Wood from Berkshire County's state parks[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [5.6 MB]