USE OF FOXBOROUGH CONSERVATION AREAS DURING COVID-19
Town conservation areas and trails will remain open to the public during this time for a much needed escape from the stresses of COVID-19.
There IS a thread of silver lining during this difficult time! While we are all physically isolating to prevent the spread of the virus, we will have more time for each other and for nature (which is always open)! And getting outside can help boost your and your family’s resilience and mental well-being, too.
For the health and safety of others during this time, please:
- Practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet apart, even when outdoors.
- DO NOT congregate in groups of any size during your visit.
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- No motorized vehicles (except as required by public safety officials).
- Carry out what you carry in, including any trash, dog waste, or other items on your person.
- Check for deer ticks often when visiting, then again when you get home; unfortunately, they are usually out, even when its cold!
- If a lot of vehicles are parked nearby, please choose another property or time to visit.
- Stay home if you are sick, or if you might have been exposed.
Foxborough has 13 core conservation areas, so there is plenty of open space to go around, while still successfully social distancing (for trail details, see links, above).
Please remember to carry out what you carry in
IT’S YOUR LAND, ENJOY IT… BUT PLEASE STAY SAFE!
The information on this page is in response to questions that the Conservation Office regularly receives.
If you have other questions, please contact Conservation Agent Jane Sears Pierce. We appreciate your feedback; thank you!
Guide to Foxborough's Conservation Land and Open Spaces
The Conservation Commission's first edition of the Guide was created by the Commission's summer intern, Ryan Clapp. The Guide includes information about more than 2,000 acres of permanently protected open space in Foxborough, including roughly 700 acres of F. Gilbert Hill State Forest.
We hope that this guide will help to improve and preserve these lands, now and for future generations to come.
Before visiting one of Foxborough's Town conservation areas, we ask that you please review the Conservation Land Rules and Regulations document (downloadable above).
Trail Maps
In addition to our new Guide, more detailed trail maps of some conservation areas are downloadable, above. The trail maps were created by Ryan Norton, the Town DPW's GIS guru; the Conservation Commission plans to create additional trail maps in the future, so please stay tuned!
Conservation Land Rules and Regulations
Please note that the Conservation Commission revised Foxborough's Conservation Land Rules and Regulations on April 24, 2017. A link to the document is included, above.
Foxborough's Open Space Plan
Foxborough's Open Space and Recreation Plan (link, above) contains information about the Town's conservation and recreation areas, as well as other interesting facts about the Town, including historical background; geology, soils and topography; water resources; fisheries and wildlife; and unique environments.
An Open Space and Recreation Plan is a working document that represents a town's needs, as determined through surveys and public meetings. A town must have an up-to-date, state-approved Plan to be eligible for state conservation and recreation grants.
Since Foxborough's plan has now expired, the Conservation Commission and Recreation Department are working diligently to update it. We would appreciate any help you can give us; if you would like to help, please contact the Conservation and/or Recreation Departments. Thank you!
Group Camping
Scouting troops are allowed to camp on a couple of Foxborough conservation properties (Lane Property and near Greely's Pond [Canoe River Wilderness, North]), with the written permission of the Conservation Commission.
Completed Scout Camping Request Forms (downloadable, above) must be received by the Conservation Department's office in Town Hall at least two weeks before any proposed camping date. Based upon availability, the Conservation Agent will inform the individual who will be responsible for their scouting group whether their request is approved. If it is, a copy of their completed/signed Camping Request Form (with conservation rules attached) will serve as their permit.
(Although the following was posted in the Foxboro Reporter in 2011, it still applies.)
Passive Recreation on Foxborough Conservation Properties
With over seventy inches of snow, the 2010-2011 winter has been a challenging one with regard to keeping roads, roofs and sidewalks clear and safe for Foxborough residents. However, there is a brighter side for the snow-dependent recreation enthusiasts.
For the first time in many years, snow shoeing and cross country skiing tracks are evident on our conservation lands. At the same time however, the use of snow-mobiles has also burgeoned, especially on the Lane Property, between North Street and the Neponset Reservoir where complaints have been logged. There are serious safety concerns for the on-foot recreationists when snowmobiles are being used and there is also concern for the snowmobile user with regard to hitting objects and gate structures buried in the snow.
The Foxborough Conservation Commission would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that our conservation lands are for "passive" recreation, only. The use of off-road motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles in winter and ATV's, dirt bikes, quads, and motorcycles at other times of the year, is prohibited on all town conservation properties in Foxborough.
For more information, please click the ATV link, above.
HUNTING
On Town Property
Foxborough's Conservation Office often receives questions about hunting on Town conservation properties, especially during the fall. With so many residential developments in Town, the Conservation Commission only allows hunting in a select few conservation areas. Please review the Commission's Hunting Rules and Information (downloadable above) and then visit us at the Conservation Office, which is on the second floor of Town Hall to submit info about you (name, license #, etc.) and obtain copies of our detailed hunting area maps.
In State Forests
Although hunting is permitted in most Massachusetts state forests and parks, you must first check the following Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) link that details state forests, reservations and parks open to hunting: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/hunting-fishing-wildlife-watching/ This link includes a listing of many of the state parks and forests open to regulated hunting. Before you hunt on any of the properties, contact the Forest and Parks phone number listed for that property to learn about any specific restrictions.
REMINDER: Hunting on Sundays is Prohibited in Massachusetts
Places to Visit in Massachusetts
Looking for a place to go fishing, hunting, hiking or wildlife watching? Massachusetts boasts a variety of areas for the outdoor enthusiast; the following website will guide you to places to explore in the Bay State (with binoculars, fishing rod or firearm): http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/maps-destinations/