Chester-Blandford State Forest

Chester-Blandford State Forest is a publicly owned forest with recreational features located in the two towns for which it is named, Chester and Blandford, Massachusetts. The state forest includes remnants of small mining operations and the 60-foot cascade at Sanderson Brook Falls. It is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.[3]

Chester-Blandford State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
LocationChester, Blandford, Hampden, Massachusetts, United States
Coordinates42°14′58″N 72°56′58″W[1]
Area2,776 acres (11.23 km2)[2]
Elevation1,024 ft (312 m)[1]
Established1924
OperatorMassachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteChester-Blandford State Forest

History

The state forest was established in 1924 when local lumber companies sold land to the state. The Civilian Conservation Corps was active in the forest from 1934 to 1940. Their work included the construction of a campground, pavilions, trails, ski runs, and the road and bridges that lead to Sanderson Brook Falls.[4]

Activities and amenities

Forest trails are used for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Picnicking, restrooms, fishing, restricted hunting, and snowmobiling are also available.[3]

References
  1. "Chester-Blandford State Forest". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  3. "Chester-Blandford State Forest". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  4. Beth McKinney, ed. (January 1999). "The Civilian Conservation Corps: A Statewide Survey of Civilian Conservation Corps Resources". Massachusetts Office of Historic Resources. pp. 79–80. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
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