Quabbin Reservoir was built over three quarters of a century ago and serves as a primary drinking water source for more than 2.5 million people in the greater Boston area. Today the Big Lady as Quabbin is also known is one of the largest public water supply reservoirs in the United States with its surface waters covering nearly 25,000 acres. Formal construction of the reservoir project began in the early 1930s. Then for over a decade construction activities involved dismantling of four small central Massachusetts towns, state and local roadways, a rail line, and the movement of over 6000 graves to what is now Quabbin Park Cemetery before the valley was sealed by two earthen dams.
Recreational Opportunities
Bearing in mind the main purpose of Quabbin Reservoir is to serve as a drinking water supply and the surrounding lands of Quabbin Reservation are to protect the water supply, all recreational opportunities come with strict restrictions to maintain water quality. When venturing onto either the lands surrounding the reservoir or the waters comprising the Quabbin, it is tantamount that each person literally leaves no traces behind.
Even with the restrictions, recreational opportunities abound for Quabbin’s visitors including:
Shoreline fishing;
Boat fishing;
Hiking;
Cycling;
Extensive trail walks;
bird-watching and sightseeing;
Day trips and picnicking;
Limited snowshoeing; and
Hunting with restrictions.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) also maintains the Quabbin Interpretive Services Program that helps maintain the operation of the Quabbin Visitor Center, various teacher workshops and all sorts of educational opportunities. Contact DCR’s 24 Hour Service Line @ 413 323-7221 for more information about the programs on the reservation …
Links to Regulations, Map Resources and Web-Cam:
The DCR in conjunction with other state agencies has compiled a number of useful regulatory and map resources for the visiting public to review before arriving at the “Accidental Wilderness”. These resources include (click on any active link below to access the actual documents):
The Public Access Map Collection for the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed as well as surrounding watersheds;
Quabbin Fishing Rules for 2010;
Public Access Rules for the Quabbin and surrounding watersheds; and
General Rules and Regulations applicable to water supply watersheds.
Link to the MWRA Quabbin WebCam (click active link to access).
==========================
Current weather conditions at Quabbin Reservoir (@Belchertown):
=====================