Quoted from "A Landscape Assessment and Forest Management Framework for the Berkshire Ecoregions in Massachusetts," p. 8
The following summarizes the proposed performance standards for small and large scale reserves. It should be noted that exceptions may exist dependant upon local conditions identified through the resource management planning process.
- Lands managed for native species primarily through natural processes.
- Restoration of species composition and ecological conditions where non-native species are present may occur through careful implementation emulating natural processes where desirable and practicable.
- Non-destructive monitoring and research is encouraged
- Invasive species maybe treated
- Salvage is generally prohibited unless there is a major-significant threat to forest health or adjacent private property.
- Forest fires are aggressively contained and controlled utilizing light hands on land tactics where possible, unless a fire management plan is developed that calls for wildfire and "natural" prescribed fire occurrences under proper prescription standards and conditions.
- Prescribe fire is allowed under carefully developed prescriptions and implementation standards.
- Dispersed recreation facilities such as trails for passive recreation such as hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, etc. are allowed. Trail density and use are consistent with forest reserve values.
- Snowmobiling is allowed in designated areas while ATV/ORV use is generally prohibited.
- Recreation access, facilities, and uses that are pre-existing may be allowed if there are no practicable alternatives and do not substantially detract from the Forest Reserve values.
- Recreation facilities will be maintained. However, maintenance should meet the objectives of the values of the Forest Reserve system.
- Forest roads that are needed for public use and agency administration will be maintained to safe and environmentally sound standards. Roads that are unwarranted may be restored to natural conditions.
