HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE OF LAND-USE AND PROTECTION IN THE NORTH QUABBIN REGION OF MASSACHUSETTS (USA)

Evaluating the consequences and future of land protection requires bro ad temporal and spatial perspectives of ecological and cultural factor s. We assessed the development of a system of protected areas comprisi ng 37% of central Massachusetts in terms of changing rates and means o f land protection. We compared protected areas to the surrounding matr ix in terms of physical, biological, and historical features and used these results to mise issues concerning future planning. The rate, pur pose, and means of land protection in the North Quabbin Region (168,31 2 ha) have been dynamic as a result of changes in cultural values and transformation of the landscape from predominantly agriculture to fore st. Protected lands are managed by 25 federal and state agencies, priv ate groups, and municipal departments and commissions and are physical ly and biologically typical of the regional landscape which results fr om (1) participation of diverse organizations with varied agendas; (2) predominance of large government acquisitions driven by landscape-sca le criteria; and (3) absence of coordination among groups. The large a rea, relative homogeneity and largely undeveloped status of the North Quabbin Region suggest conservation goals distinct from those in the f ragmented and extensively developed neighboring areas of the Connectic ut River Valley and Cape Cod and Islands Region. Large tracts of fores ts, wetlands, and lakes in the North Quabbin Region Provide (1) habita t for species requiring extensive, intact areas; (2) the opportunity t o maintain broad-scale ecological processes; (3) connections to region al conservation areas; and (4) recreation. To realize the area's poten tial, a comprehensive plan must be based on a broad-scale perspective and historical understanding of the landscape.