Forests that Fill the Faucet: How Active Stewardship Protects Drinking Water in the Bay State
March 4 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Join the Forest Stewards Guild and the Massachusetts chapter of the Society of American Foresters for an engaging webinar on active forest management in the watersheds of central Massachusetts.
In the late 1800s, Boston’s rapid growth created an urgent need for clean, reliable drinking water. The state responded by constructing reservoirs and water supply systems in central Massachusetts, beginning with the Wachusett Reservoir in 1895. This work reshaped the landscape through dam construction, land management, and the acquisition of nearby lands.
Today, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of Water Supply Protection (DWSP) owns and manages 100,000 acres of largely forested watershed dedicated to water supply protection. Active forest management is central to safeguarding this critical system, which provides drinking water to 2.7 million people.
In this collaborative webinar, watershed foresters Ken Canfield and Doug Hutcheson will present on:
- The “forest filter” concept and watershed forestry in central Massachusetts
- How management strategies have adapted as forests, threats, and objectives have shifted
- Highlights from current projects, including restoration of fire-dependent communities
Featuring Speakers from the MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection:
- Ken Canfield, Chief Forester – Quabbin and Ware River Watersheds
- Douglas Hutcheson, Forester – South Quabbin
Don’t miss out! Register today!
This event is approved for 1.00 SAF Category 1 Continuing Education Credit.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Giles at mgiles at forestguild dot org