Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Bureau of Planning and Resource Protection Resource Management Planning Program RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN Walden Planning Unit Including Walden Pond State Reservation May 2013 In coordination with: Crosby | Schlessinger | Smallridge, LLC Walden Planning Unit Including Walden Pond State Reservation RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013 Deval L. Patrick, Governor Timothy P. Murray, Lt. Governor Richard K. Sullivan, Jr., Secretary Edward M. Lambert, Jr., Commissioner John P. Murray, Deputy Commissioner for Park Operations Resource Management Plans (RMPs) provide guidelines for management of properties under the stewardship of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). They are intended to be working documents for setting priorities, enabling the Department to adapt to changing fiscal, social, and environmental conditions. The planning process provides a forum for communication and cooperation with park visitors and the surrounding communities to ensure transparency in the DCR’s stewardship efforts. One of the most recognizable properties in the DCR park system, Walden Pond State Reservation is an iconic national and international destination. The pond that inspired Henry David Thoreau’s seminal work Walden, or Life in the Woods holds divergent meanings. To many, the reservation is a sacred landscape and international cultural heritage site. To some, it is a profound symbol of both Thoreau’s writings and the genesis of the land conservation movement. Simultaneously, the reservation is valued for its recreation opportunities, whether swimming in Walden Pond’s waters on hot summer days, canoeing on the pond’s calm waters, or cross-country skiing in its surrounding forests. This plan outlines recommendations that will improve the visitor experience for all, while preserving Walden Pond and its surrounding natural and cultural resources for the benefit of future generations. Edward M. Lambert, Jr. Commissioner The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams and parkways. Led by Commissioner Edward M. Lambert, Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all. To learn more about the DCR, our facilities and our programs, please visit us at www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at [email protected]. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Contents Page Executive Summary Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... i Management Principle and Goals ................................................................................................................... i Priority Recommendations ............................................................................................................................. ii Public Participation in Developing This Resource Management Plan .......................................................... ii Priority Action Plan 2013 – 2017 .................................................................................................................. iv Section 1. Introduction 1.1 Walden Pond State Reservation ............................................................................................................ 1 1.2 An Introduction to Resource Management Plans .................................................................................. 1 1.3 The Planning Process ............................................................................................................................ 2 1.4 Recent Capital Improvements ............................................................................................................... 2 1.5 Management Principle and Goals ......................................................................................................... 2 Section 2. Existing Conditions 2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Walden Planning Unit ........................................................................................................................... 5 Fee Interest Lands ................................................................................................................................. 6 Conservation Restrictions ..................................................................................................................... 6 2.3 Regional Open Space Context............................................................................................................... 6 2.4 Historical Context ................................................................................................................................. 9 Pre-Contact ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Contact ................................................................................................................................................. 10 2.5 Natural Resources ................................................................................................................................ 13 Physical Resources ............................................................................................................................... 13 Water Resources................................................................................................................................... 14 Vegetation ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Wildlife ................................................................................................................................................ 24 2.6 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................................... 25 Archaeological Resources .................................................................................................................... 25 Historic Resources ............................................................................................................................... 26 2.7 Recreation Resources ........................................................................................................................... 28 Recreational Activities ......................................................................................................................... 28 2.8 Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................................ 30 Property Boundaries ............................................................................................................................. 30 Buildings and Structures ...................................................................................................................... 30 Roads .................................................................................................................................................... 35 Parking ................................................................................................................................................. 37 Trails .................................................................................................................................................... 37 Signs and Kiosks .................................................................................................................................. 38 Memorials and Markers ....................................................................................................................... 39 2.9 Demographics and Visitor Characteristics ........................................................................................... 40 Demographics ...................................................................................................................................... 40 Visitation Estimates ............................................................................................................................. 42 Contents Page Section 3. Management Resources and Practices 3.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 45 3.2 Management Practices ......................................................................................................................... 45 Natural Resources ................................................................................................................................ 45 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................................... 47 Recreation Resources ........................................................................................................................... 48 Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................................ 51 Interpretive Services ............................................................................................................................