The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) intends to clearcut 175 acres of white pine in Manuel F. Correllus State Forest on Martha’s Vineyard.

Starting two decades ago, Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) mandated the clearcut to “restore high-quality habitat” to mitigate past violations: illegal expansion of 32 miles of fire lanes by DCR in 2001, and the illegal cutting of 26.5 miles of trails by Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation in 2020.

At the listening session held on the island by DCR in October of 2024, islanders overwhelmingly asked DCR to prioritize re-paving the bike paths, housing DCR staff in the State Forest headquarters, and restoring a full time presence in our State Forest. DCR made no mention of its clearcut plan, nor of any other active forest management.

Because of the significant climate impacts of removing 175 acres of mature and healthy carbon-sequestering trees, which runs counter to the recommendations of the Commonwealth’s Climate Solutions Act and Climate Forest Committee;

Because of DCR’s failure to engage and consult with the Island community on this clearcut and management plan;

Because DCR has not sought advisory review from the Forest Reserve Science Advisory Committee (FRSAC), which is required for Correllus as a designated State Reserve, where passive management and natural processes are prioritized;

Because much less intensive management alternatives exist to meet NHESP and DCR habitat restoration goals; 

Because fire risk is best managed by allowing maturing forest to continue to grow and by focusing fire protection on neighborhood areas immediately around homes;

Because the clearcutting and maintenance plan “will require use of both mechanical and chemical means,” which will negatively impact our sole-source aquifer;

Because DCR stewardship has lacked planning, resources, staff, and money for decades,

WE DEMAND that DCR and NHESP abandon this clearcut plan, prioritize repaving the bike path, resolve DCR staff housing issues, provide adequate staffing, and commit to an open engagement with our community concerning the long-term protection and management of our State Forest reserve.