[HISTORY: Adopted by the Conservation Commission of the Town of Upton 12-13-2006[1]. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: The codification of these regulations as Ch. 320 of the Town Code was approved by the Conservation Commission 4-8-2021.
The following rules are established on December 13, 2006, by a majority vote of the Upton Conservation Commission under its authority (MGL c. 40, § 8C) to regulate use of Town conservation areas and other land managed by the Conservation Commission.
Upton's conservation lands are open to all for hiking, nature study, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, camping and other pursuits that do not damage the land or impair other people's enjoyment. These are your lands. Please enjoy them and take care of them.
A. 
Conservation lands are open daily from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. After-hours use may be permitted by the Conservation Commission.
B. 
Horses and mountain bikes are permitted except in certain areas to prevent damage to resources or trails. A list of restricted use trails is available from the Conservation Commission.
C. 
Motorized vehicles are permitted only when authorized by the Conservation Commission or on designated trails.
D. 
Dogs must be leashed or under control at all times. Dogs must be leashed from April 1 through June 30 in grassland areas to protect ground-nesting birds.
E. 
No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
F. 
No person shall cut, break, remove, deface or defile any natural or man-made object. Plants may not be collected or removed unless authorized by the Conservation Commission. Nongame wildlife, including vertebrates and invertebrates, shall not be harassed, collected or removed. Edible fruits, berries, nuts, fiddleheads and mushrooms may be harvested for personal use.
G. 
Hunting and trapping are permitted pursuant to Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game regulations. Tree stands are permitted without written approval from the Conservation Commission, provided tree-stand guidelines are followed. The guidelines are available from the Conservation Commission and the Town of Upton website (www.uptonma.gov).
[Amended 4-8-2021]
H. 
Discharge of firearms except during hunting season by licensed hunters is prohibited. Discharge of paintball guns is prohibited.
I. 
No fires are permitted except under conditions stipulated in a camping permit.
J. 
No disposal of waste material of any kind is permitted. All trash must be packed out.
K. 
Overnight camping may be permitted at the discretion of the Conservation Commission to groups having an adult leader present at all times. All campsites must be at least 50 feet from established trails and 100 feet from wetlands, ponds or streams. Use of portable stoves and open fires is allowed with written permission from the Upton Fire Department. All wastes must be packed out.
L. 
Group use of conservation land for private, noncommercial functions, such as for weddings, is allowed with prior notification and approval of the Conservation Commission. Applications for other group events will be accepted only from nonprofit and governmental organizations.
Violations are punishable by a fine of $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. The Conservation Commission may also require restoration of damages. If there are questions, please contact the Upton Conservation Commission at 508-529-6286 or at concomm@uptonma.gov.