Recreation and Fishing
Because the reservoir is the water supply for Boston, not all areas around it are open to the public. To ensure pure water, there are a number of regulations prohibiting boats, ice fishing, wading, swimming, overnight camping, alcoholic beverages, littering, animals, bikes, and motor vehicles from the reservoir and abutting property. These regulations are controversial to recreation and fishing proponents, who argue the rules are not needed to protect water quality. A network of fire roads provides easy access for hikers and cross-country skiers.
As of 1999, the reservoir contained 12 native and 12 introduced species of fish. The limited access, combined with abundant, high-quality habitat, produced state records for brown trout, land-locked salmon, smallmouth bass, and white perch. Approximately 80% of the 37 mile (59.5 km) shoreline is usually open to angling from April 1 through November 30, depending on ice conditions.
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Metropolitan Water District map, 1910
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Old Stone Church on the Reservoir viewed from the Stillwater River
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Wachusett Reservoir at Sunrise
Read more about this topic: Wachusett Reservoir
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