Scouting troops are allowed to camp on a couple of Foxborough conservation properties (Lane Property and near Greely's Pond [Canoe River Wilderness, North]), with the written permission of the Conservation Commission.
Scout Camping Request Forms are available for download above. The request forms must be received by the Conservation Department's office in Town Hall at least two weeks before any proposed camping date.
Based upon availability, the Conservation Department will inform the individual who will be responsible for their scouting group whether their request is approved. If it is, a copy of their completed/signed Camping Request Form (with conservation rules attached) will serve as their permit.
On Town Property:
Foxborough's Conservation Office often receives questions about hunting on Town conservation properties, especially during the fall. With so many residential developments in Town, the Conservation Commission only allows hunting in a select few conservation areas. Please review Foxborough's Conservation Land Rules & Regulations and then visit us at the Conservation Office, which is on the second floor of Town Hall, to submit info about you (name, license #, etc.) and obtain copies of our detailed hunting area maps (some maps can also be found in the Guide to Foxborough Conservation Land & Open Spaces and will specify where hunting is permitted).
Hunting is allowed only on Commission-approved hunting areas, on the following conditions:
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Before hunting season, all hunters must visit the Conservation Office in Town Hall to:
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Submit their name, address, and a copy of their current hunting license
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Review all hunting rules with the Agent
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Obtain a copy of the Commission’s hunting maps.
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Approved hunting areas/maps: Most entrances to approved hunting areas will have a Foxborough Conservation Commission sign, but if not, you may be illegally entering private property.
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Canoe River Wilderness Area (except for Norfolk County land, off East Street)
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Harold B. Clark Town Forest (abuts the State Forest, which also allows hunting)
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Murray’s Brook Area
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Rumford River Greenbelt.
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Without Exception, the discharge of any firearms or release of an arrow from a bow is prohibited:
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Within 500 feet of any dwelling;
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Within 150 feet of a hard surfaced roadway; or
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Within 100 feet of a conservation trail.
In State Forests:
Although hunting is permitted in most Massachusetts state forests and parks, you must first check the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) hunting in the Parks Guide that details state forests, reservations and parks open to hunting. This link includes a listing of many of the state parks and forests open to regulated hunting. Before you hunt on any of the properties, contact the Forest and Parks phone number listed for that property to learn about any specific restrictions.
REMINDER: Hunting on Sundays is Prohibited in Massachusetts
Looking for a place to go fishing, hunting, hiking or wildlife watching? Massachusetts boasts a variety of areas for the outdoor enthusiast! MA's Department of Conservation and Recreation Trail Maps will guide you to places to explore in the Bay State (with binoculars, fishing rod or firearm).
With over seventy inches of snow, the 2010-2011 winter has been a challenging one with regard to keeping roads, roofs and sidewalks clear and safe for Foxborough residents. However, there is a brighter side for the snow-dependent recreation enthusiasts.
For the first time in many years, snow shoeing and cross country skiing tracks are evident on our conservation lands. At the same time however, the use of snow-mobiles has also burgeoned, especially on the Lane Property, between North Street and the Neponset Reservoir where complaints have been logged. There are serious safety concerns for the on-foot recreationists when snowmobiles are being used and there is also concern for the snowmobile user with regard to hitting objects and gate structures buried in the snow.
The Foxborough Conservation Commission would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that our conservation lands are for "passive" recreation, only. The use of off-road motorized vehicles*, including snowmobiles in winter and ATV's, dirt bikes, quads, and motorcycles at other times of the year, is prohibited on all town conservation properties in Foxborough.
*For more information, please click the ATV link above or in the lefthand menu.
Note: Though this information was posted in the Foxboro Report in 2011, it is still applicable.