Code of Massachusetts Regulations 302 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
Here's an overview of 302 CMR — the Code of Massachusetts Regulations covering the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR):
📚 Structure & Scope
302 CMR encompasses the full set of regulations governing DCR, codified into 19 major sub‑titles (1.00–19.00) (mass.gov).
It includes topics such as scenic rivers, major improvements, dam safety, parkways, parks & recreation, forester licensing, forest management, aquatic nuisance control, and small wireless facility licensing (mass.gov).
🏞️ Subtitle Highlight: Parks & Recreation (302 CMR 12.00)
Governs rules for public use of DCR-managed lands: parks, trails, beaches, camping, boating, hunting/fishing, pets, vehicles, pools, permits, fees, enforcement, and appeals .
Adopted in 2014 and most recently amended in June 2022 (law.cornell.edu).
🔧 Example Rule: Recreational Vehicles & Snowmobiles (12.14)
Only allowed on designated trails/roads with sufficient snow/ice cover (4″ on land, 5″ on water).
Strict safety measures: respect non-motorized users (≥50 ft clearance), stop for horses, no reckless use, age restrictions (minimum 12 years), weight and registration limits, day‑use only (regulations.justia.com).
⚙️ Other Key Components
Operational Units: DCR rangers and authorized officers can issue citations for regulation violations (casetext.com).
Subtitle 14 (302 CMR 14.00) deals with forester licensing — defining qualifications, application, renewal, disciplinary actions, and ethical standards (masswoods.org).
🏛️ Regulatory & Publication Details
Regulatory authority stems from multiple Massachusetts General Laws (e.g., M.G.L. c. 21; c. 92; c. 132A; others) (mass.gov).
Official versions are maintained by Trial Court Law Libraries and published in the Massachusetts Register; most recent update for the full title was June 10, 2022 (mass.gov).
✅ How to Access
Mass.gov: Download PDFs—e.g., 302 CMR 12.00 for parks & recreation (mass.gov).
Cornell LII & Justia: Browse regulations online per subtitle .
Secretary of Commonwealth: Purchase printed copy of entire Title 302 for ~$13.15 (sec.state.ma.us).
ℹ️ If You Need…
Text of any specific section (e.g., 302 CMR 12.07 permits)—just let me know!
Updates beyond June 2022: I can check Massachusetts Register or Mass.gov for amendments.
Guidance on compliance or enforcement: I can walk through typical processes or resources.
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