Beartown State Forest Campground Extends Camping Season

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MONTEREY, Mass. — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced Beartown State Forest is extending the camping season two additional weeks until Oct. 27, 2024. 
 
In July, the campground reopened with more than $350,000 improvements, including modern bathroom facilities and enhanced amenities.  
 
While the campground was closed, DCR made significant upgrades to the site including the installation of two brand new bathrooms equipped with running water and flush toilets, several new water spigots, and updated tables and grills. DCR also added internet connectivity and a new year-round staff position to ensure improved visitor service. 
 
Beartown's campground has 12 sites for tent camping. Campers can explore the 12,000-acre state forest that stretches through the towns of Great Barrington, Monterey, Lee, Tyringham and Stockbridge or take a self-guided hike along the 1.5 mile Benedict Pond loop. They can also fish in Benedict Pond, a shallow 35-acre man-made pond.   
 
To make a reservation and experience the upgraded amenities at Beartown State Forest, visit https://massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com or call 1(877) 422-6762, camping is by reservation only. The last day for camping for the season at Beartown is now Oct. 27.

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Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond. 
 
According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond. 
 
The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million. 
 
"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.
 
The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
 
The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.
 
The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here
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