The MDC owns over 6,000 acres of watershed forest land along the West Branch of the Farmington River surrounding the West Branch Reservoir and the Colebrook River Lake Reservoir. Both reservoirs serve as a future water supply for the MDC.

The West Branch Reservoir (or Hogsback) is owned by the MDC and used for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. The Colebrook River Lake is a multipurpose water resource impoundment owned and maintained by the U.S, Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, low flow augmentation and fishery enhancement. MDC operates a hydroelectric facility at the Colebrook Dam.

The watershed forest lands are open to hunting according to applicable Connecticut and Massachusetts laws and regulations. State wildlife officials should be consulted regarding hunting season schedules and other applicable regulations. Much of the property is accessible by foot for hiking, bird watching and nature study. Motorized recreational vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes) are not allowed on these protected watershed lands.

Fishing, ice-fishing and boating are allowed on both the West Branch Reservoir and Colebrook River Lake. The West Branch of the Farmington River is an important Trout Management Area.

Boating access to the West Branch Reservoir is at the southeast side of the Goodwin Dam. A car-top boat launch and gravel ramp is available, along with parking for 30 cars, and chemical toilet. Anglers can fish from MDC property at the car-top access area and along the entire western shore. The gate to the area is closed at night. The State and MDC stock about 5,000 catchable brown trout annually in the spring. Smallmouth bass, rock bass and yellow perch are present. State regulations apply for all species. The West Branch (Goodwin) Reservoir is located two miles north of Riverton.

Boating access to the Colebrook River Lake is at the public boat launch owned by the Army Corps located on the western shore, near the intersection of Beech Hill Road in Colebrook. Facilities at the launch include a ramp with concrete slabs, parking for 50 cars and chemical toilets. Boating speed limit is 20 mph and no water contact sports are allowed. The entire shore is owned by the Army Corp and is open to public fishing, except for a 100 foot area immediately adjacent to the Colebrook Dam. The State and MDC also stock trout in Colebrook River Lake. Popular species include rock bass, smallmouth bass and stocked trout. Colebrook is a flood control reservoir that experiences extreme water fluctuations, which can affect the fisheries. Colebrook River Lake is located on Route 8 approximately five miles north of Winsted.

West Branch - Greenwoods
The MDC owns another parcel of land farther south along the West Branch of the Farmington River known as the Greenwoods property, which a very popular recreational area. This roughly 400 acre parcel is located in New Hartford and Barkhamsted and straddles the River. It is maintained as a wildlife habitat area in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Division. Vehicle access and parking areas are available on both east and west sides of the River.

This is a very popular Trout Management Area.
A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is conveniently located on the east side of the River in the Pleasant Valley section of Barkhamsted, one-half mile south of the iron bridge on Route 318/181.

The area is also open to hiking, bird watching and nature study. Dogs on lease are welcome. Bicycling and motorized recreational vehicles are strictly prohibited.

The State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection stocks pheasant and limited hunting is allowed according to applicable Connecticut laws and regulations. State wildlife officials should be consulted regarding hunting season schedules and other applicable regulations.