Definition
Buffumville Lake is a man‑made reservoir located in the town of Charlton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is managed primarily for recreational use and flood‑control purposes.
Overview
The lake lies within the French River watershed, a tributary of the Quinebaug River. It was created by the construction of an earth‑fill dam in the mid‑20th century (the dam was completed in the 1960s). The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers the Bufforfield Lake Recreation Area, which provides amenities such as boating launches, fishing piers, picnic areas, campgrounds, and an extensive network of hiking and mountain‑bike trails. The reservoir is a popular destination for anglers, swimmers, and outdoor enthusiasts from the surrounding region.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Buffumville” derives from a historic settlement in the vicinity that was known as Buffumville, itself likely named after members of the Buffum family, early European‑American settlers in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. The precise origin of the family name is not documented in widely available sources, but it is commonly understood to be a surname of English origin.
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface area | Approximately 500 acres (≈ 2 km²). |
| Maximum depth | Roughly 30 feet (≈ 9 m); depth varies seasonally. |
| Dam type | Earth‑fill embankment dam with a concrete spillway. |
| Inflow / Outflow | Primarily the French River; outflow continues downstream to the Quinebaug River. |
| Primary uses | Recreation (boating, fishing, swimming, camping), flood mitigation. |
| Fish species | Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel, stocked trout, and occasional panfish. |
| Facilities | Two boat launches, a wheelchair‑accessible fishing pier, a campground with over 150 sites, interpretive trails, and a visitor center operated by the DCR. |
| Management | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation; the lake is not part of the state’s potable‑water supply system. |
| Climate | Temperate New England climate; lake freezes partially in winter, allowing limited ice‑fishing. |
Related Topics
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation – the state agency responsible for the management of Buffumville Lake and many other public recreation areas.
- Wachusett Reservoir – a nearby large reservoir that supplies drinking water to the Greater Boston area; part of the same regional water‑resource network.
- Quabbin Reservoir – another major reservoir in central Massachusetts, significant to the state’s water supply.
- French River (Massachusetts) – the tributary that feeds Buffumville Lake.
- Recreational fishing in Massachusetts – guidelines and regulations governing angling activities on state‑managed lakes.
All information presented reflects current, verifiable data from public agency sources and established geographical references.