Having served as the U.S. Army’s New England Headquarters for 79 years, Fort Devens was inactivated in 1996. Resulting from its closure, much of the land was conveyed to MassDevelopment, a quasi-public economic development and real estate agency tasked with stimulating economic investment across Massachusetts. At Devens, MassDevelopment provides municipal services, education, environmental protection, and the infrastructure improvements to convert the former military installation into a planned community.

MassDevelopment is redeveloping Devens into a sustainable and diverse residential and business community. With nearly 2,100 acres of open space and recreation lands, Devens provides unique opportunities for active and passive recreation to area residents including access to the Nashua River at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge.