To data less than five percent of Massachusetts peatlands have been developed. Ninety percent of the developed peatlands are located in the southeastern section of Massachusetts. Seventy-five percent of the developed peatlands are used for cranberry bogs. The remainder is used for horticultural peak extraction. At the present time peatland uses can be grouped into two types, consumptive and nonconsumptive. The primary consumptive uses are: (1) extraction of peat for use as or with industrial chemicals, (2) use by the horticultural industry and (3) most important under the DOE/MEOER Program, the use of peak as a fuel. The three uses of peat under consumptive usage will require extraction or harvesting of peatlands. The main nonconsumptive uses are: (1) preservation of peatlands for conservation lands, (2) biomass production, (3) timber production and (4) the most important under the title of nonconsumptive uses is peatlands for agricultural crop production. These four uses require little or no peat extraction, harvesting or alteration of the wetlands. The selection and feasibility of one particular use over another is influenced by the significance of the economics and environmental concerns as well as the types and volumes of peat. 55 figures, 12 tables.