The Chiarone Nature Reserve was established in 1979 with the creation of the Migliarino, San Rossore, and Massaciuccoli Nature Park. In 1985, it was entrusted to the Italian association for Bird Protection/LIPU.
LIPU is responsible for the Reserve’s environmental planning and management, the maintenance of visitor facilities, and the monitoring of flora and fauna. It also manages tourism and promotes environmental education through the organization of events, summer camps, and the implementation of educational projects in local schools.
Situated in a large depression created by the formation of the Monti Appennini, Lake Massaciuccoli represents the advanced stage of an ancient coastal lagoon, which receded with the advance of the coastline and the nourishment of sediments transported by the rivers.