Lampson Brook Farm is one of the most unique state properties and is currently the largest unprotected single parcel in state ownership. It contains diverse forest, streams and wetlands and prime agricultural farmland that has been the training ground for dozens of farmers, community gardeners and youth. The property has been under a long-term lease with the New England Small Farm Institute that has stewarded the farm as a model demonstration and teaching farm since the 1980’s. However, the lease with NESFI ends in 2023. A dedicated group of people who care about the farm worked with the Town, with EEA agencies and with Senator Eric Lesser to pass Chapter 355, Acts of 2020 that creates a pathway to the permanent protection and continuation of the purposes for which the farm has been maintained all these years. The Lampson Brook Farm Board of Directors is leading this transition.
From the Law:
Lampson Brook Farm”, an approximately 430-acre historic site comprised of: (i) the 240-acre forest parcel; (ii) the 120-acre commercial agricultural parcel; (iii) the 44-acre community farm parcel; (iv) the 10-acre enterprise zone parcel; and (v) the 16-acre historic Jepson farmstead parcel and grounds and as further described on the survey plan.
“…the many public values that make the Lampson Brook Farm a unique natural and cultural resource, including: (i) the conservation, sustainable management and demonstration of forest and farmland resources; (ii) the promotion of and provision for passive outdoor recreation and for access for the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts as described in section 9; (iii) the enhancement and promotion of local economic opportunity, including tourism; (iv) the protection and enhancement of regional open space, including Lampson Brook Farm’s historic working agricultural landscape and viewshed; (v) the protection of habitat and promotion of biodiversity; and (vi) the preservation and appropriate use of historic farm structures and infrastructure.
