Press Release  DCR Announces Completion of 262-acre Land Acquisition in Deerfield

BOSTON — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced the acquisition of three parcels of privately-owned land in the Town of Deerfield, representing a total 262.5 acres that will now be under the state's protection.  

“Protecting this land means more places for people to hike, explore and take in the incredible views that make Deerfield Valley so special,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “We’re grateful to the Rogers family for entrusting the state with this land, so we can protect local wildlife, preserve clean water and ensure that future generations can enjoy this space.”

The property was acquired through DCR’s Land Protection Program, which facilitates land conservation for the purposes of protecting plants and animals, conserving natural and cultural resources, and providing recreational spaces for the public. 

DCR acquired the property from the Rogers Family, who managed this property as part of their home and business, Hilltop Farm.  

“My family has owned this forest land since the 1890’s. My grandmother, my mother, and my siblings and I grew up on this land. My father farmed and forested it for 45 years,” said Arthur W. Rogers II. “I am very happy that, through this sale to the State of Massachusetts, these beloved forests will be protected forever.”

The newly acquired land is in close proximity to Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation and directly abuts the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail, a historic path that runs along various properties on the ridgeline which offers views of the Deerfield Valley. The property contains rare species habitats and is a climate resilient forest of high ecological diversity due to varied terrain that includes multiple cliffs, wetlands, streams, and significant changes in elevation. The westernmost section of the land lies at the top of the Pocumtuck Ridgeline which is visible throughout most of the Town of Deerfield and some of the surrounding towns. 

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