- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
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Aisha Revolus, Communications Manager
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded $2.5 million in grant funding to enhance and protect large acreages of land. Through the Landscape Partnership Program, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is supporting two projects in Western Massachusetts to improve access to public recreational opportunities, water supply protection, ecosystems, and habitats.
The program will also support the "Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative" to protect high-quality forested land. These initiatives are key components of the administration’s recently proposed Mass Ready Act, demonstrating EEA’s commitment to protecting water and nature. Land conservation is one of the strategies the state is implementing to absorb pollution, help cool communities, and prevent the loss of plant and animal species.
“In Western Massachusetts we are surrounded by a wide range of natural beauty and resources, from valleys to forests and rivers. Land conservation is a practical way to protect clean water, healthy soils, and working ecosystems for future generations,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These grants will ensure that our waterways and forests remain protected, functional, and accessible for communities across the state.”
Established in 2011, the Landscape Partnership Grant Program was created to facilitate large-scale projects that sustain the integrity of ecosystems, protect the viability of farm and forest economies, and expand public outdoor recreational opportunities. This year’s awards will conserve over 1,500 acres in Berkshire and Hampshire County and are part of the administration’s efforts toward building climate change resilience and protecting critical natural landscapes.
"It is wonderful to see this significant investment to protect and preserve our natural beauty here in Western Massachusetts,” said Senator Paul Mark (D-Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, Hampshire). "I am grateful to the administration for their support of efforts to keep these important spaces conserved and attractive for the people of our region and beyond."
“The Palmer Brook Conservation Project is a win for Becket and for the entire region. Protecting this land not only preserves critical wildlife habitat and drinking water resources—it also enhances access to outdoor recreation for residents and the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the Berkshires each year,” said Representative Leigh Davis (D- 3rd Berkshire). “I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for supporting this important work and investing in the natural assets that define our region.”
Landscape Partnership Grant Program awardees are:
Kestrel Land Trust, Town of Westhampton, The Trustees and Hilltown Land Trust – Spruce Hill Forest Conservation Project: $1.25 million to protect 793 acres of forest that build upon a corridor of 2,200+ acres of existing protected land. This project will protect NHESP designated Critical Natural Landscape and four Coldwater Fisheries all within the watershed for the Tighe-Carmody Reservoir that provides drinking water for the City of Holyoke. Permanent protection will ensure continued community enjoyment of the trails and resources on these lands.
Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc., and MA Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) – Palmer Brook Conservation Project: $1.25 million to protect 795 acres touching October Mountain State Forest. The property is easily accessible for both Becket residents and the tens of thousands of annual seasonal visitors attracted to the robust suite of local recreational and cultural activities in the area. The property provides a secluded refuge for both recreational users and wildlife on the shores of the 130-acre Palmer Brook Reservoir.
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