Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $344,000 to Restore Critical Wildlife Habitats

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded $343,985 in grants to restore over 191 acres of wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) awarded grants to seven organizations through the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP). This program provides crucial financial assistance to private and municipal owners of conserved lands to improve habitat for wildlife, steward biodiversity, enhance climate resiliency, and promote outdoor recreation. Since 2015, the program has funded 125 projects that have restored over 4,900 acres of wildlife habitat. 

“Partnership and collaboration will be essential for meeting our ambitious biodiversity goals. We rely on conservation organizations, cities and towns, private landowners, and other partners to greatly expand our impact,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Together, we can improve habitat for wildlife while also boosting outdoor recreation opportunities.” 

Protection alone is not enough—many habitats that species rely on require ongoing stewardship and care. While Massachusetts has made strides to conserve land, with over 28% of the state permanently protected today, many habitats are degraded, and vulnerable wildlife face increasing threats from extreme weather and destructive pests and pathogens fueled by climate change. To address these challenges, habitat restoration and management will create healthy, resilient landscapes that support a variety of species, particularly those of greatest conservation need. 

“MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program builds on the success of ongoing efforts to advance our mission of conserving the great diversity and abundance of wildlife, plants, and habitats in Massachusetts,” said MassWildlife Acting Director Eve Schlüter. “Public and private investment in habitat management is critical for promoting ecological resiliency and biodiversity, and we are thrilled to work with this year’s grant recipients as they commit to improving landscapes for people and nature.”  

The following projects will receive MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants: 

• Alford – The Alford Land Trust has been awarded $38,600 to control invasive species at a high-quality fen site that supports multiple species listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA)
• Edgartown – The Trustees of Reservations has been awarded $75,000 to thin pitch pine and scrub oak barrens at Wasque Reservation in an effort to reduce the risk of an invasive southern pine beetle outbreak.
• Gosnold – Buzzards Bay Coalition has been awarded $74,000 to conduct sandplain grassland habitat restoration on Cuttyhunk Island. Sandplain grasslands are globally rare and provide important coastal habitats for wildlife that rely on open areas to feed and nest, like the grasshopper sparrow.
• Great Barrington – Berkshire Natural Resources Council has been awarded $31,045 to manage invasive species in floodplain forests and wetlands at the Housatonic Flats Conservation Area and the Rising Pond Conservation Area.
• Nantucket – The Nantucket Island Land Bank has been awarded $72,143 to restore pine barrens at Gardner Farm. Thinning dense areas of pitch pine forest will support numerous MESA-listed species, including rare moths and butterflies, and improve resilience to climate change and invasive southern pine beetle outbreaks.
• Ware – A private landowner has been awarded $22,536 to remove woody vegetation to maintain barrens and shrubland habitat in the Dougal Range. This habitat is particularly important for eastern whip-poor-will, prairie warbler, American woodcock, and a long list of highly specialized, and often rare, pollinators.
• Williamstown – The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation has been awarded $30,661 to treat invasive species at the Lehovec River Walk floodplain forest along the Green River. In addition to habitat for rare species, this site also provides access to nature for Williamstown’s Environmental Justice Community.

"These grants will help communities take proactive, science-based steps to address invasive species, reduce wildfire and pest risk, and strengthen the long-term resilience of critical habitats," said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). "By investing in habitat restoration on Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Cuttyhunk, the Commonwealth is supporting practical climate adaptation and work that protects biodiversity and sustains these landscapes for the future."

"As far back as 2007, Brian and Martha Klassanos have been caring for the Dougal Range, which links the village of Gilbertville in Hardwick to neighboring Ware," said State Senator Peter Durant (R-Spencer). "About 24 years ago, Mass Audubon’s Important Bird Area Initiative recognized the Dougal Range as a globally significant landscape. The Klassanos' continuing work will support certain types of habitat and keep the area as a landscape where visitors can see new life and rare species emerging from vernal pools. They have my sincerest congratulations for their success in obtaining this grant and continuing their work." 

“These Habitat Management Grants are a real boost for the ecological health of the Berkshires. Our forests, wetlands, and floodplains shape who we are as a region—supporting wildlife, outdoor recreation, and the quality of life that draws people to these communities," said State Senator Paul Mark (D-Peru). "Local conservation partners are doing the hands-on work to restore habitats, tackle invasive species, and make our landscapes more resilient for the future. I’m proud to see Berkshire organizations leading this effort, and grateful to MassWildlife for investing in projects that protect the natural beauty and biodiversity that define our corner of the Commonwealth.” 

“This funding recognizes the value of Williamstown’s conserved lands and the organizations that care for them. The work at the Lehovec River Walk will help maintain a resilient landscape that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy,” said State Representative John Barrett III (D-North Adams).

“Investments like this preserve the unique natural habitats that make our region special. I am proud to see this funding support important shrubland management in the Dougal Range and ensure this area remains healthy for years to come,” State Representative Todd Smola (R-Palmer).

For more information regarding MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants, please visit the program’s webpage.  

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