BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced Monday that more than $3.9 million in grant awards would be given to 13 communities, including Amherst, Hatfield, Williamsburg and Northampton, to protect over 900 acres of land.
The grant money, which is provided through the Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program, is overseen by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Division of Conservation Services (DCS). The division seeks to address climate change and protect biodiversity throughout the state.
“Our administration continues to invest in open space and habitat conservation to ensure that individuals and families across the Commonwealth have an opportunity to experience everything our state’s natural environment has to offer,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
Amherst has been awarded $222,057 to go towards the Cole Property Acquisition project. The project will have Amherst acquire one of the few remaining unprotected pieces of land within the base of the Mount Holyoke Range. The 10.4 acres of land consists of an agricultural field, undeveloped woodland, forested wetland, vernal pools, and two perennial streams.
“Protecting our open spaces and ensuring long term biodiversity in the Commonwealth is critical to combating the ongoing effects of climate change,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “These grants will guarantee that residents will be able to enjoy our open spaces for many generations to come.”
Hatfield and Williamsburg were together given $127,012 to go toward the Horse Mountain Conservation Area project, which consists of an acquisition of a 93-acre property located in both towns. The property has double peaks and the landmark ridgeline of Horse Mountain. This project will serve as a linking parcel between Horse Mountain and the Terry Blunt Conservation Area.
Northampton received $256,256 for a Bogs and Turtles project, in which the city will acquire a 115-acre historic property that has been mined for peat for years. This project will simultaneously help preserve the history of the site and provide outdoor education opportunities.
Other recipients include:
Berlin/Clinton – $225,920
Concord – $400,000
Dartmouth – $400,000
Dunstable – $398,100
Falmouth – $400,000
Harwich – $400,000
Middleborough – $400,000
Phillipston – $43,088
Plymouth – $263,900
Southwick – $400,000
The LAND Program (previously the Self-Help Program) was established in 1961 to aid municipal conservation commissions in acquiring land for natural resource protection and passive outdoor recreation purposes. Municipal conservation commissions with an approved Open Space and Recreation Plan are eligible to apply for this program.
For more information regarding the Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Program, visit EEA’s webpage at http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/grant-programs/massachusetts-local-acquisitions-for-natural.html.