Press Release | Department of Conservation & Recreation | July 20, 2021
BOSTON – Building on efforts to conserve critical land across the Commonwealth, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced the acquisition, totaling $1.05 million, for a Conservation Restriction on vital undeveloped forestland in West Springfield and Holyoke in partnership with Mass Audubon. To celebrate the conservation of this important land, DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery joined West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, representatives from Mass Audubon, and members of the local community at the Bear Hole Reservoir on Saturday, July 17, 2021.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts has seen a significant increase in residents visiting our state parks to seek fresh air, exercise, and respite in the wonderful natural resources we have here in the Commonwealth,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “By protecting this beautiful open space with our partners, the Baker-Polito Administration is conserving important forestland, expanding outdoor recreational opportunities for children and families, and protecting this critical habitat in perpetuity.”
“Conserving development-vulnerable land is an important part of our efforts to protect vital green spaces while expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “Bear Hole Reservoir is a special place for the people of West Springfield, and we look forward to future land protection projects with our conservation partners.”
After many years of coordinating with the Town and dedicated stakeholders on the project, DCR and Mass Audubon successfully acquired the land to protect approximately 1,400-acres of intact forestland in West Springfield and Holyoke through a Conservation Restriction (CR). The land, a former reservoir area, is home to a popular network of hiking trails, including the New England Trail, and natural resources including vernal pools, beaver ponds, and a heron rookery. DCR invested $700,000 and Mass Audubon invested $350,000 in the CR acquisition, which will permanently conserve this remarkable property and continue the Baker-Polito Administration’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, while allowing the Town of West Springfield to continue management of the area.
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