Trustees Garner Support to Protect Connecticut Farm

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SHEFFIELD, Mass. — An appeal to the communities of Southern Berkshire and northwestern Connecticut to save a local farm generated enough support that the Trustees of Reservations will move forward with preservation efforts.

The nonprofit conservation organization announced April 29 that it was successful in its efforts to permanently protect John Bottass' Shady Maple Farm on Weatogue Road in Salisbury, Conn. Although fundraising continues, the Trustees said it was confident enough in the community response to move forward in its purchase of a conservation easement that protects the land from development. 

Bottass has been working his 77-acre farm since 1966. The land abuts the preserved space of Bartholomew's Cobble in Sheffield that is owned by the Trustees.

"When you work the land, it gets dear to you. If you care about your land — if you're good to it — it'll be good to you. It never lets you down," said Bottass. 

Facing retirement, he approached the Trustees for help in conserving his farm.

"John Bottass has been a friend and good neighbor to the Trustees for over 25 years and when he approached us to help him protect his land, we were all committed to making it happen," said Steve McMahon, the group's Berkshires regional director. "We are so thankful for the generous support of our neighbors, members and friends to the north and south of Bartholomew's Cobble who have helped us achieve such an important conservation success in these tough economic times."


The Bottass farm is on the Massachusetts/Connecticut border and forms part of the greater Weatogue Valley landscape, an area that contains the ecologically distinctive Bartholomew's Cobble, and the historically significant Ashley House. The valley was settled and farmed since Mohican times, holds an important place on the Upper Housatonic Valley African-American Heritage Trail, and the landscape was the subject of many books by former New York Times columnist Hal Borland.

"Not only is the valley incredibly scenic, it has an incredible sense of place," said McMahon. "The Trustees are glad that we can help preserve the character of this valuable community landscape."

Bartholomew's Cobble is a National Natural Historic Landmark with four miles of trails and one of the most diverse collections of ferns in North America. The Trustees of Reservations' nature center at the Cobble offers a variety of outdoor programs for all ages. Hikers on the Spero Loop trail stroll along the Housatonic River, enjoy a scenic view of Shady Maple Farm and may see bald eagles soaring overhead.

"It was really inspiring to see the community pull together to make this happen," said Lee Alexander, community conservation specialist with the Trustees. "This farm would not be protected without so many people lending a hand, however they could."

The Trustees hosted a small reception at the farm on Saturday, May 2, to celebrate the success and to thank community members who contributed to the project.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is  appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years. 

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve  a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

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