SHEFFIELD, Mass. — The state awarded the Trustees of Reservations, She?eld Land Trust, and MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) a $1.25 million grant to support the Cooper Hill Farm Project.

 

The funds will help protect 538 acres that are part of a broader, regional e?ort to conserve 1,130 acres of critical ecological habitat, forestland, and active agricultural landscapes in She?eld and Salisbury, Conn.

 

"Investments in land conservation are critical to strengthening climate resilience in our communities. Thoughtfully conserving our natural landscapes is also essential for reducing emissions and safeguarding the diversity of our ecosystems," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "Successful partnerships between agencies and organizations such as these can have a profound impact on enabling residents to enjoy the outdoors." 

 

The Project will purchase an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) from Pine Island Farm, one of the largest dairy farms in Massachusetts, ensuring the farm remains in agricultural use in perpetuity. The project will also extend protection to 40 acres of NHESP designated Priority Habitat for Rare Species and expand public enjoyment of Bartholomew's Cobble which is managed for passive recreation and habitat values by The Trustees of Reservations.  

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded over $3 million in grants to conserve large acreages of essential land across Massachusetts. Through the Landscape Partnership Program, the Executive O?ce of Energy and Environmental A?airs (EEA) awarded three grants to expand public recreational opportunities, improve water supply protection, support agriculture, and promote healthy ecosystems. The grants from the program will also support the Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative to protect high-quality forested land. 

 

The Landscape Partnership Grant Program was established in 2011 to facilitate large-scale projects that foster healthy ecosystems, protect the viability of farm and forest economies, and expand public outdoor recreational opportunities via state, municipal, and non-profit partnerships. This year's awards will conserve over 1,300 acres in Berkshire and Plymouth County. The implementation of these grants will support the administration's e?orts toward building climate resilience and safeguarding critical natural landscapes.