BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $550,000 in grants to support the conservation and sustainable management of forests in Western Massachusetts. 

 

Through the Woodlands Partnership Program, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is awarding grants to ten rural communities and six regional conservation and economic development organizations to improve access to outdoor recreation in public forests, enhance the safety of outdoor play, and implement climate resilient forestry practices.  

 

"Western Massachusetts is rich in history, culture, and breathtaking forests. Investments here preserve our heritage and showcase the best of our state to visitors and residents," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "The Woodland Partnership Grants Program is our commitment to safeguarding this region and energizing local economies through tourism, outdoor recreation, and job creation." 

 

In Berkshire County:

 

Berkshire's Tomorrow Inc: $75,000 - Berkshires Outside Website (Phase II): Supports improvements to www.berkshiresoutside.org, a county-wide, comprehensive website of information about outdoor recreation assets in the region. This grant will facilitate improvements, as well as outreach and promotion. 

 

Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT): $13,164 - Forest, Trees, Ecology and Climate Educational Project: Educates locals and visitors about forests, trees, and ecology through the creation of educational handouts, and hosting tree walks. An estate planning workshop will be hosted to encourage landowners to consider land conservation in their plans. 

 

Windsor: $25,000 - Road Maintenance for a Climate Resilient State Forest (Invasives Reduction): Implements invasive species inventory and management recommendations for 15 miles of gravel roads through Windsor State Forest maintained by the Town. 

 

Williamstown: $25,000 - Town Green Plantings for Resilience and Diversity: Completes the planting of the Town Green with a diversity of species to replace ash trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer. 

 

Peru: $25,000 - Purchase of an UTV: Purchase of a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) for search and rescue purposes and wildlands fire prevention.  

 

Adams: $25,000 -  Greylock Glen Forest Center (shade structure): Funds the design and installation of a cantilevered shade structure for outdoor events and educational programs.  

 

The Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts was officially established in 2018 following the passing of legislation to boost investment in the region. Local grassroots organizing facilitated collaboration between state, municipal, non-profit, and academic partners and resulted in a robust plan to improve rural economic development through sustainable forest conservation and tourism. As Massachusetts's most rural and forested region, economic growth and employment are vital to improving communities in the area and along the Vermont and New York border. Projects funded through the program will also promote fundamental climate and environmental education to residents and visitors in Western Massachusetts.