Letter: Halt the Notch Reservoir Logging Project

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed logging project at the Notch Reservoir in North Adams, a key source of our city's drinking water. While the city has released minimal details regarding this project, what has been shared raises significant concerns about both the environmental and community impact.

After attending the Conservation Commission meeting on Oct. 3, it is clear that both the commission and the community feel ill-prepared to assess the project and its potential impacts on the surrounding wetlands.

There are several reasons this project must be reconsidered:

Risk to our watershed: Logging around our drinking water supply introduces the threat of contamination. The use of heavy machinery, combined with industrial activities such as equipment storage, maintenance, and potential leaks, poses an unnecessary risk to the water quality that so many residents depend on. The consequences of contamination could be devastating.

Lack of hydrological studies: No hydrological studies have been conducted to assess the current state of the reservoir or the surrounding wetlands. Without baseline data, we are unable to measure the long-term impact of this project. If water quality issues arise in the future, we will have no reference point to determine the extent of damage or hold responsible parties accountable. This is simply irresponsible.

Destruction of the Bellows Pipe Trail: The Bellows Pipe is an iconic hiking trail that connects our community to Mt. Greylock. This trail draws tourists and locals alike, contributing to the city's appeal and economy. The logging project threatens to severely damage this vital natural resource, severing a key part of our recreational landscape.
No financial benefit: The city's financial projections show a poor financial outcome from the logging project, meaning North Adams would not profit. To risk our watershed, our trails, and increased infrastructure strain makes no sense. The minimal financial gain does not justify the environmental and community costs.

Strain on local infrastructure: The increased use of local roads like Luce, Notch, and Reservoir roads by heavy logging equipment will put additional strain on our infrastructure. These roads run through residential neighborhoods, and the presence of industrial vehicles will not only cause wear and tear but also increase safety risks for residents and commuters. This cost has not been adequately considered.

I urge the city to halt this project, thoroughly study the potential impacts, and prioritize the long-term health of our natural resources.

Justin Wagg
North Adams, Mass. 

North Adams, Pittsfield Mark King Day With Calls for Activism

By Tammy Daniels & Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:01PM / Monday, January 19, 2026

Alÿcia Bacon, community engagement officer for the Berkshire Taconic Foundation, speaks at the MLK service held Price Memorial AME Church in Pittsfield. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Wendy Penner can be found pretty much everywhere: leading local initiatives to address climate change and sustainability, championing public health approaches for substance abuse, and motivating citizens to defend their rights and the rights of others. 

 

That's all when she's not working her day job in public health, or being co-president of Congregation Beth Israel, or chairing the Williamstown COOL Committee, or volunteering on a local board. 

 

"Wendy is deeply committed to the Northern Berkshire community and to the idea of think globally, act locally," said Gabrielle Glasier, master of ceremonies for Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's annual Day of Service. 

 

Her community recognized her efforts with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award, which is presented to individuals and organizations who have substantially contributed to the Northern Berkshires. The award has been presented by the MLK Committee for 30 years, several times a year at first and at the MLK Day of Service over the past 20 years. 

 

"This event is at heart a celebration of our national and local striving to live up to the ideals of Dr. King and his committed work for racial equality, economic justice, nonviolence and anti-militarism," said Penner. "There is so much I want to say about this community that I love, about how we show up for each other, how we demonstrate community care for those who are struggling, how we support and and celebrate the natural environment that we love and how we understand how important it is that every community member feels deserves to feel valued, seen and uplifted."

 

King's legacy is in peril "as I never could have imagined," she said, noting the accumulation of vast wealth at the top while the bottom 50 percent share only 2.5 percent the country's assets. Even in "safe" Massachusetts, there are people struggling with food and housing, others afraid to leave their homes. 

 

In response, the community has risen to organize and make themselves visible and vocal through groups such as Greylock Together, supporting mutual aid networks, calling representatives, writing cards and letters, and using their privilege to protect vulnerable community members.