BNRC Names Nick Pitel as Director of Conservation

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Nick Petil
LENOX, Mass. — Nick Pitel has been promoted to director of conservation, effective January 2025, by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.
 
Pitel succeeds Beth Mills, who retired at the end of 2024 after three years of service to land conservation at BNRC. Pitel will lead the organization's conservation efforts across Berkshire County.
 
A lifelong explorer of nature, Pitel grew up in Otego, N.Y., where he developed a deep connection to the outdoors. He holds a bachelor of science in field biology from Paul Smith's College and a master's degree in forest ecology and management from the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His professional background includes developing conservation plans for farm and forest landowners in Western Massachusetts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and stewarding protected farmland for the state Department of Agricultural Resources. 
 
Pitel is also a licensed forester and previously worked with the Columbia (N.Y.) Land Conservancy before joining BNRC in 2022. 
 
"Nick is incredibly knowledgeable about forest ecology and agriculture, skilled in negotiation, a wonderful communicator, and a terrific colleague," said BNRC President Jenny Hansell. "And, in his career he has become a local Berkshires guy — his kids go to school locally he drives these back roads every day. We are lucky that he came to us several years ago and learned the ins and outs of what we do, so now he can step seamlessly into the role. We have a lot of work to do in the coming years to protect critical land and habitat before it's too late, and I'm so pleased that Nick will be leading us there." 
 
Pitel expressed enthusiasm for his new role, saying, "I am excited to be able to expand upon the great work that my predecessors and colleagues have done throughout the county for decades. ...
 
"I am grateful to be able to do this work where my family lives and recreates and connect with caring landowners and conservation partners to further our shared conservation goals that not only benefit our local communities, but our larger connected regional landscape."  
 
Under Mills' leadership, BNRC achieved significant milestones in land conservation, including working with local partners to support the Stockbridge-Munsee Community in their acquisition of Fenn Farm, a 350-acre property in Stockbridge of historic importance to the tribe. 
 
Pitel's appointment marks the next chapter in advancing BNRC's mission to conserve and care for open spaces, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities for generations to come. 

Tags: BNRC,   land conservation,   

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Lanesborough Select Board Votes to Expand Tow List

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Select Board members want to even the playing field for towing.

In a 2-1 vote with Chair Michael Murphy in opposition, the board last week voted to allow businesses outside of Lanesborough to be on the towing list. Current towers will work with the town on a formal policy, as there is currently not one.

"Frankly, I think it's premature," Murphy said about the motion made by Select Board member Deborah Maynard.

Two years ago, Police Chief Robert Derksen was contacted by a local tow agency that wanted to be put on the rotation. He brought a sample policy to the board in March 2023 and returned with the same one at Monday's meeting.

"I think the kind of consensus at that time with the Select Board at that time was that we would limit it to businesses in the town of Lanesborough for tow agencies," he said.

"However, it was also mentioned that we really should have a written — it's almost like a procurement policy as far as vendors. In this case, tow agencies."

Select Board member Timothy Sorrell said it was "kind of hanging in the air" and wanted to revisit it.  The job is done by two town companies: Village Truck Sales and Sayers' Auto Wrecking.

"It seems to be the tow service is the only monopoly in town," he said. "That's kind of what we question is, why is that the only one where other out-of-town services aren't allowed to do business here?"

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