LENOX, Mass. — Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has purchased 109 acres along both sides of Webster Road in Tyringham for conservation, strengthening a conservation corridor adjacent to Beartown State Forest and near the Appalachian Trail. 

 

The acquisition, finalized on March 12, 2025, for $650,000, was made possible through funding from the Nion Robert Thieriot Foundation, Mass Audubon 30x30 Catalyst Fund, the Wyncote Foundation, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Land Acquisition for Forest Reserves Grant Program, and the support of private donors. This collaboration ensures important wildlife habitat remains intact and supports strategic land conservation efforts in the Berkshires. 

 

"This land features a remarkable mix of hardwood forest species, hemlock stands, and wetlands, including the headwaters of Merry Brook, a designated cold-water fishery important to native brook trout," said Nick Pitel, BNRC's Director of Conservation. "We are thrilled to continue to advance conservation in this ecologically rich area, protecting it from development and preserving habitat for rare species."  

 

The property sits within a significant block of conserved land, including abutting Beartown State Forest, privately-owned land protected with conservation restrictions held by BNRC and New England Forestry Foundation, and is within a half mile of the Appalachian Trail. By adding to these protected lands, BNRC strengthens a network of conserved forests in Tyringham, Otis, and Becket that are crucial for biodiversity, wildlife movement, and climate resilience. 

 

"This property sits at the heart of a significant conservation landscape, and exemplifies the goals of the Catalyst Fund, which prioritizes biodiversity and climate resiliency. We are very pleased to be able to support BNRC’s land conservation work in the Southern Berkshires," said David O’Neill, Mass Audubon’s President."

 

BNRC's purchase of the property prevents potential residential development. Instead, the property will now be managed as a forest reserve, letting natural processes occur without active forest management, contributing to carbon sequestration and ecological research opportunities. 

 

Although no formal trails are currently planned for this property, it will be open to the community for passive recreation. The land will be left largely undisturbed, aligning with the management strategy and Forest Reserve designation for the adjacent Beartown State Forest. 

 

"This conservation effort not only protects nature but also ensures that future generations can experience the Berkshire landscape," said Jenny Hansell, President of BNRC. "It's a win for wildlife, climate resilience, and the people who cherish this land."