Lee, Berkshire Natural Resources Council Awarded EEA Grants
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $13 million in grants to 45 projects across Massachusetts, investing in the creation of parks, the protection of forests and wetlands, and the expansion of safe, accessible outdoor spaces for residents.
This funding will kickstart projects such as building new walking trails where residents can connect with nature, restoring green spaces in underserved neighborhoods, and preserving land near rivers and lakes that supply clean drinking water.
Lee was awarded a Small Town PARC Grant of $83,253 for the East Lee Park Renovation.
The project will construct a modern, ADA-accessible playground featuring a new multi-use climbing structure, slides, swings, and engineered playground safety surfacing that meets current safety and accessibility standards.
The grants are awarded through three programs of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). The Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program helps cities and towns create and renovate outdoor recreation areas. The Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program supports conservation commissions in protecting natural land. The Conservation Partnership Grant Program funds nonprofit land trusts that work to conserve open space for future generations.
The Berkshire Natural Resources Council was awarded $315,000 for Dry Hill.
The money will fund the acquisition of 85 acres of forest land with unique rock features on Dry Hill in New Marlborough. Dry Hill provides a linkage between Berkshire Natural Resources Council's Steepletop Reserve, Beartown State Forest, and Sandisfield State Forest.
Berkshire Natural Resources Council was also awarded $225,500 to fund the acquisition of 83 acres directly adjacent to Mt. Greylock State Reservation and Greylock Glen. This largely wooded property contains a mixture of hardwood and softwood species and includes a prominent north-south ridge dominated by Eastern Hemlock that acts as a recognizable landmark as well as offers views of Mount Greylock to the west, and the Hoosac River Valley and Hoosac Range to the east.
"These investments mean more parks, cleaner water and safer neighborhoods for people across Massachusetts," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're making it easier for families to get outside, for kids to play and for everyone to enjoy what makes our state unique. This is about improving daily life for our residents and making our communities stronger."
These grants are part of a broader effort to support local climate resilience and land conservation. Through the Governor's $3 billion Mass Ready Act, the administration will invest in water and nature, strengthen local economies, and help communities adapt to extreme weather. The legislation also aims to fast-track the Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals, targeting the conservation of 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 and 40 percent by 2050.
