Press Release - Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Governor Deval L. Patrick
Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray
Secretary Ian A. Bowles

Boston — Monday, November 8, 2010 — In keeping with Governor Patrick's unprecedented commitment to preserve open space and improve public parks across the state, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles today announced $6.3 million in grants to help 19 Massachusetts municipalities purchase 880 acres to protect recreational land, drinking water aquifers, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.

Matched by $8.9 million in municipal, private and nonprofit funding, these Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grants will fund projects in Amherst, Andover, Barnstable, Belchertown, Brewster, Dennis, Fairhaven, Falmouth, Groton, Harwich, Lexington, Northampton, Orleans, Provincetown, Scituate, Templeton, Upton, Ware, and Yarmouth.

"Investments like these conserve and protect urban parks, farmland and forests across the Commonwealth for generations to come," said Governor Patrick. "Our open spaces are among the things that make Massachusetts such a desirable place to live. What we protect is as important as what we build."

Over the past four years, the Commonwealth has protected nearly 75,000 acres of land - the equivalent 54 acres per day. Among the Patrick-Murray Administration's conservation accomplishments are the creation of 44 new urban parks, the protection of 5,700 acres on 95 farms, preservation of land with nearly 30,000 acres of prime farm and forest soils, and protection of 14,000 acres in 10 areas of critical forested landscape habitats across Massachusetts. In addition, the Commonwealth has protected 9,300 acres within a half mile of drinking water reservoirs across the state.

Massachusetts now has more than 1.2 million acres permanently protected. For the first time in decades, the acres of land protected from development in Massachusetts are greater than acres that have been developed.

"These grants will allow communities to create more open recreational spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy," said Senate President Therese Murray. "These areas like the ones in Falmouth and Barnstable are perfect examples of how we can utilize unused space for the enjoyment of the community."

"These grants enable municipalities across Massachusetts to set aside land specifically for recreation, habitat conservation and farming and preservation of precious water resources," said Secretary Bowles. "With the hard work of state and municipal officials, land trusts, community organizations, and private citizens, we have protected wetlands, fields and woodlands throughout our state."

Since 1961, EEA's LAND (formerly known as Self-Help) grants have helped cities and towns acquire land for conservation and outdoor recreational uses such as hiking, wildlife watching, biking, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Funding for the fiscal year 2011 LAND grants comes from the $1.7 billion Energy and Environment Bond Bill signed by Governor Patrick in August 2008.

"The LAND Program is an extraordinary grant program that allows communities to acquire land for conservation and recreation," said Senator Stephen M. Brewer. "I applaud these communities and EOEEA for working together to preserve natural resources throughout the Commonwealth for future generations."

"Massachusetts continues to prioritize the preservation of our beautiful natural resources," said Senator Mark Montigny. "The LAND Program is unique collaboration between the state and municipality to acquire new lands, protecting species and encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors. This award builds on the momentum of the past four years and makes a promise to younger generations that we care and will invest in open space."

"Through this land grant and donation, this beautiful area will be preserved and enjoyed by residents and those that visit the historic sites nearby. This is a wonderful example of a collaboration between a public agency and a generous private partner that benefits everyone," said Senator Kenneth Donnell.

"Working with EEA and the communities in my district to protect our scenic and unique open spaces from development has always been a top priority of mine," said Senator Sue Tucker. "This LAND grant to assist in the acquisition of five acres around Foster's Pond will be extraordinarily helpful in providing easier public access to the waterfront of hikers, picnickers and boaters. Along with the generous donation of an eight additional acres of adjacent land by the Foster's Pond Improvement Association, it is very exciting that this waterfront reservation with beautiful vistas and shore views continues to be expanded and preserved for future generations."

"I am pleased Fairhaven will be receiving grant money in the amount of $254,200 to assist in ensuring sustained biodiversity," said Representative William Straus. "In addition this grant allows public access to the residents of Fairhaven and neighboring towns for various recreational activities and the pleasure of enjoying our natural resources."

“The LAND Grant will help Andover preserve Fosters Pond for future generations of canoers, kayakers, and hikers," said Representative Barry Finegold. "This will go a long way to preserving the beauty of the Andover community."

"I was happy to learn that Falmouth received Land Grant funds to convert 10 acres of a former concrete facility into conservation land," said Representative Timothy Madden. "The Town and the 300 Committee is to be commended on their continuous efforts to preserve and create open space in the community."

"I appreciate the work of the towns, the Land Trusts the conservation committees involved and all other organizations that were instrumental in applying for the grant," said Representative Anne M. Gobi. "The grant will assist in making sure conservation restrictions are in place and create new trails and community opportunities."

"This new $500,000 matching grant from the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to preserve the historic Fuller Farm Homestead will help protect a beautiful parcel of land and key natural resource area of the town of Barnstable," said Representative Demetrius J. Atsalis. "Funding of the project places 23 acres into the public trust of the town of Barnstable that include natural woodlands, critical areas around Middle Pond, important wildlife habitats, and protections for a public water supply. It is important that we do as much as we can to preserve these local areas for future enjoyment and to become good stewards of these resources."

To qualify for the reimbursement grants, communities must fund the projects upfront. Municipalities may use grant funds for outright land purchases or partial interests, such as conservation restrictions, and for land surveys and fees associated with the transactions. The grants reimburse municipal conservation commissions between 52 percent and 70 percent of project costs up to $500,000.

The following communities have been selected to receive LAND grant funding this year worth a total of $6,289,699:

100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114-2119 — (617) 626-1000 office / (617) 626-1181 fax