Turley Publications photo by Cristy Bertini

The East Quabbin Land Trust is hoping to purchase 340 acres of land for conservation purposes.

Land Trust, selectmen working to acquire 340 acres for conservation

By Cristy Bertini

Turley Publications Correspondent

WEST BROOKFIELD – The board of selectmen voted unanimously to authorize Cynthia Henshaw, Executive Director of the East Quabbin Land Trust, to seek a state grant to help purchase 340 acres of land off of Wickaboag Valley and Madden Roads, in order to conserve it.

Henshaw said that the town is applying for state grants to purchase a conservation restriction on the land. The restriction value is $276,000. The application deadline is July 15.

She said that one of the things that the town is looking for is to conserve the rural character of the community.

Selectman Barry Nadon, Jr. said this would also save the town money, as there is an area of land on Madden Road that, if it were developed, it would be the town’s responsibility to upgrade the road. “We are definitely all in favor of it.” Nadon said.

Henshaw said that the Land Trust will be looking for conservation buyers- individuals that are interested in the farmland and the woodlands as restricted, to buy it after the fact. “We would encourage people to please contact me if they would be interested in the farmland or woodlands for forest management purposes, at 413-477-8229.”

Henshaw said that if the grant is approved by the state, the issue will then go to voters at town meeting for final decision.