Anglers, hunters, birders, local residents, cranberry growers, local, state and federal officials and other open space advocates gathered in Sturbridge and Hanson in mid-October to celebrate the acquisition of important conservation lands. “These critical acquisitions represent Massachusetts’ continued commitment to habitat protection for wildlife diversity in the Commonwealth,” said Bob Golledge, Secretary of Environmental Affairs. “The purchases in Sturbridge and Hanson serve as examples of creative partnerships between a variety of stakeholders: municipalities, sportsmen, agriculture, tourism groups, and other conservationists who feel strongly about protecting open space for wildlife and recreation and providing stewardship for future generations.” Both protected proeprties will be open to fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and other passive outdoor recreation activities.
The first parcel, Leadmine Mountain Wildlife Conservation Area, in Sturbridge was acquired from Old Sturbridge Village through an innovative partnership between the Town of Sturbridge and MassWildlife. Town citizens in Sturbridge voted to fund the acquisition with Community Preservation Act Funds and MassWildlife purchased the conservation easement utilizing open space bond funds. The 825 acre protected parcel significantly bolsters and fills in gaps of existing nearby protected open space properties of over 2,300 acres owned or managed by MassWildlife, the Town of Sturbridge and The Trustees of Reservations. The Town of Sturbridge, as fee owner of the property, will be the primary manager of the property.
The second event in Hanson marked a key acquisition of the Stillman Farm parcel which adds 212 acres to MassWildlife’s 1,635 acre Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in both Hanson and Halifax. This acquisition will provide protection of valuable wetland wildlife habitat, greatly improve access to the WMA and include the continued active production of cranberries on managed bogs. The Bay Circuit Trail passes through the Stillman parcel and the WMA has also been designated as a wetlands mitigation bank site. Nearly 600 acres of protected lands managed by the towns of Halifax and Hanson, the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts are located adjacent to or in the vicinity of Burrage Pond WMA.
