Major Conservation Projects Advance with State Grants
Two of Greenbelt’s high-priority land conservation projects in Ipswich and West Newbury received a significant boost this week from grants awarded by the state.
The Town of Ipswich will receive $400,000 from the Massachusetts Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant program to support the Kamon Farm Conservation Project. The 93-acre portion of Turkey Hill is the last remaining undeveloped, unprotected hilltop in the Town.
Along both sides of Pineswamp Road, Kamon Farm features open hayfields, forest and wetlands that connect existing protected land in the Ipswich and Parker River watersheds. More than half of the property protects and filters water flowing into the Bull Brook Reservoir and the Mile Lane Wells.
Ipswich voters approved a $350,000 Open Space Bond at its Town Meeting in October. Greenbelt has raised $100,000 from private donations, but must raise an additional $300,000 to insure the permanent protection of Kamon Farm.
“Massachusetts’ open spaces are a significant asset to our state, providing recreational opportunities to residents across the Commonwealth while also helping to build resiliency to the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
In addition, Greenbelt will receive $55,000 from the Massachusetts Conservation Grant program to support the Artichoke River Woods Conservation project in West Newbury.
The City of Newburyport, the Town of West Newbury, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Greenbelt are collaborating on the acquisition of the 38 acres of this pristine land.
Permanently conserving this property will protect forests, a critical drinking water supply for the City of Newburyport and West Newbury, and an important wildlife habit; enhancing climate resiliency; and expanding a public trail system and greenway along the Artichoke River.
West Newbury voters approved $175,000 in Community Preservation Act funds at its Town Meeting, and Newburyport has approved $225,000 toward the project. With the addition of $475,000 in other state grants, Greenbelt must now raise $30,000 to complete the $985,000 purchase.
