iBerkshires

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $550,000 in grants to support the conservation and sustainable management of forests in Western Massachusetts.

Through the Woodlands Partnership Program, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is awarding grants to ten rural communities and six regional conservation and economic development organizations to improve access to outdoor recreation in public forests, enhance the safety of outdoor play, and implement climate resilient forestry practices.

“Western Massachusetts is rich in history, culture, and breathtaking forests. Investments here preserve our heritage and showcase the best of our state to visitors and residents,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The Woodland Partnership Grants Program is our commitment to safeguarding this region and energizing local economies through tourism, outdoor recreation, and job creation.”

In Berkshire County:

Berkshire’s Tomorrow Inc [non-profit entity of BRPC]: $75,000 – Berkshires Outside Website (Phase II): Supports improvements to www.berkshiresoutside.org, a county-wide, comprehensive website of information about outdoor recreation assets in the region. This grant will facilitate improvements, as well as outreach and promotion.

Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT): $13,164 – Forest, Trees, Ecology and Climate Educational Project: Educates locals and visitors about forests, trees, and ecology through the creation of educational handouts, and hosting tree walks. An estate planning workshop will be hosted to encourage landowners to consider land conservation in their plans.

Full article HERE.