Press Release: 5/12/2026

DCR Announces Completion of 384-acre Land Acquisition in Sandisfield

 

The property, located between Sandisfield and Tolland State Forests, will expand protected forestland, strengthen wildlife connectivity, and enhance public access  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

5/11/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Peter Jasinski, DCR Press Secretary

 Phone

Call Peter Jasinski, DCR Press Secretary at 617-762-6847

 Online

Email Peter Jasinski, DCR Press Secretary at peter.jasinski@mass.gov

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced the acquisition of 384 acres of land in the Town of Sandisfield. The property, located west of Route 8 along the Farmington River between Sandisfield State Forest and Tolland State Forest, will be incorporated into DCR’s existing protected forestland – expanding a connected landscape that supports both ecological health and public access.  

“This acquisition protects an important stretch of connected forestland that both wildlife and people depend on,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “By conserving this land, we are strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience, safeguarding clean water resources, and ensuring this land remains a place where people can connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.” 

The acquisition is the latest addition to the Berkshire Wildlife Linkage, a region designated by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) that covers much of Western Massachusetts and is home to the most intact forest ecosystem in southern New England. The Linkage covers numerous DCR parks and forests and serves as a regional habitat and travel route for species such as black bears, moose and bobcats.  

“This expansion of DCR land helps fill a gap within the Berkshire Wildlife Linkage, the region of Massachusetts that connects the Hudson Highlands to the south and the Green Mountains to the north, an important corridor for animals moving along the Appalachians,” said Laura Marx, Climate Solutions Scientist at The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts. “In my role as coordinator of the Berkshire Wildlife Linkage Partnership, I’ve studied roadkill, wildlife crossings, and culverts along this stretch of route 8, and it’s gratifying to know that wildlife will be able to use this habitat for generations to come.” 

The property was acquired through DCR’s Land Protection Program, which is dedicated to conserving lands that protect natural and cultural resources, support biodiversity, and provide recreational opportunities to the public. The largely forested parcel includes sugar maple, hemlock, birch, and ash, and lies within the Farmington River watershed –helping protect a potential future water supply for the City of Hartford, Connecticut. Numerous signs of wildlife on the land have been discovered including deer, moose, mink, turkey, and bear. 

Today’s announcement demonstrates progress towards the state’s goals to protect 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030 and 40% by 2050.The state has committed to doubling the pace of land conservation to meet these ambitious targets, and pursuant to Biodiversity Goals for the Commonwealth is strategically focusing conservation efforts on areas that are most important for wildlife. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Mass Ready Act, proposes historic investments to advance this work, including $304.5 million for land protection programs and $20 million dedicated to advancing the Biodiversity Conservation Goals.