Press Release: 8/13/2026
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $225,000 to Protect Western Massachusetts Forests and Strengthen Rural Communities
Investments support nature-based tourism, local businesses, and forest conservation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8/12/2026
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $225,450 in grants to help communities across Western Massachusetts protect forests, improve outdoor recreation, and strengthen the local economies that depend on the region’s natural resources.
Through the Woodlands Partnership Program, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is awarding grants to five rural communities and two regional conservation and economic development organizations for locally led conservation and economic development projects.
The funding will help communities expand access to public forests, restore and steward woodlands, manage invasive species, improve trails and other recreational infrastructure, and develop plans that support the long-term sustainability of working forests and the regional outdoor economy.
“Strong rural communities are essential to a strong Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through the Woodlands Partnership, we’re giving communities the resources to invest in their future and build on the incredible natural assets that make Western Massachusetts such a great place to call home.”
“The Woodlands Partnership is helping communities across Western Massachusetts protect what makes this region so special,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants give communities the resources to protect the places they love, create new opportunities and build a strong future for their residents.”
"Western Massachusetts' forests are part of what makes this region such a special place to live, work, and visit," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These grants will help communities care for the forests, create opportunities for people to get outside, and support the local businesses, workers, and families who rely on a strong outdoor economy.”
The grants also advance the Healey-Driscoll Administration's climate resilience goals under the Mass Ready Act by helping communities conserve forests, protect rivers and streams, restore wildlife habitat, and sustainably manage working lands. Healthy forests absorb carbon, reduce flooding, safeguard drinking water, and provide habitat for wildlife while supporting an economy built around forestry, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and tourism.
The Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts was established in 2018 following the passage of state legislation to increase investment in the region. Built through years of collaboration among municipalities, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions, the partnership advances locally driven efforts to conserve forests while supporting sustainable economic development. As Massachusetts' most rural and heavily forested region, Northwest Massachusetts depends on healthy working landscapes and thriving outdoor recreation to support local jobs, businesses, and communities.
“I’m pleased to see communities in my district receive this funding to support efforts that protect and improve the lands and outdoor spaces that are important to residents,” said Representative John Barrett III (North Adams). “From improving trails and access to public lands to managing invasive species and protecting farmland, these grants will help communities address local needs while strengthening the natural resources and local economies that are so important to our region.”
Projects receiving Woodlands Partnership Grants are:
| Town(s) or Regional Organization | Project | Project Description | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deerfield River Watershed Association | Regional Actions to Protect the Deerfield River and its Tributaries | The project will advance recommendations in the Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Feasibility and Stewardship Study, including a regional Memorandum of Agreement for river management, coordinating meetings of the Deerfield River Wild and Scenic Advisory Committee, exploring state Scenic River designation and Outstanding Resource Water designation, developing local river protection bylaws and strategies, advancing work toward national designations, and identifying parcels for protection to conserve the river's outstanding resources. | $42,500 |
Williamstown | Williamstown Farmland Protection Plan | This project will develop a Farmland Protection Plan with a focus on agricultural landowners that manage forested land, and agricultural lands that generate forest products such as maple syrup, firewood or timber. The Plan will identify local, state, and federal resources to strategically protect forested farmland and aid agricultural producers. | $25,000 |
Windsor | Roadside Invasive Plant Management State Forest | This project will support monitoring and follow-up treatment of invasive plants within Windsor State Forest initiated in 2025 with Woodland Partnership funding and continued in 2026. | $20,000 |
Franklin Land Trust | Lands for H.O.P.E. 2027 | This project builds upon work funded through the Woodlands Partnership in FY26, funding infrastructure to support public outreach to landowners seeking information about successful approaches to habitat management. Funding will enhance opportunities to communicate stewardship to visitors at three Conservation Areas managed by Franklin Land Trust in Heath, and Colrain. | $75,000 |
Rowe | Pelham Lake Park Invasive Species Management Project | This project will develop an invasive species management plan focused on removal and control of Japanese knotweed, Phragmites, multiflora rose, and oriental bittersweet in Pelham Lake Park alongside educational outreach including workshops on invasive plant identification, control and restoration with native plants. | $12,950 |
Leyden | Leyden Recreation Area and Outdoor Trail Study | This project will achieve a site plan with recommendations to increase year-round passive recreational use of recently gifted forest land adjacent to Avery Field and Town Park facilities. | $25,000 |
| Peru | Improve Access to State owned Land | This project will improve Mongue and Curtin Roads by replacing drainage culverts and enhancing existing unpaved road conditions for access to the recreational resources on adjacent state held lands. | $25,000 |
| Town(s) or Regional Organization | Project | Project Description | Award |
|---|
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