Forests

The Quabbin Reservoir and surrounding reservation is the largest contiguous block of protected forestland in Massachusetts. The reservation protects more than 80,000 contiguous acres of forest bordering our towns of Belchertown, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Leverett. Not only does this reserve ensure clean drinking water for Boston and other communities, mostly in the Eastern part of the state, this so-called “accidental wilderness” provides important habitat for bobcat, coyote, moose, bald eagle, black bear and dozens of other species. Yet without connectivity to other natural areas, habitat here could become isolated.

The Kestrel Trust is dedicated to protecting forested land and stream systems extending from and connecting to the Quabbin to build upon the protected core area for water quality and establish connections for wildlife corridors. Much of this land is temporarily protected by the Chapter 61 tax status, which gives landowners a tax incentive to maintain their land for forestry. We work with landowners who want to maintain their land in an undeveloped state or in active forestry by helping with the details of placing conservation restrictions on property they will continue to own and with those desiring to donate or sell land for conservation purposes.

Kestrel has joined the North Quabbin Regional Partnership and the Wildlands-Woodlands Project, which both promote cooperation between land trusts, towns, and the state working to conserve forestland in the greater Quabbin region and around Massachusetts.