Forests
Forests provide a wide range of benefits for people, for wildlife, and for the planet.
Kestrel conserves forestland throughout the Valley, from the Mineral Hills in the west, to the Quabbin Reservoir in the east, to Brushy Mountain in the north, creating connections for wildlife like bobcat, coyote, moose, and black bear, while also protecting drinking water quality, and encouraging sustainable forest stewardship on private land.
Kestrel works with individuals to conserve their private land, and we collaborate with government agencies to create publicly owned forests. Landowners may choose to conserve their woodlands for sustainable forest management or to keep it as unmanaged and “forever wild.” They can also choose whether to allow access for hiking, hunting, or other types of public recreation.
The Big Picture: Creating Forest Connections
Kestrel is an active participant in several regional coalitions working to conserve the largest forested areas and create connections between them. These coalitions promote cooperation between land trusts, towns, and government agencies working to accelerate the pace of forest conservation and ultimately conserve at least 50% of the remaining forests in Massachusetts.
Our coalitions include the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership, the Wildlands-Woodlands Project, and 2 Countries, 1 Forest: Berkshire Wildlife Linkages.
