With support from the City’s Community Preservation Act Fund and its own capital reserves, the Trust has been able to act quickly in responding to the latest two open space opportunities. Costs for land acquisition at the Brickyard Brook Conservation Area and the Pomeroy Meadows Conservation Area, combined with trail building at the latter, total $203,000. Help the Trust raise the last 28% in funds needed to ensure the success of these projects.
Please join your friends and neighbors in making the protection of open space part of your legacy by contributing generously to the Trust.
Use the following link to download a fundraising brochure.: Pascommuck Fundraising Brochure
Pomeroy Meadows Conservation Area Expansion
Acres: 22 new acres. Combined with 15 acres of the existing Pomeroy Meadows Conservation Area, there will be a total 37 contiguous acres.
River Frontage: The expansion boasts nearly a quarter-mile of frontage on the Manhan River. Combined with the existing frontage along the existing Pomeroy Meadows property there will be nearly 1 mile of protected shoreline with public access.
Terrain: upland pine and hemlock forest, a large open field, rich wetlands, and dramatic steep ‘dingles’ leading down to the Manhan River floodplain.
Purchase History: Purchased recently from the LaFond family. The family sold 5 acres to developer David Garstka for a housing development that will include approximately 9 houses. PCT bought the remaining 22 acres for conservation and recreation. PCT worked with Mr. Garstka to ensure access from Paul Street and Ranch Avenue.
Trails: PCT is planning approximately 1 mile of hiking trails leading down to the river. The dingles and small stream on the property require some bridges and stairs for crossings. Trail easements from an adjoining neighbor were secured to make some of the trail construction easier. As grants and other funds are essential to help pay for these costs, PCT has applied for a $28,000 trails grant and hopes to hear results in August 2012.
Access: Available from Ranch Avenue and Paul Street. Future access may include the Hamptons.
Finances: $58,000 for the land and value of uncut timber, $4,000 in legal fees, $5,000 for a trail easement. Initial trail layout is estimated to cost an additional $28,000 for a total project cost of $95,000. The Easthampton CPA committee has contributed $45,000 toward the purchase price and PCT is seeking a $28,000 grant to cover trail construction costs.
Brickyard Brook Conservation Area Expansion
Acres: 6 new acres. Combined with 25.4 acres of the existing Brickyard Brook Conservation Area, there will be a total 31.4 contiguous acres.
Terrain: Consists of a mix of meadow, wooded areas, and a stream on the west and southwest end which feeds into Brickyard Brook. The property includes a magnificent wildflower meadow, with a stunning view of a portion of the Mt Tom Range.
Purchase History: PCT has agreed to purchase the property from Maryanne and Robert Donais who inherited the property from Maryanne’s father, Jim Mutter. We are hoping to close in early July. PCT will purchase the land at appraised value. PCT agreed to maintain a portion of the property as a field and to recognize the long-term love of the property by Jim Mutter. Alice Mutter still lives in an adjoining home.
Trails: PCT is planning to expand the Brickyard brook trail network onto the new acquisition and extend the trails to East Street and East Green St.
Access: Access to the Brickyard Brook Conservation Area is currently off Mt. Tom Avenue. Expansion will allow access from East Green St and also expanded access from East St, including potentially a small parking area. Possible future access through the cemetery, which would draw in the Mayher Street, Grove Street, and Bay Avenue neighborhoods .
Additional Information: The Brickyard Brook Conservation Area borders Mountain View Farm. PCT helped to protect this farm in the 1990s by helping to raise funds to purchase the development rights of the property.
Finances: $104,500 for the land plus $3,500 for legal fees for a total of $108,000. The Easthampton CPA committee contributed $25,000. State conservation partnership grant application for $47,500 is outstanding.
