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06 Apr 2020
Landkeeper Notes Permalink

American Woodcock and Springtime

April 6, 2020

Blog post by Jenny Hansell, Berkshire Natural Resources Council President

A couple of weeks ago, as I was helping my kid pack up her Simon’s Rock dorm room, I heard the unmistakable peeent of a woodcock. Each time I came out to the car with another armload of laundry, books, or art supplies, I’d hear it somewhere nearby. It was dusk, the hour that these chubby little shorebirds start calling to their mates. You can only hear them for a few weeks in March and early April as they arrive back in the Northeast from their wintering grounds in the Carolinas and Texas.

I used to take Ella and her sister out on chilly spring evenings when they were little, to hear the woodcocks call and try to spot them as the male would rise into the air in a dizzy little dance, trying to impress the female hiding somewhere nearby.  This time, she was too focused on her sadness at leaving campus, and the likelihood that she’d never return to finish out her final year, to care about a little bird.

But I found it comforting that nature was carrying on in spite of the chaos in the human world, and stood for a few minutes by the car, trying to give Ella a few last minutes to say goodbye to her room, while I tried to spot the little creature. Sure enough, it was standing not ten feet from me, illuminated by a lamppost, zzzeeeping, quite unafraid.

Woodcock populations declined dramatically in the 1800s due to hunting, but rebounded in the last century.  Grey and brown all over, they are about the size of a robin but very round and chubby, with very long straight bills. They are found in forest edges, wet meadows and old fields throughout our region – as long as that habitat is protected, we will continue to enjoy the springtime display of the woodcocks.

25 Mar 2020
Landkeeper Notes Permalink

COVID-19 BNRC Trails Update

March 25, 2020

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Dear Friends,

This week, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued a stay at home advisory, requiring all non-essential businesses to close. He also encouraged people to take walks in parks and nature to maintain physical and mental health. With those directives to guide us, BNRC will leave most of its trails open to the public for the time being, with the exception of Parsons Marsh Reserve and accessible trail, as it is impossible to maintain appropriate social distance on the narrow boardwalks.

Top BNRC trail information here:
https://www.bnrc.org/trails-and-maps/top-berkshire-trails/

All upcoming hikes and happenings are cancelled until further notice.

Public enjoyment of the natural beauty of the Berkshires is essential to the BNRC mission that you make possible every day. We urge you to follow these common-sense guidelines for all your outdoor visits:

  • Stay local and avoid high-traffic destinations.
  • If you are over 70 or medically vulnerable, stay home. If you are not feeling well, stay home.
  • Avoid crowds; conduct your outings solo or with other members of your household.
  • Be ready to step aside or move quickly through areas where people congregate such as parking lots and trailheads. If you arrive at a location and there are more than a handful of cars in the parking lot, please come back another time.
  • Please be safe: maintain at least a 6-foot distance between yourself and others. Be prepared to step aside, and let people know you are near if they can’t see you.

Please note that, for the most part, our staff and volunteers will not be out clearing fallen trees or addressing other trail needs, so you may find the trails in rougher shape than usual. Please always feel free to let us know of any maintenance or safety issues you discover on BNRC properties, by emailing FrontDesk@bnrc.org.

Medical and scientific authorities advise that it is crucial for public and individual health that we take extreme measures immediately—to “flatten the curve” and prevent the spread of COVID-19 we must do everything we possibly can to stay isolated from one another. We think this can be done without closing our trails at this time, but if we learn that crowds are forming and it is impossible to maintain good distance on any of our trails, we may close them in the coming days.

Together, we can do this—and emerge from this challenge stronger and more connected than before.

While working at home, the BNRC team will continue sharing videos, photos, nature bits, and inviting conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Check out the Landkeepers Blog, and LEARN about mammal tracks, stone walls, woody plants, and much more on the BNRC website. There are even wildflower coloring pages you can print!

In other words, please stay in touch. We will too.

Thank you for all of your support. We can’t wait to be on the trails again with you, for hikes and volunteer workdays, enjoying the Berkshire outdoors together—hopefully soon.

Sincerely,

Jenny

Jenny Hansell, President
Berkshire Natural Resources Council

P.S. Currently, the BNRC office is closed and staff are working from home. This means it will take longer than usual to process donations sent by mail. If you have recently sent a gift to BNRC by mail, it will be in a secure location, as always. Online gifts made at bnrc.org/contribute can be acknowledged more quickly. Thank you for everything you do to preserve the special beauty and character of the Berkshires.
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
23 Mar 2020
e-News, Landkeeper Notes Permalink

Finishing the Job: 

March 23, 2020

A small parcel on Steadman Pond in Monterey Completes an Important Conservation Project 

Nearly twelve years ago, then-governor Deval Patrick stood on the shore of Steadman Pond in Monterey to mark and celebrate the conservation of 800 acres of forest and meadow. On that day in 2008, most of the pond’s shoreline was conserved, but a key parcel was left unprotected, leaving the property vulnerable to the impacts of development.  

In February 2020, BNRC purchased the remaining seven acres—a small piece by comparison, but one that means the entire shoreline of the pond, all the way around, will stay pristine forever.  

“We couldn’t come up with the money to buy the whole thing back then,” said BNRC Director of Land Conservation Narain Schroeder, “so we left the owners, Barclay and Kerstin Hudson, with a building lot.” The Hudsons, whose family had owned the property for generations, never built a home there, but if they or a future owner had done so, the character of this beautiful wilderness spot would be changed forever. Lawn chemicals could seep into the pond, or a roving housecat could decimate the populations of birds and other wildlife.  

Steadman Pond is a perfect place for a picnic, fishing and canoeing, and some day, a peaceful trail walk around the perimeter. 

“I’ve been worried about that piece ever since we left it,” Schroeder says, “and when I saw that we might be able to qualify for Natural Resources Defense (NRD) funds. I called Barclay and made him an offer.” The NRD fund was set up to help protect properties in the Housatonic River watershed affected by PCBs, and this property is within that footprint. Hudson accepted the offer, the funding was secured, and twelve years after the original celebration, conservation of Steadman Pond is complete.  As with the surrounding +/- 800 acres, these seven acres will also be subject to a conservation restriction held by our partners, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game. 

For his part, Barclay Hudson is glad to see the pond protected forever. In a recent email he noted that, “once again, BNRC has come through with a win-win project, and I am especially appreciative to you for your role in shepherding this project from beginning to end. I imagine our mother, too, is somewhere up there looking down and being very pleased with the way her purchase of Berkshire land back in the 1930s has now taken on a permanent conservation status—a peaceful oasis, as you described it, for all of us.” 

Over the years Steadman Pond has been enjoyed by many visitors; it’s a popular place to go for a swim, to fish, to hunt, to float, but there’s never been an improved trail.  With the acquisition of this parcel we can begin to dream of a trail that winds around the water’s edge. The backside of the pond hides a scenic jumble of rock under a dense hemlock forest. Imagine the temperature drop as you enter cool shade and then wind through mossy boulders back to where you started—or perhaps, continue west and connect to Bidwell House for a High Road adventure. Steadman Pond is a hidden gem, and with this seven-acre addition, it has been preserved, forever. 

 

 

 

05 Mar 2020
e-News Permalink

2020 March Enews

March 5, 2020
25 Feb 2020
Uncategorized Permalink

Conservation Associate Position

February 25, 2020

ConservationAssociateBNRC.pdf

Berkshire Natural Resources Council

Conservation Associate

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is a non-profit land trust working to protect and preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Berkshires for public benefit and enjoyment. Starting in 1967, BNRC has protected over 20,000 acres of conservation land in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. BNRC maintains over 60 miles of public hiking trails throughout its properties. BNRC recently launched The High Road, a vision for connecting trails and conservation lands to communities throughout our region.

Position Overview:

BNRC seeks applicants for the position of Conservation Associate. This full-time, primarily office-based (80/20) position offers competitive salary and benefits. The Conservation Associate works within the Conservation Department and supports all conservation-related activities, with a primary focus on projects to advance The High Road, including acquisition of properties and easements, organizing and outreach, and planning.

The Conservation Associate will support the work of the Director of Land Conservation and Public Programs Director, preparing draft conservation restrictions, easements, maps and communication materials. The individual will help BNRC expand existing reserves and strengthen its conservation program as it pursues The High Road, an ambitious vision for connecting the Berkshires.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starting, motivated individual eager to launch a career in land conservation. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of real estate transactions, and the ability to pair interpersonal skills with conservation transactions, estate planning considerations and conservation biology. Background in legal studies, real estate, environmental studies and/or land use planning. Pay range is $40-45,000, depending on experience.

Responsibilities:

The Associate provides program support for the Land Conservation department:

  • Support and manage acquisition projects with landowners, prospective land donors, and partners
  • Navigate State and Federal conservation programs in the pursuit of resource-based acquisition projects
  • Prepare maps for possible conservation projects
  • Create draft conservation restrictions and trail easements
  • Prepare final maps and project materials for grant applications
  • Support and conduct engagement efforts with municipal, public, and other conservation entities in order to advance The High Road
  • Be an ambassador for BNRC with landowners, visitors, and stakeholders

Minimum qualifications include:

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, varied projects and efforts at one time
  • Basic knowledge of real estate transactions
  • Empathetic and observant listener
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
  • Detail oriented
  • Moderate-level GIS proficiency
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Conversant with natural resources issues
  • Sufficient physical fitness to walk land, on and off trail
  • Experience communicating with public officials
  • Familiarity with the Berkshire landscape preferred

Education and work experience requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree required; study in field of environmental sciences a plus
  • Preferred applicant has 3-5 years of relevant professional post-college experience

Interviews to be scheduled after March 2, 2020; the position is opened until filled. Contact Mackenzie Greer with questions. Send cover letter, résumé, and writing sample (1-3 pages, any subject) to:

mgreer@bnrc.org (preferred)

Berkshire Natural Resources Council

20 Bank Row

Pittsfield, MA 01201

(413) 499-0596

www.BNRC.org

 

31 Jan 2020
Uncategorized Permalink

CONSERVATION NETWORKING RESOURCES

January 31, 2020

All Topics

Land Conservation Tools

Estate Planning

Conservation Restrictions

Open Space Planning

Land Management Tools

Publications

The Working Forest Initiative

  • Working Forest Initiative: providing services such as free woodland evaluations
    • Forest Stewardship Program & Green Certification: Recognizing the public benefits of good stewardship on private forest land, the Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program (MFSP) supports and encourages private forest landowners’ efforts to manage, enjoy, and care for their land using a long-term approach
    • Foresters for the Birds: Provides landowners with information about bird habitat on their land, and recommendations about how to enhance it in conjunction with other forest management goals.
    • Community Forest Stewardship Grant: offers grants to assist municipalities in implementing their Forest Stewardship Plan.

Other Programs for Land Owners

  • MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program: Improve habitat(s) for game species, manage habitat(s) for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and/or promote public recreational opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife associated recreation on conserved lands. See “Eligible Entities” in link.
  • Forest Tax Law Program– assistance with the favorable tax treatment to forest landowners through MGL Chapter 61. Download booklet: Chapter 61 Programs Understanding the Massachusetts: Ch. 61 Current Use Tax Programs
  • Environmental Quality Incentives Program: provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural and forestry producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, and improved or created wildlife habitat.
  • Pooled Timber Income Fund (PTIF): For a Pooled Timber Income Fund, landowners donate their land to the New England Forestry Foundation, and the timber on that land to a pooled income fund set up and run by NEFF. Landowners receive shares in the fund proportional to the value of their timber donation.

Professionals:

Land protection specialist in Berkshire County

A land trust is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that actively works to conserve land as a part of its mission.

Local Land Trusts

Regional Land Trusts

Public Conservation Agency

Service Foresters

A service forester is an employee of the state forestry agency who can speak with you and visit your land to provide free advice on management options and program opportunities.

  • Peter Grima (serving Washington, Lenox, Richmond and North)

Phone: (413) 442-8928 x 127

Email: peter.grima@mass.gov

  • Tom Ryan (serving Stockbridge, Stockbridge, Lee, Becket South)

Phone: (413) 442-8928 x123

Email: tom.ryan@mass.gov

Find Surveyors, Appraisers, Accountants, and Attorneys
by town here: http://massland.org/resources/list-of-service-providers

Trainings/Conferences

­­­­­­­­­Grants and Funding

08 Jan 2020
Landkeeper Notes, Uncategorized Permalink

Conservation Networking

January 8, 2020

In February BNRC will be hosting a series of Conservation Networks throughout Berkshire County. This effort is in partnership with UMass Cooperative Extension to implement the MA DCR’s Working Forests Initiative Estate Planning Outreach program, which aims to provide opportunities for those involved in conservation planning to meet each other, share information and experiences, provide training and resources, and meet land protection specialists working in communities. We hope participants from conservation commissions, green committees, conservation organizations, open space and recreation plan committees, etc. will be able to join the conversation.

Below you’ll find information on three upcoming meetings. As someone in your community interested in conservation, we hope you’ll join us! We’re anticipating a fourth event, in a central location to help address some of the common needs, with more experts brought in to share resources and information.

To RSVP please use the Eventbrite link below each event.

Central County

Wednesday, February 5th, 4:00 pm –  5:30 pm

Berkshire Athenaeum, The Athenaeum Room (1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201)

Eventbrite link.

North County

Thursday, February 6th, 4:00 pm –  5:30 pm

North Adams Public Library (74 Church St, North Adams, MA 01247)

Eventbrite link.

South County

Wednesday, February 12th, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Saint James Place, East Room (352 Main Street / Great Barrington, MA  01230)

Eventbrite link.

For questions contact Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org or 413-499-0596.

06 Jan 2020
e-News, Landkeeper Notes Permalink

2020 January Enews

January 6, 2020

30 Dec 2019
Landkeeper Notes Permalink

Old Fears, New Strength

December 30, 2019

By Evan Johnson
TerraCorps Member with Berkshire Natural Resources Council

As a kid I spent a lot of time hiking the mountains and woods surrounding my home town of North Adams. While I got to see a lot of great sites on these treks, I also got to have a lot of great conversations with my father ranging in topic from the fantastical stories of web-slingers and rings of power, to the simple novelties and mysteries the mundane holds for a child, to the very serious changing climate and what it meant for me and these places. And with the appreciation for my natural environment and the fear of their loss these walks through the woods gave me, I grew up.

Many years later and a few months ago, I joined TerraCorps with a position at the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, a decision that’s likely rooted in those conversations long ago. With my service has come a multitude of experiences, but perhaps the most striking is getting to return to these old places in the woods that I haven’t been to since I was very young. With these revisits comes the memories I have playing with my younger sister, my childhood dog enjoying the woods right alongside me, and the conversations me and my father had when we were there. From my service with TerraCorps, I’ve gotten to reconnect with my appreciation for the natural environment in the places that I first learned it. I have also gained an appreciation for the feeling of having a history with the land, and the feeling of being rooted to it.

But with these recollections comes the memories of the fear I felt as a child. However, the fear has taken a different shape. Through my education I have tools and through BNRC and TerraCorps I have connections. With these I have some power to make a difference for the trees and hills of my childhood that made a difference to me.