Worcester Receives More than $500,000 in Environmental Grants from State

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Friday, November 06, 2020

GoLocalWorcester News Team

The Baker Administration has announced more than $8.7 million in grant awards to municipalities and land trusts to support the acquisition and conservation of over 676 acres of land throughout the Commonwealth. The grants, awarded through four separate grant programs, will fund 46 projects in 35 communities, creating or renovating 20 parks and supporting projects to help farmers and forest landowners improve the management of soils and natural resources. Worcester received more than $500,000 in four separate grants - see below.

“Massachusetts’ open spaces are a significant asset to our state, providing recreational opportunities to residents across the Commonwealth while also helping to build resiliency to the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “Our administration is proud to fund these important efforts that will create new parks, support the agricultural community, and conserve critical natural resources.”

The grants were awarded through the Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Conservation District Innovation, and Conservation Partnership grant programs, administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

The administration awarded $5,295,711 to 20 municipalities through the PARC Grant Program, established in 1977 to assist cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes.  Any community with an up-to-date Open Space and Recreation Plan is eligible to apply for the program. Since 2015, under the Baker-Polito Administration, 188 PARC grants have been awarded, totaling $36,129,972 in grant funding to create or restore municipal parks.

Worcester Heron Pond    

The property will protect one of the largest unprotected parcels left in the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. The area contains Core Habitat and augments natural recreation opportunities in an urban setting.    

$74,315

 

Worcester  Coes Pond Beach    

The project includes the construction of ADA accessible walkways, building an accessible parking area, implementation of an accessible canoe/kayak launch, upgrades to the stormwater management system, utility and environmental upgrades, park edge improvements, and site amenities. $400,000

 

Greater Worcester Land Trust  MidState Interstate Trail Route 9 Crossing    

Leicester    The project will secure the critical highway crossing of the MidState Trail across Route 9 through the purchase of a trail easement. $10,215

 

Worcester Conservation District Healthy Soils Initiative    

Work with NRCS to implement good soil and habitat conservation practices on the agricultural, forestry and developed landscape. Provide technical assistance, outreach and education to Worcester County landowners, students and citizens to help them maintain soil health, protect water quality, and promote wildlife habitat. $42,000

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