[SEMCO] WLCT Press Release: Protecting the Missing Link

[Brendan Buckless]

*For Release:*         *IMMEDIATE*

*Contact:*          Brendan Buckless, Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator

                        Brendan at westportlandtrust.org

                         ( days: (508) 636-9228 ext. 3


[image: Forge Pond Phase 2 promo.jpg]
*photo by Greg Stone*

*Protecting The Missing Link*

*Westport, Massachusetts* – The Westport Land Conservation Trust (WLCT) is
very pleased to announce the protection of 25-acres along the upper east
branch of the Westport River north of Forge Pond; made possible by a
collaborative effort between the Town of Westport Conservation Commission,
Community Preservation Committee, and the Westport Affordable Housing Trust
spanning more than a decade. The 25-acre Noquochoke Village Open Space
Parcel is held by the Town of Westport Conservation Commission and subject
to a Conservation Restriction in perpetuity held by the WLCT. The
conservation of this parcel adds to a corridor of over 80 acres of
protected land between Reed Rd. and Rte. 177.

“This project permanently protects 25-acres of important habitat and
expands public access to one of our most visited hiking areas: Forge Pond
Conservation Area,” said Ross Moran, WLCT Executive Director. “This is a
great example of the Town and the land trust working together strategically
to improve the quality of life for local residents.”

After the acquisition of the property by the Town of Westport’s Affordable
Housing Trust with support from the Community Preservation Committee, the
land trust and the planning board worked jointly to ensure a portion of the
future development would be set aside for conservation. All parties worked
in tandem, while WLCT provided technical and on-the-ground assistance in
addressing environmental concerns onsite. This work was completed in 2018
and the 25-acre riverfront landscape is now indistinguishable from any
other white-pine forest in Westport.

“The combination of the new Noquochoke Village development and a corridor
of publicly accessible conserved land is an example of the Town getting it
right. The Conservation Commission was thrilled to be a part of the
project,” said Chairman Paul Joncas. “The commission works hard to ensure a
balance of development and preservation of Westport’s vital natural
resources.”

Local historian and Chairwoman of the Community Preservation Committee,
Betty Slade notes the parcels historic significance, “the property was
known as the machine lot for the various mills and factories operating
along the river. Several famous historical Southcoast figures held interest
in the surrounding area including William Rotch Jr. and the estate of Paul
Cuffe.” Today, the remnants of the old mills and river crossings can still
be found on the property.

There is a great deal of work ahead to open up the area for future use.
WLCT intends to work with the various stakeholders to develop a Forge Pond
Conservation Area Master Plan that identifies funding for improved
trailhead access and parking. 33-acres owned by WLCT on the opposite bank
of the Westport River has also been identified for trail access from Forge
Pond Conservation Area—but would require an expensive pedestrian bridge.

“WLCT’s partnership with the Westport Conservation Commission has never
been stronger. We share a vision for a premier natural area serving hikers,
kayakers, and sportsmen,” said Moran. “If our public/private partnership
with the Town is successful at Forge Pond Conservation Area, we are talking
about a 70+ acre natural area in a densely populated neighborhood of Town
that is underserved in terms of access to open space. There is more work
still to be done, but we are on our way. A special thank you to the many
Town officials who worked on this project.”

WLCT has partnered with the Town and Commonwealth of Massachusetts to
protect natural areas since 1972. For more information about these projects
or the Westport Land Conservation Trust, please contact Ross Moran,
Executive Director at (508) 636-9228 x 5021 or ross at westportlandtrust.org.

*About the Westport Land Conservation Trust*
*Since its founding in 1972, the Westport Land Conservation Trust has
assisted landowners in protecting more than 4,500 acres in Westport,
Massachusetts. WLCT is a private non-governmental organization dedicated to
local land conservation on behalf of the Westport community. The
organization accepts gifts of land and conservation restrictions on land,
and assists farm owners in preserving farmland with agricultural
preservation restrictions.*

-- 
Brendan P. Buckless
*Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator  *
*Westport Land Conservation Trust*
P.O. Box 3975 | 830 Drift Road | Westport, Massachusetts 02790
Phone: (508) 636-9228 ext. 103 | Fax: (508) 636-0587
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