On our way home from a cookout this evening, we came upon this resident of the Manchaug Pond watershed over on the Douglas side of the lake. This deer had visited my daughter's home only yesterday, walking just a few feet from the house while they were all inside quietly waking up from naps. The gentle, quiet of this deer grazing in the green of the woods calls to us to work a little harder to protect this wonderful habitat. When I called to tell her, she said a grey fox had just pasted through her yard. Wildlife abounds here in the Douglas and Sutton woods!
Past efforts of Manchaug Pond Association members, friends in the watershed and the town have resulted in the conservation of Waters Farm and the lands along the shore of the pond donated to the Sutton Conservation Commission and the beginning of the Lake Manchaug Greenway and Wildlife Corridor linking the Douglas State Forest with the Sutton State Forest and Purgatory Chasm.
Check out the link of the Metacomet Land Trust to see a map of these lands. Looking further into Douglas to the southwest you can see the Douglas State Forest
http://www.metacometlandtrust.org/Protected.html Click on Sutton for the map showing protected areas by the state, private, and non-profits.
If you would like to put your property under a special conservation restriction or make a donation to either the Douglas or Sutton Conservation Commission or a land trust such as Metacomet Land Trust read further the words from Metacomet on conserving your land.
As you consider the future of your land and the wildlife that live around you, we encourage you to consider the contribution your land makes to a healthy ecosystem. Your land -- farm fields, woods, wetlands, or river frontage – provides habitat for the native plants and animals of our region and also helps keep our air and water clean. It is a lasting contribution to a healthy environment for tomorrow’s children.
Since 1988, Metacomet has worked with landowners, towns, and state agencies to permanently protect land. We currently own 350 acres of natural /undeveloped land and protect over 100 acres of privately owned land to ensure its permanent conservation. In addition, we have helped towns and state agencies to conserve another 900 acres of land that is now publicly owned as town open space, state parks and forests, and state wildlife management areas.
The three principal methods which we use to conserve land in Massachusetts are:
* Conservation Restriction – a voluntary, permanent deed restriction which protects the important natural heritage values of a parcel.
* Gift or Sale of land for conservation, including a sale at a reduced price.
* Bequest of land or conservation restriction.
These conservation techniques may also be combined to meet the needs of the landowner or the purchasing agency. Examples
More information on Metacomet’s Land Acquisition Criteria
The gift of land or a permanent conservation restriction is a charitable gift/donation which may qualify for a federal income tax deduction. Please call Metacomet for the latest information on the charitable gift rules.
The decision to conserve your land is a serious step that must be carefully considered by your family. Please call Metacomet for guidance on the issues you may want to consider and how to learn more about the ecological value of your property. Most families should also discuss their plans with trusted family advisors, including an attorney and an accountant.
After reviewing this checklist, please call the land trust at our toll free telephone line (888) 298-7284 or email the land trust to discuss your options.
Or speak with the town or if the MPA can help in some way, let us know at infoMPA@charter.net.
No comments:
Post a Comment