Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs William Beaton announced the $400,000 land grant towards North Pond. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – Since this past summer, numerous efforts through several avenues have been in effect to help preserve North Pond. As an estimated $5 million is the amount that has to be raised in order to fully preserve North Pond, the town of Southwick received a great amount of help from their friends at the state house.
Matt Beaton, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, along with Secretary George Peterson, for Fish and Wildlife, were both able to announce land grants going towards the body of water on Congamond Lake.
As the official event took place on South Longyard Rd. near the entrance to North Pond, Beaton stood at the podium and made it official that his office along with Gov. Baker, were able to secure a $400,000 land grant towards North Pond. Peterson then made it a surprise to many that his office was able to put together $1 million towards preserving the land.
Secretary of Fish and Wildlife George Peterson announced the $1 million grant for North Pond. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
The combined effort to help total $1.4 million was important for state officials to secure.
“It really shined as an opportunity for us to jump in and do our part,” Beaton told the crowd. “We’re looking forward to helping out wherever we can,” said Peterson.
Both Beaton and Peterson have had the chance to get familiar with the land in Southwick. A couple months ago, Beaton took a boat tour of North Pond with fellow Save North Pond supporters and local officials. Peterson announced a grant program months back that could potentially protect the wildlife management area in Southwick.
Southwick residents who created Save North Pond, were beyond thankful for the grant money awarded by Gov. Baker’s office.
“I’m thrilled,” said John Whalley. “Those are big chunks.”
From left to right: Rep. Blank, Secretary Beaton, Secretary Peterson, Rep. Boldyga, and Sen. Humason. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
“Those were targets for us right from the very beginning,” said Dave Gunn. “It’s nice to have it totally official.”
Franklin Land Trust, a non-profit organization that helps protect land throughout Massachusetts, had representatives present at the event. Helping Save North Pond conducting several fundraisers in order to have more money secured towards the $5 million goal, Franklin Land Trust was happy to see the announcements made.
“It was very encouraging news,” said Franklin Land Trust Director Rich Hubbard. “You can’t underestimate the importance of these grants.”
Aside from the town of Southwick receiving the great news about North Pond, 13 other communities officially heard positive announcements at the event as well.
Amherst, Concord, Dartmouth, Dunstable, Falmouth, Harwich, Williamsburg, Middleboro, Northampton, Phillipston, and Plymouth were all given land grants. The towns of Berlin and Clinton got jointed grants as well as Hatfield and Williamsburg.
Save North Pond supporters have until some point in the summer to raise the roughly $5 million in order to preserve the land. All supporters of the land are encouraging people throughout the town of Southwick and neighboring communities to donate any way they can.
For more information on Save North Pond or donations, go to SaveNorthPond.org.
