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Date: 1/24/2023
NORTHAMPTON — The city of Northampton is in the midst of an effort to acquire 229 acres of open space between Sylvester Road and Spring Street in the Saw Mill Hills for permanent protection.
During the City Council meeting on Jan. 19, Sarah LaValley-the conservation and preservation planner for the city-said that the Northampton Conservation Commission and Office of Planning & Sustainability submitted a Community Preservation Act (CPA) application for the purchase of 230 acres, which includes priority and estimated habitat of rare and endangered species, vernal pools, multiple headwater streams, and a diversity of landforms.
The parcel of land also features surficial geology and hydrology, creating important wildlife habitat and resiliency to climate change.
“The city has an option to purchase this property for $690,000,” said LaValley, during the meeting. “The Office of Planning & Sustainability and Conservation Commission successfully applied for a state Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant for $400,000 this fiscal year. That’s the maximum award.”
The city is now asking the Council to appropriate the remaining $300,000 from local CPA funding to help finalize permanent protection. “This area is really a sizable gap in the Greenway, and public ownership will create a multitude of trail opportunities and protect some really critical habitat, as well,” said
LaValley, who added that the city approved the acquisition of this parcel last year.
During an informational meeting back in July, LaValley said that this tract of land is the “largest contiguous open space acquisition project that the city has had the chance to protect in many years.”
Part of Northampton’s overarching goal when it comes to protecting open space is making sure these types of areas are available to all residents within walking distance. The Open Space Plan notes that ensuring open space within walking distance of all neighborhoods “provides access for the public, promotes nature appreciation, active/passive recreation and improved public health.” According to
LaValley, this is a critical part of the city’s equity goals.
“While the Saw Mill Hills are already walk and bikeable to many residents in the western part of the city, this new acquisition will help to enhance those connections,” LaValley said, in the summer.
According to LaValley, more than half of the center of the 230-acre property includes priority habitat for rare plant species and wildlife, as well as one “special concern” amphibian, one threatened amphibian, and one “special concern” bird.
“While protection of this parcel may benefit these rare species, it will also undoubtedly benefit some of the common flora and fauna in the area,” said LaValley, adding that the tract of land is “relatively free” of invasive plant species. “Habitat fragmentation is a major threat to many wildlife bird and plant species, and the protection of these contiguous undisturbed tracts of habitat is vital to insuring their long-term viability.”
The land also has wetland resources, buffer areas, and multiple headwater streams, which the state has identified as one of the most vulnerable habitat types with climate change.
According to LaValley, the area is one of the largest remaining privately held forested areas in Northampton. The city is purchasing the tract from the Pomeroy family.
The $300,000 appropriation will be introduced again at the next meeting as part of the consent agenda.