5 December, 2012
The Town of Hopkinton today received $400,000 to help preserve an 85-acre historic farm in a scenic part of town that is the former site of the Abbott Farm. The farm has a rich history, including formerly growing food for the Worcester County Food Bank. The preservation of the farm will provide many future uses for the Town, including potentially supporting a community sponsored agriculture (CSA) project. Preservation will also protect a portion of the aquifer for the town's new well.
“This grant is a tremendous benefit for the Town of Hopkinton” said Benjamin Palleiko, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. “This property is an integral part of Hopkinton’s history and this land acquisition will provide a lasting legacy for future generations in Town. I want to commend all of the town staff and boards for their excellent work in receiving this grant and seeing this project through.”
“I am extremely proud to be a part of this project and want to thank all of the members of the Open Space Preservation Committee for their hard work on this project.” said Jeff Doherty, Chairman of the Hopkinton Open Space Preservation Commission.
“This announcement is extremely great news for the Town of Hopkinton” said Norman Khumalo, Hopkinton Town Manager. “This project has been a community-wide effort and I want to thank the Administration, state legislative delegation and all town staff, specifically Elaine Lazarus, the Town’s Director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting, for their support and hard work on this project.”
Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan today announced 13 Massachusetts municipalities have been awarded land conservation grants totaling more than $3 million that will help protect 862 acres of farms, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitat. The Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grants will fund land conservation projects in Amherst, Barre, Belchertown, Conway, Granby, Groton, Hopkinton, Middleton, Northampton, Southampton, Southwick, Sudbury and Townsend.
Since 1961, EEA's LAND (formerly known as Self Help) awards have helped cities and towns acquire land for conservation and outdoor recreational uses such as hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Funding for the grants comes from the Energy and Environmental Bond Bill signed by Governor Patrick in 2008. To qualify for the reimbursement grants, communities must fund projects upfront through local, federal, or private sources and the protected open space must be open to the public. Municipalities may use grant funds for outright land purchases or partial interests, such as conservation restrictions, and for associated acquisition costs.
