News
Thirteen Year FERC Relicensing Process Nearly Done
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) published the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for both FirstLight (FL) and Great River Hydro (GRH) projects on January 30, 2026. Connecticut River Conservancy
Regional Environmental Council builds sustainable food system in Worcester
The Regional Environmental Council’s programs focus on building an equitable and sustainable local food system by connecting urban and rural sectors, developing entrepreneurial food projects at the grassroots level, investing
State Legislative Update
In December, the final report of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century was published by Commission Chairs Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and Senator Jo Comerford. The
Good News: New food system stories from MA Food System Collaborative
Northeastern University’s service-learning program connects students in a variety of courses with community partners. This past semester, Network Manager Emily Fidanza presented virtually to students in an Introduction in Visual
RFQ for EEA Healthy Soils Action Plan Implementation Coordination
Due February 12, 2026 The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs released a request for quotes to support the implementation of the Healthy Soils Action Plan. Responses are due
2,000+ Acres of Forest in the West Quabbin Region Permanently Conserved
Kestrel Land Trust and The Trustees are thrilled to announce the permanent protection of more than 2,000 acres of forest in Pelham and Belchertown—which contains two of the largest contiguous forested tracts
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $30 Million to Help Communities Prepare for Flooding, Heat Waves and Wildfires
The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $28.7 million in grants to help 54 Massachusetts communities prepare for increasingly extreme weather – including heat waves, flooding, wildfires and storms. This year, the
New Rental Equipment at Hampden-Hampshire Conservation District
HHCD has added a 4-ton Stoltzfus Wet Lime Spreader to its low-till rental fleet! While the model is called a Wet Lime Spreader, it can spread many different soil amendments,
Indigenous-Led Conservation Effort Protects 17 Acres in Harwich
Seventeen acres of forestland in Harwich, formerly known as Hawksnest East and once zoned for a six-home subdivision, have been permanently protected. Adjacent to Hawksnest State Park, the land was
Major conservation deal protects nearly 2,900 acres of forests in region (Daily Hampshire Gazette)
In a second major transaction coordinated by the Kestrel Land Trust within the last year, a New Hampshire timber company is acquiring 2,864 acres of forested land across 10 towns
‘Disgraceful step backward’: USDA ends support for Black farmers, saying it ‘sufficiently’ handled discrimination
Agency will no longer use ‘socially disadvantaged’, which describes people subjected to discrimination, including Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian groups This story was originally published by Capital B, a nonprofit
USDA asks employees to transfer to ‘critical’ vacancies, suggests more cuts coming
The administration is asking employees “to help the agency with no guarantee of protection in the future,” one staffer says. Source: Government Executive by Eric Katz, Senior Correspondent Originally published
Soaked from below: Region confronts rising water tables unable to absorb water during more intense storms
From the Daily Hampshire Gazette by Emilee Klein Originally Published: July 18, 2025 WILLIAMSBURG — Instead of selling fresh, seafood-filled food on the busiest brunch weekend of the year, Williamsburg
Coalition Advocates for Conservation Funding in FY26 Appropriations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) submitted a letter to the leaders of the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging robust support for the U.S. Department
Governor Healey Extends Hybrid and Remote Public Meetings to Increase Access
Boston — Today, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. This legislation will permit state and local public bodies to conduct public meetings
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: USDA will release first tranche of paused IRA funding
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that USDA will release the first tranche of funding that was paused due to the review of funding in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
56 Acres of Falmouth Woodlands to be Preserved by 2026
The 300 Committee Land Trust (T3C) and the Falmouth Conservation Commission are collaborating on a two-phase Falmouth Woodland Acquisition Project to permanently preserve key woodlands in North Falmouth. Covering 56
Applications Open: Exhibitor Opportunities at the Massachusetts Building at the Big E
It’s time to apply for your exhibit space at the Big E!