Latest news with #MassachusettsDepartmentofConservationandRecreation
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
DCR partners with local LGBTQ+ organizations to host Pride Hikes in Mass.
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hosting free guided Pride Hikes throughout the state this month in recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. In celebration of Pride Month, DCR plans to lead a series of hikes in collaboration with local and regional LGBTQ+ organizations, including several in western Mass. such as the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst and Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-MoB). Where to celebrate Pride Month in western Massachusetts 'At DCR, we are focused year-round on ensuring that all of our residents and visitors have access to and feel welcome and safe in our parks and on our trails – spaces that are essential for our overall well-being,' said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. 'These Pride Hikes are opportunities for our LGBTQ+ friends and their loved ones to safely and peacefully come together and explore the beauty of our state parks. We are grateful to our partner organizations for joining us in this effort and hope that these hikes inspire some new DCR park enthusiasts.' DCR encourages participants of Pride Hikes to wear pride colors and sturdy shoes for walking. Bug spray, sunscreen, and water are also recommended. Pride Hikes will be held at the following properties: Wompatuck State Park, Hingham: June 14, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston: June 14, 7:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Adams: June 15, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, East Falmouth: June 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge: June 27, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls: June 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham: June 29, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The department plans to continue hosting Pride Hikes at agency parks throughout Massachusetts beyond the month of June. For more information on these events and other DCR programs, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Controlled burn conducted in Ware for fire prevention
WARE, Mass. (WWLP) – A controlled burn took place in Ware on Tuesday in an effort to prevent future fires in the area. Residents do need a permit if they are going to perform their own controlled burn. These prescribed burns takes months of planning, but if well executed, they can be life saving for both people in the area and the local ecosystem. Season's first great white shark sighting in Massachusetts confirmed A spillway at the Windsor Dam in Ware was set on fire Tuesday morning, but that's a good thing. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation burned the one and a half acre plot to clear any possible fuel for future wildfires. Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino described why this practice can be beneficial. 'When we're burning down in the Pine Barrens or up in Montague Plains, we're reducing fuel loading, which is hazardous fuel loading,' Celino said. 'We saw what that did in the fall of 2024. That was sort of a wake-up call that we can use fire to our advantage as a tool.' Prevention measures like this are necessary after the record-breaking fire season across the state late last year. This is a sample, or a test burn. Firefighters are currently trying to understand how the land is going to burn so they're safer during the real thing. Half of the spillway was burned earlier this year, and the difference is night and day. While this helps with fire prevention, it also breathes new life into overgrown ecosystems. 'We're seeing the benefits with increases in populations of insects and rare plants and mammals, and other species around the state, especially around the areas where we've reintroduced the fire back into the landscape,' Celino said. There was one week in October of 2024 with 126 fires across the state. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mass. DCR awards thousands of dollars in grants to expand and protect urban forests
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that in honor of Arbor Day, it has awarded over $150,000 in grants to organizations, including multiple in western Mass., to expand the urban tree canopy across the state. These grants were awarded to ten municipalities and nonprofits throughout the Commonwealth and will be used to create, expand, and protect urban forests. The DCR said this will positively impact the environment, public health, and energy efficiency of the communities affected by these grants. MassDEP penalizes Connecticut company for delayed reporting of oil spill 'As temperatures rise, we are empowering municipalities and nonprofits across Massachusetts to significantly expand our urban tree canopy,' said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. 'This funding gives communities the means to plant new trees, maintain existing ones, and create green spaces that benefit everyone.' Funding will be used for a wide array of programs and activities in the state, including tree planting and preservation, community engagement and education, and revitalizing community-based management plans of existing urban forests. The DCR said that a healthy tree canopy has been proven to strengthen resilience to extreme heat, storm-induced flooding, and other conditions related to climate change. It can improve air quality and continue to provide a lush and healthy habitat for local birds and other wildlife. 'DCR is committed to increasing the urban tree canopy across the state to promote climate resilience and make our communities healthier places to live and work,' said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. 'We are excited that on Arbor Day and during Earth Week, we can provide the Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants to communities across the state. This funding will enable these municipalities to improve the lives of residents by mitigating the effects of climate change.' The following towns and organizations received funding through the Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grant: Town of Andover: $15,000 Town of Bernardston: $7,000 City of Brockton: $40,000 Town of Lexington: $25,000 Town of Longmeadow: $5,691 Town of Maynard Tree Committee: $13,750 Town of Sandwich Historic District Elm Preservation: $4,000 Town of Sandwich Tree Inventory Expansion: $21,500 WE Tree Boston: $11,000 Town of West Bridgewater: $8,000 WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Healey, local mayors rip Trump after $90M in disaster aid for 18 Mass. communities is revoked
Gov. Maura Healey and several local mayors blasted the Trump administration over its decision to terminate $90 million in disaster prevention aid that had been earmarked for more than a dozen Bay State communities. In a statement issued Wednesday, Healey was highly critical of the federal government's cancellation of funds from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program, which provides disaster prevention aid to municipalities across the state. 'In recent years, Massachusetts communities have been devastated by severe storms, flooding, and wildfires. We rely on FEMA funding to not only rebuild but also take steps to protect against future extreme weather,' Healey said. 'But the Trump Administration has suddenly ripped the rug out from under cities and towns that had been promised funding to help them upgrade their roads, bridges, buildings, and green spaces to mitigate risk and prevent disasters in the future. This makes our communities less safe and will increase costs for residents, municipalities, and businesses.' The following municipalities and agencies are expected to be impacted by the cancellation of this program: Boston: $22,894,600 for Resilient Moakley Park Acton: $67,500 for Jenks Conservation Land Culvert Improvements Chelsea and Everett: $49,999,999 for Island End River Coastal Flood Resilience Project Hull: $49,500 to enhance Hull's Existing Adopted Codes Hinsdale: $81,720 for Powering the Hinsdale Public Safety Complex Wilbraham: $150,000 for Glenn Drive Pump Station Generator Lynnfield: $80,302.50 for Implementation of Permitting System Longmeadow: $74,156 for Building Code Activities Grafton: $37,500 for Merriam Road Culvert Improvement Project Scoping Rockport: $320,000 for Thatcher Road Corridor Resilient Design Newburyport: $50,250 for Drinking Water and Watershed Regulations Assessment & Update Northbridge: $37,500 for Permitting Process Upgrade Whately: $63,750 for Christian Lane Stormwater Flooding Brockton: $124,050 for Keith Field Culvert Project Scoping North Adams: $144,000 for Galvin Road Culvert Improvements Project Scoping Taunton: $195,000 for Cobb Brook Culvert Study Project Scoping Gosnold: $75,000 for Protection of Cuttyhunk Island's Water Supply Project Scoping Rockport: $8,437.50 for Building Code Capabilities Enhancement Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission: $321,021 for Regional Building Code Inspection and Training Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR): $11,969,908 for Tenean Beach/Conley Street Resilient Waterfront Project in Boston and $505,516 for Building Code Higher Flood Standards Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): $675,000 for Massachusetts Building Code Access, $300,000 for Statewide Voluntary Buyout Program Feasibility Study & Pilot Program, and $1,873,013 for State Management Costs The impacted cities and towns have been working closely with FEMA for years to advance these projects, which the federal government had already appropriated funds to support. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ripped the Trump administration's decision as 'unlawful.' 'The Trump administration's unlawful cancellation of nearly $35 million in federal grants for flood protection projects at Moakley Park and Tenean Beach will put jobs, people, and property at risk,' Wu said in a statement. 'These crucial projects follow years of community planning for critical access to open space while securing vulnerable flood paths so that thousands of families in the surrounding neighborhoods would be protected from storm surge and coastal flooding. We will fight to restore this funding to protect our communities.' Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez said the loss of funding puts thousands of residents at risk. 'Chelsea is an environmental justice community that supports a significant share of the region's essential infrastructure and services,' Maltez said in a statement. 'The loss of BRIC funding for the Island End River Flood Barrier project puts over $7 billion in annual economic activity—and the safety of more than 5,000 residents living in the floodplain—at risk. We urge the administration to reconsider and restore this critical investment in frontline communities.' Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria warned that the decision could prove "crippling" to the regional economy. 'Losing the FEMA funding that was initially approved in 2018 under the Trump Administration means not being able to address critical flooding that often threatens thousands of residential homes, access to our regional supply of fresh produce as well as a major and vital transportation corridor to the North Shore," DeMaria said in a statement. 'In addition to crippling our regional economy, this flooding is expected to happen almost weekly within five years and would cause the release of petrochemicals and hazardous materials that had been isolated for public health and safety.' Hull Town Manager Jennifer Constable criticized the Trump administration as 'short-sighted.' 'The Town of Hull appreciates the support and efforts of the Healey/Driscoll Administration in response to the short-sighted and unprecedented actions of the Trump administration,' Constable said in a statement. 'Ending the BRIC program eliminates an important tool to coastal communities who are working diligently to build resiliency and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters on their communities. Providing funding to take mitigating measures against crises realized from natural disasters is both fiscally and programmatically sound planning and governing.' Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper noted that grant funds have become more important in recent years, given the severe rise in extreme weather events caused by climate change. 'Climate change cannot be ignored,' Tepper warned. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. 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Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DCR offers free family events during April school vacation week
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – If you're looking for free activities to keep your children busy during spring vacation week, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has dozens to choose from. This year, DCR is offering 68 free safe, educational, and fun recreational opportunities at 13 state parks and watersheds. Activities include guided hikes, animal tracking, scavenger hunts and craft making. Springfield Museums is the perfect spot to spend school vacation week 'Our state parks serve as outdoor classrooms and getting outside during April school vacation week is a great way to teach kids about the natural world,' said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. 'We hope this year's fun and educational programs will inspire young and curious minds to explore our incredible natural resources. Our park interpreters are excited to welcome the next generation of environmental stewards to parks across Massachusetts for our free school vacation week programming.' Parking is free at parks offering programming. DCR will continue to provide regular programming, including self-guided hikes, and visitor centers will be open. Information about staff-led programs and self-guided activities can be found on DCR's website. Additionally, DCR is offering adaptive programming during April vacation week. 'School vacation week is a valuable time for families to reconnect, explore, and learn together outside the classroom,' said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 'We're thrilled DCR is offering such a wide range of activities to help spark curiosity, build stronger bonds, and deepen our appreciation for the State Parks system.' Two events are being held in the western Mass. region: Buildwave: A hands-on building game! at Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls– Tuesday, April 22, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EGGS-ellent Nature Scavenger Hunt! at Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd., Lanesborough– Sunday, April 20, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. As part of Earth Week, DCR will also be holding its 19th annual Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 26, where people can volunteer to help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers, or take part in other projects at 40 state parks across the Commonwealth. To participate in a Park Serve Day event, register at Below is a list of Park Serve Day events in western Massachusetts: Mt. Greylock State Reservation: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Bellows Pipe Trail (South), Gould Road parking lot, Gould Road, Adams Tolland State Forest: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 410 Tolland Road, East Otis West Region Headquarters: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 740 South Street, Pittsfield Connecticut River Greenway State Park: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 400 Damon Rd, Northampton Great Falls Discovery Center: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
