Project Description
To compensate for natural resources injured as a result of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released from the General Electric (GE) facility in Pittsfield, MA, the Connecticut SubCouncil of the Housatonic River Natural Resource Trustees awarded $557,810.00 to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to acquire permanent Conservation Restrictions (CRs) on riparian agricultural and floodplain forest land along the Housatonic River in Salisbury, CT. TNC worked with The Trustees of Reservations, The Salisbury Association, and the Housatonic Valley Association to identify potential parcels along the Housatonic River and Salmon Kill. Ultimately, CRs were acquired on three properties totaling 102.25 acres along the mainstem Housatonic River.
The CR on the 77.32-acre Bottass tract (Shady Maple Farm) protects approximately one mile of frontage along the Housatonic River, including floodplain and riparian habitats, and fertile agricultural soils while allowing long-term, sustainable agricultural use and the possibility of habitat restoration in the future. On the 22.05-acre Grossman tract, the CR protects 1,180 feet of frontage along the river and agricultural fields to protect the property's scenic views and agricultural and conservation values. The CR on the 2.88-acre Binzen tract protects approximately 600 feet of frontage along the river and agricultural fields to conserve riparian habitat and facilitate sustainable agricultural use. A small derelict cabin was also removed and the site was replanted with native species. After the acquisitions, management and restoration plans were developed for each property.
Parties Implementing Restoration
Housatonic Valley Association; The Nature Conservancy; The Salisbury Association; The Trustees of Reservations
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service