Conservation

The Western MA Chapter's territory includes some of the finest scenery in the state:

• The Appalachian Trail corridor
• The New England Trail
• The Housatonic and Westfield River watersheds, and
• The New England Mountains, including the Greylock Massif, Berkshire Hills, Hoosac and Holyoke ranges, and much of the Taconics.

But with these wondrous blessings comes the responsibility to steward it thoughtfully.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

News and Events

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $5 Million for Protection of Forest Reserves

[06‑Dec‑2024] Ten land trust organizations or municipalities have been awarded over $5 million in grants to protect forest land through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' (EEA) Acquisitions for Forest Reserves Grant Program. The protected land will allow the forests that occupy them to mature, thereby strengthening how these habitats store carbon.

Massachusetts Governor Signs Climate Law

[21‑Nov‑2024] On November 21, MA Governor Maura Healey signed into law an act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers. This law will reform how clean energy is permitted, accelerate progress toward climate goals, and ensure siting is informed by environmental justice.

Butternut Mountain Fire

[19‑Nov‑2024] The uncontained Butternut Mountain Fire – located just west of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) outside of Great Barrington, MA – is burning on East Mountain and threatening the trail between Home Road (Brush Hill Road) and Lake Buel Road (NOBO miles 1,530.9 to 1,535.5). This includes Tom Leonard Shelter. VIEW ALL NEWS AND EVENTS VIEW ALL REGULATIONS

Join Us!

AMC is actively engaged in conservation and research from Maine to Virginia, helping to ensure the future enjoyment of the outdoors for all. Our approach to conservation combines science, advocacy, and on-the-ground protection of land and trails.

If you'd like to work with us to conserve our natural treasures, please consider joining the Conservation Committee. We need volunteers who can help with:

• Reporting: Investigate and write stories on conservation-related matters in western Massachuetts; monitor current events and inform about upcoming activities.
• Event Planning: Help plan and/or partipate in events, such as webinars, tabling, speaking engagements, demonstrations, conservation activities, etc.
• Research: Keep up with legistative matters – such as pending bills – and summarize issues for the general public.
• Advocacy: Work with decision makers, federal and state agencies, and a wide range of non-governmental partners to protect the outdoors.
• Trail Stewardship: Contribute time and energy to our A.T. Management and NET Management trail committees (volunteer positions include natural heritage and corridor monitors, trail maintainers, committee officers, and coordinators)

Even a small amount of volunteer time each month can go a long way!