More than 580 acres in Blandford, Massachusetts, have been permanently conserved to create the new 360-acre Blandford Wildlife Management Area and expand the Chester-Blandford State Forest. The project secures a rare, protected wildlife corridor across the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), linking over 39,000 acres of land, to MassWildlife.
“The Appalachians are one of the most important landscapes in the world for biodiversity, and conserving this property helps keep that landscape connected across one of New England’s busiest transportation corridors,” said Kris Sarri, Massachusetts state director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
This intact connection is vital for climate resilience, giving animals the space to safely navigate a heavily divided landscape. In fact, MassDOT and TNC have already documented black bears, bobcats, coyotes, and river otters using a culvert to cross beneath the highway.
“As our climate changes, connected landscapes are essential for wildlife to move, adapt, and thrive,” Sarri added.
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