Forestry demonstration event

A free public informational event and field walk showcasing forest stewardship and conservation practices eligible for technical and financial assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be held on Saturday, July 11, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, at the Griswold/GTD Conservation Area on Lampblack Road in Greenfield.

Forest landowners and managers are invited to see examples of several forest management practices, including oak regeneration and invasive plant control. NRCS staff will be available to answer questions about financial and technical forestry assistance now available through the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP).

Pre-registration is not required, but is recommended and appreciated. Those who register in advance will receive a free copy of either “A Woodlot Owner’s Guide” or “A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts” (landowner’s choice; each a $5 value) at the event on July 11th. To register or for more information and directions, contact: Marcheterre Fluet, Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program Associate, Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D, 413-256-1201, x2 or marcheterrefluet@berkshirepioneerrcd.org.

The program on July 11 will begin with a brief introduction to the history of the property, including Bill Griswold’s lifelong commitment to conservation. NRCS staff will provide information about WHIP and EQIP funding, and the application process. Information about the Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program and Chapters 61, 61A and 61B will be provided by Forest Stewardship Associate Marcheterre Fluet of Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D and Alison Wright, Service Forester for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Consulting Forester Lincoln Fish will then lead a guided walk along well-maintained trails, explaining the ongoing forest management on the property.

The Griswold/GTD Conservation Area was donated to the Town of Greenfield by the Griswold family and the Greenfield Tap and Die Corporation, and has been managed since the 1970s for the multiple objectives of recreation, wildlife habitat, and forest products. The property is enrolled in the Forest Stewardship Program, and the Stewardship trail through 183 wooded acres and 13 acres of open field, is very popular with hikers, dog-walkers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers.

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