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Governor Rell and Governor Patrick Announce Effort to Protect Habitat on the Connecticut-Massachusetts Border
States partner to preserve 450-acre property important to grassland birds

Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced the preservation of approximately 450 acres of land straddling the Connecticut and Massachusetts border, which will be managed jointly by the two states as habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other species.

“This is truly an historic day and demonstrates remarkable cooperation between states, private conservation groups and business,” Governor Rell said. “The types of lands suitable for grassland habitats are under tremendous development pressure, especially along the Connecticut River corridor. This purchase helps ensure that our states retain enough suitable land to continue attracting important migratory bird species, which are a part of the tremendous biodiversity that makes this region such a special place to live.”

“By reaching across state borders, we will be able to protect and restore this significant grasslands area and boost the Commonwealth’s land protection efforts,” said Governor Patrick.

With the land deal complete, the states will begin enhancing habitat on the property for Upland Sandpipers, Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Savannah Sparrows – all of which are expected to increase in number in both states as a result of the new protected area. The Wildlife Management Area will also likely attract a variety of mammal, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species. Wetlands on the property already harbor a sizeable Great Blue Heron rookery.

“Audubon applauds the States of Connecticut and Massachusetts for this important conservation success,” said Thomas R. Baptist, vice president and executive director of Audubon Connecticut. “This site is among the most promising areas in southern New England to establish a viable nesting area for state-endangered birds such as Upland Sandpiper and Grasshopper Sparrow. Its large size, well-drained soil conditions, existing vegetation structure and the fact that there are grassland birds nesting there already combine to make this site the perfect preserve to ensure the continued presence of these unique creatures in our state.”

Connecticut formally adopted a Grassland Habitat Conservation Initiative to protect critical grassland areas in 2006, while the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) uses a variety of tools and initiatives to manage and restore the Commonwealth’s grassland habitats as part of Governor Patrick’s $50 million annual commitment to land conservation. The purchase announced today mitigates the loss of grasslands elsewhere along the Connecticut River corridor.