Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

As you might know, the Conservation Commission proposes acquiring 13.7 acres of Forest Ridge directly abutting the Middlesex Fells to create and permanently protect a conservation area. Such conservation areas bring many benefits including recreation, habitat preservation and education. Acquisition of this parcel ensures local control in perpetuity. These conservation areas provide the crucial ecosystem services we all depend on – clean air, water, temperature regulation, and habitat for essential species like pollinators. 

The property contains several high-value habitats, protects the North Reservoir watershed, and advances both the open space goals of the Community Preservation Act and the resilience goals of Winchester’s Climate Action Plan. A trail connection to the Fells would provide recreation, education, birding, and nature opportunities for us all. Preserving the land also preserves a wildlife corridor from the Fells, maintaining habitat value and biodiversity. 

The appraised value of the land for development as a residential sub-division is $2.85 million[1]. The property has recently come under agreement between the property owner Shannon Investment Trust and Bell Point Realty, and so cannot be purchased directly by the Town, at this time[2]. If the agreement stands, the land can be protected only by invoking eminent domain, which requires the Town to pay the owner the appraised fair market value.

Grants and earmarks will cover a substantial part of the cost: 

-       Approved: $250K, state earmark sponsored by State Representative Michael Day;

-       Awarded: $27,900, state grant for one-time acquisition-related costs;

-       Awarded: $425K,  state Local Acquisition for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant;

-       Likely:$1M,  A federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. However, use in eminent domain is limited.

The remainder will be paid from Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, a dedicated source separate from the general operating budget, and which therefore does not compete with schools or services. The Winchester Committee on Community Preservation (WCCP) has expressed support for this use of CPA funds. 

In sum, Forest Ridge combines ecological value (ecosystem services, habitat and biodiversity), watershed protection, recreation value, strong funding support, no draw on the operating budget, and aesthetic value. The broad state and federal support signals that others also see the merit in conserving it.

More information can be found here.    https://www.winchester.us/316/Conservation-Commission#docaccess-a8a4664aeabce027195b391f31546149

Thank you for your support.   Tracy Olson,   Chair, Conservation Commission

If you support conserving this natural land, please sign this simple statement. Thank you. 

                 I support Winchester’s Conservation Commission in its acquisition, protection and preservation in perpetuity of the 13.7 acre                                                                              Forest Ridge property as a conservation area open to all.

[1] The Select Board and Conservation Commission have conducted multiple appraisals to confirm this valuation.
[2] The Select Board entered into a similar agreement last year as it explored acquisition in advance of Town Meeting.