SVT is delighted to be supporting the Town of Acton as it seeks to protect the 33-acre Moritz Forest ("Clement and Elizabeth H. Moritz Forest"), known locally as Wetherbee Woods, in the eastern part of town.
Part of an open space complex within the Nashoba Brook corridor, Moritz Forest sits adjacent to both the Town-owned Wetherbee Conservation Land and the popular Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. This area of town, located along Route 2 not far from the Concord Rotary, is known as the “Agricultural Gateway” of Acton.
Moritz Forest has long been a priority for protection by the Town of Acton, and after several years of conversations, the landowners have generously agreed to sell the land to the Town for less than the appraised value. The Town has asked SVT to hold the conservation restriction (CR) to ensure the ecological features are permanently protected.
The protection of Moritz Forest will:
- Safeguard the nearby Nashoba Brook and wetlands, protecting water quality and enhancing flood and drought resilience.
- Preserve forest, wetland, and vernal pool habitats that are home to a diversity of wildlife.
- Conserve a critical piece of the larger open space corridor, ensuring connectivity of habitat areas.
- Increase opportunities for passive recreation, including expanding the trail network along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.
Several partners are providing the funds that will protect this important habitat: The Town of Acton, the Acton Conservation Trust, SVT, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Commonwealth has awarded a $500,000 Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant to the project, which requires that the acquisition and the CR to be completed by June 2025, so we are looking forward to updating you with great news by midyear!