Assabet River Bluff Fully Protected

Another long-time conservation effort has succeeded!

On June 2, SVT and the Concord Land Conservation Trust (CLCT) permanently protected the 6-acre Assabet River Bluff property when we accepted a conservation restriction (CR) on the land from the Town of Concord.

Situated along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in West Concord, Assabet River Bluff has extensive frontage on a Wild & Scenic section of the Assabet River. The property provides upland and wetland habitat for a diversity of wildlife, and it helps protect water quality for the fish and amphibians that inhabit the river.

The protection of Assabet River Bluff resulted from an innovative project that addressed two community needs: the need for open space and the need for affordable housing. 

In August 2022 (after a year of planning, negotiations, fundraising, and a Town Meeting vote), the Town of Concord and the Concord Housing Development Corporation purchased the 7-acre property. Six acres were designated to be protected as open space, and 1 acre was set aside for affordable housing. SVT and Concord Land Conservation Trust (CLCT) assisted with fundraising and public outreach to help the project succeed. 

Now that the CR is in place, the land is fully protected and can never be developed. SVT and CLCT will be responsible for monitoring the property to ensure its important ecological features are permanently protected.

We are thrilled to have a played a role in conserving this beautiful public space that buffers the adjacent waterway. Thank you to everyone who supported the project. 

Learn more about the Assabet River Bluff conservation effort