Forest Legacy Feature Tract:
Anciporch, Massachusetts
December 1995

The USDA Forest Service along with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management have protected Connecticut River Valley forest land from development through the Forest Legacy Program. Frank Anciporch, owner of 106 acres, sold his development rights and mineral rights to the U.S. Government on December 4, 1995. The restrictions will be recorded on the deed and will run with the land forever. Mr. Anciporch continues to own all remaining rights to the land, and he may manage the land according to a Forest Stewardship Plan.

Mr. Anciporch included two parcels of land in the transfer. One tract, in Northhampton connects to 400-acres of forested land that the City already protected from development. “This is a key parcel for the City” said Northhampton Mayor Mary Ford. “The Anciporch property complements city efforts to preserve this area's rich wildlife habitat and provides an ecological linkage between two stream basins.”

The other tract is in Hatfield. This tract is in the water supply district for the town. Thomas Quink, N.E. Program Manager for Forest Legacy at the University of Massachusetts Environmental Institute, commenting on the Hatfield portion said, “This is a prime example of how the Forest Legacy program can prevent fragmentation of forest land such as this, which adds significantly to the watershed, and provides prime habitat for black bears and neo-tropical songbirds.” Both communities strongly supported the acquisition of the Conservation Restriction. The Massachusetts DEM has agreed to have someone visit the landowner and forest every year to make sure the landowner is abiding by the easement.

The Forest Legacy Program protects important forest areas from any kind of development. The federal government purchases development restrictions from willing landowners. The landowner keeps all land rights not purchased by the federal government. Forests protected are important. They may provide key wildlife habitat, protect water quality, offer outstanding recreation opportunities, provide outstanding scenic views, contain historical sites or provide opportunities to continue traditional forest uses, such as timber harvesting.

The Forest Legacy Program is not just a federal program. A State may become a part of the Forest Legacy Program by completing an Assessment of Need. In this assessment the State designs a Forest Legacy Program to fit their needs.