GLOUCESTER — Greenbelt, Essex County’s Land Trust, is working to protect hundreds of acres of forestland in Gloucester and Manchester. Once completed, the DeNormandie Woods/Long Hill Conservation Project will safeguard vital natural habitat, an extensive trail system, and key watershed land from development.
“Our effort to protect this vast, undeveloped land started over 25 years ago, and now we have the opportunity to finish the job,” Greenbelt President Chris LaPointe said. “Opportunities to protect such a significant amount of acreage in our area is unusual, and this ecologically rich land, with its well-used trail system, deserves to be conserved for the public good.”
The DeNormandie Woods Conservation Project includes Long Hill and links together City of Gloucester drinking water supply land, conservation land owned by the Town of Manchester, and parcels owned by Greenbelt and Manchester Essex Conservation Trust.
This project will complete the conservation of a 1,400-acre forest expanse that spans Gloucester, Manchester, and Essex. The land includes a beloved trail network that is enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
This ambitious conservation effort is a collaboration between Greenbelt, the commonwealth of Massachusetts, the city of Gloucester, Manchester Essex Conservation Trust, and potentially the town of Manchester.
Conserving this land will:
· Protects an existing, expansive trail network that connects Hooper Trask in the south to Cranberry Pond and Mount Ann in the north. Broad cart paths and twisty singletrack trails are all well-maintained and beloved by local hikers and mountain bikers.
· Ensures watershed protection, encompassing the headwaters of both Cat Brook and Wolf Trap Brook.
· Safeguards vital natural habitat recognized by the Commonwealth as essential for wildlife and healthy ecosystems.
· Protects land recognized as highly resilient to the impacts of climate change, preventing it from being developed.
Guided public site walks will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. and be led by LaPointe. Please meet at Dexter Pond on Colburn Road in Manchester. Questions, please contact Rachel Horgan, director of development and community engagement at rachel@ecga.org.