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State protects endangered species habitat in Wareham and Plymouth

Print | Comments () Posted by Beth Daley January 29, 2010 06:41 AM

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The state has purchased 245 acres of land on Red Brook in Wareham and Plymouth that will protect one of the most diverse fish and wildlife habitats in the Commonwealth.

The acquisition of Century Bog by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game and its Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will protect habitat for 11 rare species, several fish species and other wildlife. It was bought for $3 million from A.D. Makepeace.

“Under Governor Patrick, the Commonwealth has undertaken the largest land conservation initiative in state history, and this important partnership with A.D. Makepeace is our latest success,” said Secretary Bowles. “This project…is in line with our efforts to protect 54,000 acres of land across the Commonwealth in the past two years – the equivalent of 74 acres per day.”

The property consists of 176 acres in Wareham and 69 acres in Plymouth, beginning at the southern end of White Island Pond and linking to MassWildlife’s Red Brook Wildlife Management Area. With the Century Bog acquisition completed, 883 acres of contiguous land are permanently protected, from the headwaters of Red Brook all the way to Buttermilk Bay, a shallow estuary located at the head of Buzzards Bay.

Funding for the acquisition comes from the $1.7 billion Energy and Environment Bond Bill signed by Governor Patrick in August 2008.

“This is the most important acquisition for the agency this year,” said Division of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin, who added that her agency plans to develop a comprehensive restoration plan for the property that includes consideration of climate change adaptation strategies.

As part of the deal, A.D. Makepeace – the world’s largest cranberry grower and the largest private landowner in eastern Massachusetts – has the right to continue its cranberry operations at the bog for five years. The company has agreed to provide further restoration services on the property such as removing culverts, and excavating the main channel.