Blandford Select Board signs letter backing 577-acre Chester Road conservation acquisition

BLANDFORD — March 17, 2025 — Blandford Select Board backs 577-acre conservation acquisition and clears four financial warrants. The board signed a letter of support Monday for a Nature Conservancy purchase of the Terry property on Chester Road — a Christmas tree farm totaling 577 acres on both sides of the road — that would ultimately transfer land to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, expanding the Chester-Blandford State Forest, and to MassWildlife, with a proposed wildlife tunnel beneath the Massachusetts Turnpike included in the plan. Conservation Commission member Dick Gates, who brought the item forward, said the project "connects a lot of protected property on both sides." Board member George raised the potential tax-base loss, noting the town has already lost significant acreage to watershed protections, but no figures were available. Town Administrator Christina reported that a MassWorks grant amendment for Beach Hill will deliver the town's final reimbursement of $19,604 within three to five business days, and that the Blandford school assessment for the current fiscal year is $1.63 million, up $59,000 from fiscal year 2024. The board then voted by roll call to enter executive session to discuss a draft highway superintendent contract with Highway Superintendent Ray.