Conservation

The Western MA Chapter's territory includes some of the finest scenery in the state:

• The Appalachian Trail corridor
• The New England Trail
• The Housatonic and Westfield River watersheds, and
• The New England Mountains, including the Greylock Massif, Berkshire Hills, Hoosac and Holyoke ranges, and much of the Taconics.

But with these wondrous blessings comes the responsibility to steward it thoughtfully.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

News and Events

New Access to Outdoor Recreation on Millers River Celebrated

[06‑Sep‑2025] After nearly 20 years of partnership and collaboration, the MA Department of Fish and Game's Office of Fishing & Boating Access has constructed a canoe and kayak launch in the Millers River Wildlife Management Area. This project opens up 6.6 new river miles for paddling, fishing, and adventure, from Royalston to Athol through the Bearsden Conservation Area.

Grants Awarded to Boost Woodland Restoration and Community Tourism in Western MA

[28‑Aug‑2025] Through the Woodlands Partnership Program of Northwest Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is providing funding to six rural communities and three regional organizations focused on conservation and economic development. These grants will improve outdoor recreation opportunities in public forests, ensure community safety, and implement sustainable forestry practices that promote forest resilience.

New MassTrails 10 Campaign Seeks to Spotlight 10 MA Trails

[22‑Aug‑2025] MassTrails oversees a vast network of trails across MA that link communities through green transit, foster tourism, and promote economic opportunity. The MassTrails 10 Campaign seeks to showcase recreational opportunities at ten signature trails, as well as connection options to local transit and broader trail networks. VIEW ALL NEWS AND EVENTS VIEW ALL REGULATIONS

Join Us!

AMC is actively engaged in conservation and research from Maine to Virginia, helping to ensure the future enjoyment of the outdoors for all. Our approach to conservation combines science, advocacy, and on-the-ground protection of land and trails.

If you'd like to work with us to conserve our natural treasures, please consider joining the Conservation Committee. We need volunteers who can help with:

• Reporting: Investigate and write stories on conservation-related matters in western Massachuetts; monitor current events and inform about upcoming activities.
• Event Planning: Help plan and/or partipate in events, such as webinars, tabling, speaking engagements, demonstrations, conservation activities, etc.
• Research: Keep up with legistative matters – such as pending bills – and summarize issues for the general public.
• Advocacy: Work with decision makers, federal and state agencies, and a wide range of non-governmental partners to protect the outdoors.
• Trail Stewardship: Contribute time and energy to our A.T. Management and NET Management trail committees (volunteer positions include natural heritage and corridor monitors, trail maintainers, committee officers, and coordinators)

Even a small amount of volunteer time each month can go a long way!