Your Connection To the Outdoors
Pertaining in some way to conservation efforts or issues.
As the Commonwealth of Massachusetts addresses climate change through renewable energy development and other strategies, AMC and partners have urged Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to identify areas where solar development should be avoided and encouraged. A solar siting analysis by DOER found that almost 8,000 acres of forest and farmland were developed for ground-mounted solar between 2010-2019.
Did you know that AMC membership dues account for 65% of the chapter’s annual base income? (The balance comes from an endowment established in 1992 per bequest of a generous donor.) The chapter uses these funds to support our programs, activities, and basic business operations, as well as to reduce or eliminate participation costs to our members.
Meet some great people, get your hands dirty and help support our beautiful recreational and ecological sites. Work projects are open to all -- no prior experience is necessary. Please note that some projects require a moderate hike to and from the work site, and others will be off-trail adventures.
While the AMC supports the development of solar power, Massachusetts laws and regulations have permitted many thousands of acres of forest and farms to be lost to solar facilities. A decades old law is being interpreted to sharply curtail municipalities authority to zone for solar facilities to protect key resources. Bill H.4331 is a bill which would restore a municipality’s right to reasonably regulate solar power locations and is supported by the AMC. This bill needs your support to gain passage.
National Trails Day wouldn't be complete without celebrating the New England Scenic Trail (NET), one of Massachusetts' finest National Trails! Several volunteer section adopters, along with a few fantastic Western Massachusetts Chapter leaders, will be showcasing different parts of the trail on June 5th. All registration links are below and will provide the meeting time and length of each hike. Not familiar with the sections? Go to our new interactive Map!
One lesson that the nation has learned during the global pandemic, is how important nature and the outdoors are for our health; both mentally and physically. With a growing appreciation for the environment and an increase of the public enjoying open spaces, comes a greater responsibility to conserve and protect our land and the wildlife that thrives upon it.
Although the COVID 19 pandemic is by no means over, AMC and the Berkshire Chapter are applying careful evidence-based risk management practices to chart a path forward for volunteer-led outdoor activities to resume safely.
On June 22 we will begin offering volunteer-led activities in small groups employing social distancing measures. Group size will be capped at ten (10) participants including leaders. Activity leaders are receiving training on new trip safety protocols and procedures.
Effective 3/12/2020, "A Call to Action and Celebration of Biodiversity" is canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please stay safe and follow all guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On February 12th, the United States Senate voted 92 to 8 to pass legislation that included permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund ( LWCF). The LWCF, which is supported by a share of the income the federal government receives from off-shore oil and other leases, is the principal source of federal funds for land acquisition for parks and reserves as well as for recreational developments.
Conservation is one of three important pillars at the AMC, next to recreation and education. The AMC is involved in a number of conservation initiatives from DC to Maine. Two pressing conservation initiatives for the AMC involve land conservation and clean air. Read more about these issues below and find out how you can get involved.
AMC Western Massachusetts