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In late fall of 2010, DCT learned of an exciting opportunity to help preserve over 11 acres of land bordering Grassy Pond and Clay Pond, in East Dennis off of Setucket Road. Please see map below...
Why this land is important to protect: This 11-acre property will be a spectacular addition to protected lands not only in Dennis, but also on Cape Cod in general. It links to almost 250 acres of open space lands protected by the Town of Dennis, the MA Department of Fish & Game (DFG), and the Dennis Water District (DWD). Acquisition of this property will help to preserve a natural, woodland habitat; enhance the adjoining open space lands; protect the quality of the public water supply; preserve important wildlife habitat; protect critical freshwater wetland resources; and expand passive recreation opportunities. Unquestionably, this is an important natural resource area in Town, and a critical parcel to protect. DCT is especially eager to preserve this tract, as there are very few parcels this size remaining in Dennis.
What's Happened to Date: DCT has acted as the pre-acquisition agent for this property over the past 2+ years on behalf of the Town, to coordinate a funding plan that would result in the protection of this beautiful conservation land in perpetuity. We achieved virtually unanimous Town support at the Nov. 2012 Special Town Meeting for a $300,000 contribution in Community Preservation Act funds. In March of 2013 the Town was awarded a State LAND grant for $400,000 towards the purchase of the property. In April, Dennis rate payers voted unanimously to authorize a $142,500 contribution by the DWD to purchase a Conservation Restriction (CR) on the Town land to help protect Town water supply. DCT will be contributing the final $142,500 and will co-hold the CR with DWD.
What's Next: The Town will close on the property by June 30, 2013, at which time DCT and DWD will purchase the CR from the Town. In the end, the entire 11.2 acres will be preserved for wildlife habitat and water supply protection, and at the same time will be opened to the public for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Project completion will mark a major victory in a community partnership.
Recent Projects Achieve Major Success! (See Below)
Coles Pond Bog-Purchased: December 2010!
After three years of discussion, campaigning, and a generous donation made by Marge Milano, long time resident of East Dennis, DCT took its final step to acquire the 7-acre Coles Pond Bog property in East Dennis, closing on the land in December of 2010. In May of 2010 DCT applied for an $85,000 State's Conservation Partnership Grant to help off-set the $500,000 acquisition cost and solidify the purchase. Six months later the State announced that DCT would be awarded the $85,000. The Town's Conservation Commission agreed to and will hold a Conservation Restriction over the land, assuring the land will remain as open space in perpetuity.
This property is open to the public for passive recreation and education purposes.
Old Fort Field-Closed On: March 2011!
In the fall of 2009 the Trust learned it had a unique opportunity to purchase and preserve 8.2 acres of land in Dennis Village. DCT was able to raise roughly half of the $425,000 purchase price. That money was raised through generous donations and pledges.
To try and offset the purchase price, DCT and The Town applied for a State Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant for an amount of up to 52% of the appraised Conservation Restriction (CR), which was valued at $385,000. In October, 2010 the State announced the grant awards and the Town of Dennis' proposal was accepted. The Town of Dennis was awarded a grant of $200,000 to purchase a CR on the lands.
The Town purchased the CR on March 8, 2011 at which time DCT closed on the property, opening it up for passive recreation and educational pursuits. Since that time, a walking trail has been developed and is now open for public enjoyment.
Click Here for PICTURES
Years from now, when you and your future generations walk the natural paths and places of Dennis, take pride in knowing that your continued efforts helped preserve them.
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