BNRC purchase secures high ground on Hoosac Range

It wasn’t quite eBay, but a tip from North Adams resident Andy Kawczak about an Internet auction led directly to the establishment of an important new BNRC reservation in North County.

Kawczak alerted us to the fact that 195 acres draped over the ridgeline of the Hoosac Range in North Adams were about to be auctioned off by the bankruptcy court handling the dissolution of the Adelphia Communications Corp. Several months later, BNRC was named the winning bidder.

In December, BNRC added to the newly established Hoosac Range reservation with the purchase of 130 additional acres from J.W. Kelly Enterprises.

In aggregate, the newly conserved lands make up a stunning mosaic of natural features. Adjacent to Savoy Mountain State Forest and its spectacular hiking destination of Spruce Hill (also, curiously, directly above the Hoosac Tunnel), BNRC’s new holdings protect two-thirds of a mile of ridgeline at elevations of 2,500 feet and higher.

Sweeping westerly views of Mount Greylock, North Adams and Williamstown are to be had from open ledges. Beavers have created a pair of beautiful ponds and a gorgeous wet meadow on the tract. Moose sign is scattered amply under a canopy of maturing hardwoods and a forest floor notable in places for a rich and varied herbaceous layer.

The tract dominates the ridgeline before the dream is realized, it will be above North Adams and the Curran worth the wait. Highway.Its high elevation and abundance of dramatic ledge cliffs and watery features make it an thrilling candidate for a high-profile public walking trail.

Plans are underway, and though it will be a while before the dream is realized, it will be worth the wait.

BNRC Home

Home