Map showing location of acquired property in the Upper Parker River WMA
Toolkit and Actions
Science and Prioritization
Lead Organization: MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Land Protection Program
Project Contact: Anne Gagnon (MA DFW)
About the Project
On April 30, 2014 the DFG/DFW Land Protection Program acquired 96 acres of land from Salem-School Street Inc. for a purchase price of $795,000. This property is now part of DFW’s Upper Parker River Wildlife Management Area and is the newest addition to the larger 920 acre complex of land that has been protected by the towns of Georgetown and Groveland, the Essex County Greenbelt Association, and the Commonwealth. This area is noted for its remarkable co-occurrence of state-listed reptiles and amphibians, its abundance of wetland areas, and its relatively intact landscapes. Colloquially called “Turtleland,” this area is one of the top sites in Massachusetts for the state-listed Blanding’s Turtle and home to other rare turtles and salamanders. Many common wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, beaver, spotted turtle and snapping turtle also inhabit the area. The property acquired by DFG/DFW will provide outdoor recreational opportunities such as hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Related News
- Partners remove over 600 tires during “Turtle Land” cleanup (October 2015)
