Programs

Farm Bill

Conservation Security Program 2005

Massachusetts

Housatonic/Farmington watersheds

The watershed area lies in Berkshire County within the North and Central portions of the Housatonic River and the Farmington River.

The Housatonic and Farmington River Watersheds are one of the most biologically diverse regions in the state. Although the main stem of the Housatonic River is compromised by contamination with PCB’s, the numerous wetland and other water resources within its watershed provide exceptional stopover and nesting habitat for black and wood duck and migratory waterfowl. Deer, bear, upland game and non-game wildlife abound throughout the watershed. Fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing and hiking are therefore popular associated recreational activities enjoyed by the general public.

Farmers within this watershed areas are stewards of their land, operating with a long-term commitment to maintaining and improving these working lands for generations to come. Many of these farmers have employed improved management techniques and proven conservation practices; some with technical assistance form NRCS and some simply on-their-own.

Conservation practices such as permanent vegetative cover, cover crop, conservation cropping systems, nutrient management, pest management, pasture and hayland management, and prescribed grazing are commonplace on these farms.

Stewardship Rates

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Farmington watershed
Housatonic watershed

For Berkshire County farmer, clean water is key to conservation stewardship

Standing behind George Noble’s farmhouse, looking over his corn field to the rolling Berkshire hills beyond, you’d never guess that Tweenbrook Farm is within the city limits of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. But despite its city zip code, the farm is nestled on 110 acres between the Housatonic River on the west, Sykes Brook on the south and Sackett Brook on the north.

Tweenbrook Farm’s location along with Noble’s record of good conservation practices made the farm eligible for the federal Conservation Security Program (CSP). Noble was one of the first Massachusetts farmers selected for this landmark program.