Notice of Proposed Best Value Grant Award Forest Legacy Program

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is announcing its intention to partner with the City of Fitchburg and the Towns of Ashby, Bolton, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend to acquire land or interest in land as part of the FY2023 Nashua Wild & Scenic Rivers and Forests Forest Legacy Project. The project aims to protect approximately 1,800 acres of land in the City of Fitchburg and the Towns of Ashby, Bolton, Fitchburg, Groton, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend. The grant award is for $5,000,000, and the duration of the grant is from February 2026 to September 2028. • The Forest Legacy Program project grant is awarded to DCR to fund acquisition of land included in a FLP project application. • The grant funds must be used for the acquisition of eligible lands or interests in lands. • The City of Fitchburg and Towns of Ashby, Bolton, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend will work with DCR and approved project partners to accomplish the grant requirements.