Forest Legacy: Protection on a Landscape Scale

The Nashua River Watershed Association and its partners utilize the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Legacy program to protect thousands of acres of forested land in our watershed. The focus of the Forest Legacy program is to protect forests from conversion to non-forest uses. Undeveloped forests slow the flow of water across the land allowing it to be filtered and purified before reaching water supplies. These forested lands prevent contaminants from reaching our rivers, streams, and wetlands; they provide wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities; and they help to sustain the local working forest economy. Our forests are among the best in the country for providing clean drinking water, and lie within a short distance of major metropolitan areas.

The Quabbin Reservoir to Wachusett Mountain (Q2W) project, in which NRWA is a partner, is currently ranked by President as the second most important forest protection project in the United States. This places the project in excellent position to be funded, but that funding is dependent on passage of a federal 2013 budget that provides adequate monies to the Forest Legacy program. The Q2W project application seeks $5,045,000 to protect 3,275 acres in the towns of Barre, Hubbardston, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, and Westminster. Sixty-eight projects from across the nation submitted for funding in the 2013 federal budget, were cut to a list of 20 potential projects, which were then ranked for funding. This complex project to protect multiple properties involves 23 landowners, town boards, and a multitude of organizations including NRWA, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Water Supply Protection, East Quabbin Land Trust, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, North County Land Trust, and the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership, acting as lead partner.

The Southern Monadnock Plateau Forest Legacy project was presented for funding in three phases. Phase I of the project requested and received $2.6 million and protected 1,162 acres in Ashburnham, Ashby, Fitchburg, and Westminster. The work to protect the final parcel in this phase was completed in October 2010. Approximately 2,000 acres in Ashburnham, Ashby, Fitchburg, and New Ipswich, NH will be protected by Phase II, which requested and received $3.3 million. The final application, Phase III, asked for $5 million to protect 2,233 acres in Ashburnham, Ashby, Gardner, Westminster, Winchendon, and Mason, NH. Although the project received a relatively high ranking for federal funding, it appears that there will be insufficient funds in the 2012 Forest Legacy budget to fund this phase. The three phases of this project were collaboratively developed and executed by NRWA, North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership (as lead partner), the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, North County Land Trust, Ashby Land Trust, Ashburnham Conservation Trust, and officials from the involved towns. View project map.

Each of these Forest Legacy applications pieced together small individual priority parcels across town and state lines into large corridors of protected working forests-- what our Land Programs Director refers to as “quilting a corridor.” The Forest Legacy program funds 75% of a project, so each application had to demonstrate a minimum 25% local match. The applications then underwent a competitive review process at both the state and federal levels, with only the top ranked projects receiving funding. Once federal funding is received, local partners proceed with the protection of each individual parcel through such vehicles as Conservation Restrictions or fee-simple transfer of ownership.

Our Forest Legacy builds on our previous U.S. EPA funded "Protecting Today's Water for Tomorrow" project, and our Source Water Stewardship Project.  

If you are a landowner interested in protecting your forest property, we offer our FAQs for Landowners. For more information about Forest Legacy or other land protection programs, please contact Al Futterman, NRWA Land Programs and Outreach Director, at the NRWA at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Citizen Action: Local Greenway Committees and Friends Groups

Protecting and managing the watershed’s riverfront lands continues to be a key aspect of the NRWA’s overall watershed management plan. Volunteers are helping the Greenway grow through community outreach, landowner assistance, and improving the management of Greenway lands. Local land trusts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire partner with the NRWA to protect riverfront greenway, as does the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Wild and Scenic Stewardship Council. There are also volunteers who directly assist the NRWA, and, in some communities, have formed local groups with which the NRWA works closely. Several Greenway committees, some established by local governments and some by citizen volunteers, work to complete the protection of the Nashua River and its tributaries, including:

Fitchburg Greenway Committee in Fitchburg, MA

The NRWA has been a key participant in the Fitchburg Greenway Committee (FGC) from its inception. The FGC evolved directly from the Fitchburg Stream Team, initiated by the NRWA, which was active in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, and includes many of the same core members. The Stream Team produced two shoreline surveys inventorying existing conditions in and alongside of the entire seven mile stretch of the river throughout the City. A report addressed most pressing issues and the most likely opportunities for improvement, including the cleanup of a massive riverside illegal dump along West Street, which the Team successfully undertook. That site is now Fitchburg’s new Gateway Park and loop trail, a collaborative project that involved many partners including Fitchburg Greenway Committee, the NRWA, the City of Fitchburg, the MA Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, The Trustees of Reservations, North County Land Trust, and WDC Construction, Inc. Today’s FGC is active in several areas including riverfront open space protection; Riverfront Park modifications resulting in greater access to the river, as well as improved in-stream habitat and flow conditions; updating of the city’s wetland ordinance; and numerous educational events. The Trustees of Reservations named the Fitchburg Greenway Committee as its Conservationists of the Year in 2010.

Groton Greenway Committee in Groton, MA

The Groton Greenway Committee was established in 1989 at the request of the Nashua River Watershed Association. The Committee sponsors nature walks, canoe trips, river cleanups, water chestnut pulls, and also a semi-annual river festival. Its official charge is to:

• protect river and stream frontage in Groton, particularly along the Nashua and Squannacook Rivers;
• complete a buffer along these waterways to prevent pollution and provide flood protection, recreation, wildlife habitat, trail connectors, and scenic beauty;
• educate townspeople to the environmental and financial importance of protecting riverfront lands;
• seek gifts of land or easements along the riverways; and,
• seek the opportunity to purchase frontage.

View the Groton Greenway Committee’s “Completing the Vision” slideshow. 

Shirley Greenway Committee in Shirley, MA

The Shirley Greenway Committee if officially charged to:

• Conserve and enhance waterfront land to protect and preserve Shirley’s river, stream, and pond resources, and coordinate with other greenway efforts in the Nashua River Watershed

• Work with Town Boards, Commissions, and Departments in the implementation of the Town of Shirley’s Open Space and Recreation Plan 

• Work with the Board of Selectman, Conservation Commission, and landowners for the acquisition of land for conservation and recreation purposes, and other purposes protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts constitution

View "Keeping Shirley's Waterways Clean" a video produced by Girl Scout Troop 73497. 

Lancaster Friends of the Nashua River in Lancaster, MA 

Lancaster Friends of the Nashua River was a chapter of the Nashua River Watershed Association formed in 2011. The Friends group defined its mission and goals for work in Lancaster -- raising consciousness among Lancaster residents and promoting environmental education -- deliberately designing its activities to dovetail with and support the mission and goals of the broader NRWA. The group raised funds and implemented projects to improve trails at the Cook Conservation Area and held annual river festivals for a number of years.

Monoosnoc Brook Greenway Project in Leominster, MA

The Monoosnoc Brook Greenway Project was a partnership between residents and businesses of Leominster formed in 1987, as part of the Nashua River Watershed Association, to provide stewardship for the Monoosnoc Brook watershed. The project responded to the concerns of local businesses and City officials who noted the neglect and deterioration of the brook which had become littered with garbage. Through cleanups, site work, education and other events, the MBGP has been successful in restoring the beauty of the brook, and walking trails and small park areas have been established. MBGP has provided hundreds of free programs to school children in Leominster, has installed rain gardens and outdoor classroom spaces at Fall Brook Elementary School, and conducted an Annual Cleanup of the brook for over 25 years.

For more information about greenway groups and NRWA’s work to protect riverside greenway, please contact Al Futterman, NRWA Land Programs Director, at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Greenway Trails: Conservation and Recreation

Recreational opportunities and public access to our rivers are benefits of improved water quality and riverside greenway protection. The creation of riverside parks, hiking trails, and rail trails is a part of NRWA’s work to promote and preserve greenway in our watershed.

Rail Trails

Since 2000, the NRWA has been continuously involved in the Squannacook River Rail Trail (SRRT) project, the goal of which is to build a rail trail along the MBTA owned, but discontinued, Greenville Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad that runs near the Squannacook River. Work on the SRRT is being forwarded by the non-profit organization, Squannacook Greenways.

The SRRT, as proposed, is a 3.7 mile rail trail that would stretch from West Groton to Townsend center, passing by the North Middlesex Regional High School, two shopping centers, historical districts, protected open space, and other key resources; furthermore, it would allow for alternative transportation parallel to, but off of, the heavily trafficked Route 119. There is strong community support for this project and abutter concerns have been considered and addressed.

The NRWA recognizes the unique opportunity such a trail would have to highlight and complement the Squannacook River Greenway, which includes associated state conservation lands. A level and easy-to-navigate linear rail trail is an “entrance pass” to the outdoors for a great many people who would otherwise choose not to venture into the “wilderness”.

The NRWA also played a role in the creation of the Nashua River Rail Trail that runs 11 miles from Ayer, Massachusetts to Nashua, New Hampshire. The paved trail, which officially opened in 2002, is built on the old Hollis Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad. The Hollis Branch was purchased by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (formerly the Department of Environmental Management) in 1987, and the path was built by Mass Highway. The paved trail is open for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing, and includes a seven-mile stretch with an added gravel path for equestrians.

For rail trail recreation information

Riverside Parks

Riverside parks in the watershed’s urban areas have been invaluable in allowing city residents and businesses to revitalize their city centers around the natural beauty of their riverfront. Both Fitchburg, Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire have included the Nashua River as a key component in their redevelopment plans. View the North Nashua River Master Plan for Fitchburg and the Nashua, NH Master Plan.

The North Nashua River winds for 7.5 miles through the heart of the City of Fitchburg. Through the efforts of the NRWA, the City, the Fitchburg Greenway Committee, and numerous other entities including the North County Land Trust, The Trustees of Reservations, and the Commonwealth, Fitchburg has been successful in protecting sections of its Greenway and has created three riverside parks for the enjoyment of its citizens. The Steamline Trail Park reminds hikers of the city’s historic link to the river as it begins at the old Central Steam Plant and follows alongside the pipes that once powered Fitchburg mills. Riverfront Park offers a large open space for festivals and community events. Fitchburg’s newest park, Gateway Park, has a trail, recreational space, picnic areas, and community gardens. For more about park and trails in Fitchburg. 

In Nashua, New Hampshire, the Nashua River runs through the center of the old downtown area which is experiencing a strong revival. Mine Falls Park is a 325-acre park bordered by the Nashua River and the Mill Pond and canal, once used for generating power in Nashua’s mills. The park has extensive trails and access to the water for boating and fishing. At the center of the downtown area, the City has created a Riverwalk that extends for stretches on both sides of the river giving visitors views of the river and historic mills, as well as providing pedestrian access to downtown shops, restaurants, and the public library. For more about parks and trails in Nashua.

For more Recreational opportunities throughout the watershed.

Protecting the Nashua River Greenway

The Nashua River Watershed Association acts as advocate and advisor for the establishment of the Nashua River Greenway. Conservation of the river’s edge is a priority, as expressed in our founding vision of “sparkling blue water with a ribbon of green alongside it.” NRWA encourages a permanently protected open space corridor along both banks of the Nashua River, its main tributaries, and its smaller streams as well. In rural areas, this Greenway can be a natural buffer (ideally 300 feet wide) to filter pollutants, prevent soil erosion, provide floodways, protect wildlife habitat, and offer outdoor recreation, like riverfront trails. In urban areas, the Greenway can conserve water supplies, increase the value of land adjacent to the Greenway, stimulate downtown revitalization, and provide riverside parks for recreation and public access to the river.

The Association has chosen not to acquire land itself, and has passed a Conservation Restriction Policy. We do work closely with local Greenway committees, landowners, communities, conservation groups, and public agencies to help them protect and improve riverfront lands.

In its first three decades, the Greenway expanded from 2 miles of protected riverfront to 84 miles. In the past decade, that figure has more than doubled to over 174 miles of shoreline that are dedicated to open space. The environmental and economic benefits of the Greenway are being realized. While much has already been accomplished, there is much to be done. View Nashua River greenway map and greenway statistics.

To conserve land along the Nashua River and its tributaries, the NRWA promotes the purchase or donation of riverfront lands, conservation agreements with private landowners, and land use controls (zoning, wetlands protection, and low impact development). In addition to promoting Greenway protection, the Association encourages appropriate uses and improvements for lands along the river, such as agriculture, forestry and wildlife management; canoe launches and picnic areas; hiking trails, walkways, and bikeways; and parks and riverfront design in urban areas. To encourage these improvements, the NRWA offers assistance on design projects and management plans for Greenway lands.

A considerable public and private investment has made clean-up of the Nashua River a reality. The Greenway protects this investment while it enhances the use and enjoyment of the river. As water quality continues to improve and as more riverfront conservation lands are connected, the Greenway becomes an increasingly important asset to our communities.

If you have Greenway property that you are interested in protecting, or if you would like more information about NRWA’s work to protect our Greenway, please contact Al Futterman, NRWA Land Programs Director, at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Marion Stoddart Greenway Fund

Protecting greenway has been a lifetime passion of Marion Stoddart, one of NRWA’s founders. In 2013, to honor Marion on her 85^th birthday, the Marion Stoddart Greenway Fund (MSGF) was created. 

The Marion Stoddart Greenway Fund is dedicated to the Nashua River Watershed Association's programs and activities to expand, promote and permanently protect greenways along the rivers, streams, and wetlands in the Nashua River watershed; to increase awareness of the role of greenways in protecting water quality and in providing habitat and corridors for wildlife; and to encourage the use where appropriate of greenways for education and recreation.

Support Marion’s greenway vision, contribute now to the Marion Stoddart Greenway Fund.