BRWD currently owns over 100 acres within the 960 acre Adams Pond watershed, the majority for source water protection. This latest land acquisition is a property with over 10 acres of wetlands, four small stream drainages and acres of wooded, undeveloped land.
“Small headwater streams, wetlands and intact forests, particularly those that border streams, are key habitats that protect both surface and ground water quality,” Mello said, “This property has everything we look for when we think about safeguarding the public water supply.”
The current property owners, Carl and Jeannie Hamrin, have been excellent stewards of the 68-acre parcel, which is adjacent to their residence. For many years, the Hamrins have used the land for recreation and timber harvest, under the guidance of a forest management plan.
BRWD is not only thankful for the grant opportunity, they are particularly thankful to the current property owners.
“The whole community should be grateful to the Hamrins for protecting this valuable property for so many years and for their willingness to ensure it will be protected in perpetuity,” District Manager Jon Ziegra said.
BRWD hopes to complete the Hamrin property purchase by this spring and stream restoration work will be completed over next summer. Fluvial geomorphologist John Field, who uses trees and natural structures to restore streams and rivers, will accomplish the restoration work and monitoring for BRWD.