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By ANNE DIETRICH

As we step into a new political era with Monday’s inauguration of Donald Trump, many wonder how his administration’s environmental policies will shape our future. With proposed rollbacks on climate agreements and renewable energy projects, those of us in the Pioneer Valley who cherish nature may feel uncertain and anxious. But beyond just affecting nature, the new president’s policies also impact leisure activities, recreation, and sport. As a sports lover, I am concerned about President Trump’s (lack of) environmental agenda. If you care about sports — from community games to professional leagues — there are things we all can do to protect this favorite pastime.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A 500-acre section of forested land connected to Mount Toby in Sunderland, west of Route 63, is being returned to the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band as a gift from W.D. Cowls Inc.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A New Hampshire timber company has closed on a massive land buy of nearly 2,400 acres in seven communities in Hampshire and Franklin counties, acquiring five parcels for more than $20 million from Amherst-based W.D. Cowls Inc.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

MONTAGUE — The Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, in collaboration with the Franklin County Community Land Trust, has protected the 47-acre Watroba property, described as “a fantastic wildlife corridor” and the home of prime farmland.The Watroba...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Residents, town officials and the legislative delegation are raising concerns about a proposed forest management plan for land at the edge of the Quabbin Reservoir that could involve removing many tall white pines using large equipment...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Kestrel Land Trust is permanently protecting a forest featuring more than 200 acres of white pine and mixed hardwoods on Montague Road, where a centuries-old dam was removed over the summer.A $327,000 grant from the Executive Office of...

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — Selectboard members voted unanimously on Wednesday not to participate in an outdoor air quality sensor program after learning the data collected would not directly benefit the town.The Hitchcock Center for the Environment, located on the...

By DOMENIC POLI

WENDELL — A battery energy storage bylaw that voters overwhelmingly approved in May has been rejected by the state Attorney General’s Office for failing to comply with procedural safeguards embedded into state zoning laws.Wendell residents voted 100...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — A $100 million fund to support the health and resilience of the Connecticut River watershed, including money that would go toward improving aging flood controls and dikes and upgrading water and sewer systems, is being sought by area...

By BILL DANIELSON

Stress. Anxiety. Panic. Sound familiar? Well, don’t worry because it’s not just you. Everyone is feeling it. You are not alone. That being said, the feelings of stress, anxiety and even the occasional rush of panic is no less real just because others...

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — The Historical Commission made its case for the preservation of the Wiley-Russell Dam Thursday in a meeting attended by officials from the Connecticut River Conservancy and Mayor Ginny Desorgher’s office.The meeting followed Desorgher’s...

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — With a $99,900 grant, Regenerative Design Group, a Greenfield-based ecological design firm, will develop best practices to help implement the state’s Healthy Soils Action Plan.The state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs...

By BILL DANIELSON

September and October are months of farewell and I spend a lot of time trying to squeeze in a last visit with each species of bird before the they finally decide to pack it in and head south. Great friends that have spent the entire summer with me...

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM

During her nearly three decades roaming the snowy wilderness of the Teton Range, Grizzly No. 399 became a beloved mama bear with millions of parkgoers following her yearly adventures and her ever-growing family tree.Nature lovers are mourning the...

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE – Town officials have set a goal to remove the expansive asbestos and brick pile at 16-36 West River St. before the new year. The debris was left in the wake of an arson at the former cereal factory, which was burned down by three juveniles on...

By ALEXA LEWIS

Mass Audubon has received the largest federal grant in its 128-year history — $25 million to protect 10,000 acres in the Connecticut River watershed, which will include projects in Pioneer Valley municipalities up and down the river.The funding from...

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

A new conservation agent has been hired to serve the towns of Ashfield, Buckland, Hawley, Whately and Williamsburg.Greenfield resident Kelly Kowal was chosen out of 27 applicants. A hiring committee consisting of representatives from each town...

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

COLRAIN — If the Selectboard’s application is successful, some of the funding from a nearly $1.5 million Barnhardt Manufacturing Co. settlement in 2019 following a sulfuric spill could potentially help the town explore removal of a lower reservoir...

TURNERS FALLS — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will hold a public information and input session regarding FirstLight Hydro Generating Co.’s application for a water quality certification from MassDEP.The...