Leverett seeks to protect 147 more acres of open space

LEVERETT - A campaign to permanently prevent development on a 147-acre farm and to provide public access to its hiking trails is seeking $25,000 in donations to supplement a state grant and town money.

Dakin reports uptick in pets needing homes

LEVERETT - The number of surrendered animals increased at Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society in 2011, but so did the number of adoptions.

Candice Lash, spokeswoman for the nonprofit shelter, said Dakin can't be 100 percent sure why both increased, but said the sagging economy is one of the main reasons for the increase in surrendered animals.

Renovation, expansion approved for Dakin adoption center

LEVERETT - The Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society's adoption center at 163 Montague Road has been approved for renovations and expansion by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Bruce Cohen, a member of the Zoning Board, said Thursday that "everything is in very good standing with them."

Area briefs

CAR SEATS: Child passenger car seat inspections will take place at the police station, 111 Main St., Jan. 21.

The inspections, which ensure the seats are installed properly, are open to all community members by appointment only.

To schedule an appointment, send email to felicianof@amherstma.gov or call 259-3355.

Hadley

Leverett session to explore use of war tax 'peace dividend'

LEVERETT - Like their counterparts in other area towns, municipal officials here are beginning work on local budgets for the coming year.

But they're also being invited to look this Friday at how they might spend a $1.7 million dividend the town could get - if the military budget were reduced.

Exploring Brushy Mountain's wilds in Leverett where forest will be preserved

ON BRUSHY MOUNTAIN, LEVERETT - Three centuries ago, settlers dug and laid stones here for homesteads and boundary fences, as forest birds flitted and moose and bobcats kept their distance. Time took those roofs and walls, leaving this forest to carry on. Though human activity today surrounds Brushy Mountain, up on its broad slopes, in its wetlands and birch groves, it remains nearly as wild today as in the 18th century. A lot of public and private money - $8.8 million - changed hands Dec. 23 to ensure that most of Brushy Mountain will remain undeveloped.

• Related stories: If you go

Kestrel Trust offers workshops on preserving land

If you go to Paul C. Jones Working Forest

To get a look at the northern boundary of the Paul C. Jones Working Forest in Leverett and Shutesbury, walk the non-motorized section of Rattlesnake Gutter Road.