MIDDLEBORO – Town Meeting voted to conserve 280.6 acres of land in Northern Middleboro totaling at $2,707,500 on Monday, Oct. 16.

The land, located near Vernon, Pleasant and Plymouth Streets consists of forest and wetlands with 2.3 miles of frontage along the Taunton River.

According to Conservation Agent Patricia Cassady, the town is purchasing the land from the Taylor and Bertarelli families. The total coast for acquiring the land is $2,707,500 with the town paying  $533,000 toward the project with funds being appropriated through the Community Preservation Act.

The area has great ecological and cultural significance with five protected species identified by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

“At one time, Native people inhabited the area because of the Taunton River,” said Cassady.

According to Cassady, the state has identified three potential vernal pools on the property but have yet to certify them. She said that the conservation of this land will further protect the drinking water of the newly established Mizaras well site. 

“This must be one of the most important projects that we have had the pleasure to be a part of,” said Community Preservation Committee Chair Kimberly French. “It is a wonderful asset to the town of Middleboro.”

Additional funding comes from a Massachusetts Landscape Partnership grant that will cover $1,250,000 in funds and $924,500 being paid by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

According to Town Manager James McGrail,  the project will meet the goals set in the Town Open Space & Recreation Plan and the Climate Resilience section of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan. 

Cassady said that a public tour of the land will be scheduled in the near future.