The
town forest in North Adams was established in 1925 on 1000 acres of land
which protected the town water supply. An additional 5720 acres were acquired
at a later time. Over 404,000 trees were planted in this 6720 acre forest.The
town forest in North Adams was established in 1925 on 1000 acres of land
which protected the town water supply. An additional 5720 acres were acquired
at a later time. Over 404,000 trees were planted in this 6720 acre forest.
The forest has been inducted into The Town Forest Hall of Fame because it is the largest: 6720 acres.
This is what Harris Reynolds, the secretary of the Massachusetts Forestry Assocation, wrote about North Adams' Town Forest in The First Quarter Century of the Town Forest in Massachusetts (December 1939):
North Adams holds the record of owning the largest town forest in the state--6720 acres for the protection of its water supply. It has planted more than 400,000 trees and has experimented in the growing of hardwood species, especially locust for fence posts,--a tree which is expect to take the place of chestnut of that purpose. This year the city spend $3,500 on its forest, but it cut 247 cords of fuel wood and 120,00 feet of timber, most of which was used by the city. The value of these products and the sawdust which was sold amounted to $5,379, showing a profit of $1,879. Besides much improvement was made in planting, pruning and thinning.