Conserving and Protecting Lands

Under the Conservation Commission Act of 1957 (M.G.L. Ch. 40 §8C), the primary role of the Commission is to promote open space planning, acquisition, and management. The public perception of open space is broad, including for example, second growth forests, abandoned and active farmlands, parks, and sometimes golf courses, as well as all lands that have not seen human alteration. Open space also includes wetlands, ponds, streams, and other waterbodies and all lands in a predominantly natural, scenic, wild or open condition. Through the Westfield Wetlands Protection Ordinance, the Commission has adopted that wetland resource areas contribute to open land and passive recreation.

Land Conservation Opportunities for Landowners

The State of Massachusetts has several grant and funding opportunities for landowners who wish to permanently protect or conserve their property.
  • Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B - State tax program for landowners with forest, agriculture, and recreational land(s). Review the Chapter 61 Program Booklet
  • Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program (APR) - a voluntary state program that allows farmers to access the financial value of their land without needing to sell it due to costs and preserves the land for future generations through a deed restriction. Review the APR Program.
  • Conservation Restrictions (CRs) - for landowners that want to ensure permanent protection of specific conservation values, such as endangered species, wetlands, wildlife habitat, while permitting land uses consistent with the protection of those values. Review the CR Program.

Public Conservation Areas

The Commission directly owns +/- 143 acres of land which is permanently protected for conservation purposes and open to the public. Click any of the names below to be redirected to information on the City's Conservation Areas.

Private Conservation Restrictions

In addition to owning lands for conservation values, the Commission holds Conservation Restrictions (CRs) on private properties across Westfield. Both private and public landowners use conservation restrictions as a legally enforceable agreement for the purpose of permanent protection of their land or a portion thereof for specific conservation values while still being allowed to use their land. 

The Commission holds +/-211 acres of land in restriction for the purpose of conservation. 

These lands are privately owned, and public access is not permitted. 

Adams Nursey Conservation Restriction

Location: Springfield Street, along the Westfield River, 13 acres
Acquisition: CR placed on property in 1995 pursuant to Order of Conditions #333-0355 upon construction of Walmart store.
Purpose: Protection in perpetuity of the natural and open state of the riverbank and bluff areas for scenic enjoyment and promotion of a greenbelt area immediately adjacent to the Westfield River.

History: Land was previously owned and operated by Adams Nursey Inc and purchased by Walmart for $2.25M in 1993. Half the land was put into an Agricultural Preservation Restriction and the other into this CR.

Bannish Conservation Restriction

Location: Pontoosic Road, 7 acres
Acquisition: CR granted in 2015
Purpose: Protection in perpetuity for Open Space and conservation 
purposes in a natural, scenic, and undeveloped condition; furtherance of the Westfield 1998 OSRP for protection of scenic landscape, forest and farmland, water resources, wetlands, Zone II, and an unnamed intermittent stream.


History: Henry Bannish was one of the first Conservation Commissioners appointed in 1962. He dedicated his life purpose toward conservation and protection of natural resources in Westfield.

Corell - Seher Conservation Restrictions

CR Holder: Conservation Commission & Winding River
Location: Southampton Road, totaling 13.94 acres
Acquisition: CR granted in 2013 with use of CPA Funds
Purpose: Protection in perpetuity for prime soils, surface water, open space, scenic resources, historic resources, and wildlife habitat.

History: The land was formally agricultural and forested as part of the Seher Family Farm.

Baker Conservation Restriction

CR Holder: Conservation Commission and Franklin Land Trust
Location: Montgomery Road, 42 acres
Acquisition: CR granted in 2020 with use of CPA Funds
Purpose: Protection in perpetuity and exclusively for conservation purposes; Open Space, prime soils, farmland and forest land, furtherance of government policy, wildlife habitat.

History: Formally agricultural and forested lands; used for cattle grazing and growing vegetables.

Osborne Conservation Restriction 

Location: Montgomery Road, 5.3 acres
Acquisition: CR granted in 2019 pursuant to a Special Permit, Order of Conditions, and NHESP permit.
Purpose: Protection in perpetuity for wildlife and habitat, natural areas, scenic landscape, Open Space, water quality, and furtherance of government police of the 2018 OSRP.

History: Connects to several parcels of land, including the Wackerbarth CR, resulting in connected endangered species habitats.

Raddison Heights Conservation Restriction

Location: Plantation Circle, 32 acres
Acquisition: CR granted in 2007 pursuant to Open Space Subdivision Law and Special Permit through the Planning Board.
Purpose: Protection in perpetuity of ecological, aesthetic, and historic values, Ashley Brook, fauna, flora, hydrologic and geological features, mature trees, habitat, and natural state, Open Space.

History: Tuckahoe Development Corp began construction of the subdivision on Raddison Lane, Tiffany Circle, and Barrister Circle in 1997. Adjacent to existing open space as part of the development of Plantation Circle years earlier, the entire area creates 32 acres of connected wildlife habitat.

Wackerbarth Conservation Restriction

Location: Montgomery Road, 99.5 acres
Acquisition: CR granted in 2017 with use of CPA Funds.
Purpose: Protection in perpetuity of Open Space, scenery, wildlife and plant habitat, ecological importance, historic features

History: Used for pasture as evident by stone boundaries, currently a wooded lot, open fields, trails used by hikers and ATVs, though not open for public access.

East Mountain Road Conservation Restriction

Location: East Mountain Road, 8 acres
Acquisition: CR granted in 2025 pursuant to Special Permit and Open Space Subdivision Law
Purpose: Protection in Perpetuity of Open Space, Zone II, outdoor recreation, forest management, and invasive species management.

History: Formerly pasture, now young forest; a baseline report is yet to be completed with greater detail and property history.