Press Release
From the Office of
State Representative
Gale D. Candaras

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Darlotte J. Gay
	413-599-4785
	617-722-2520
	dgay@galecandaras.org

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CANDARAS ANNOUNCES $375,000 GRANT FOR RICE FRUIT FARM AQUISITION

WILBRAHAM, MA -- January 18, 2005 -- Representative Gale D. Candaras (D-Wilbraham) announced today an award of $375,000 to the Rice Farm Nature Preserve through the Self-Help Open Space Grant Program, a state sponsored environmental program.

This award is a key part of the overall financing for the 150 acre Rice Nature Preserve, which rises high above the east side of Main Street and offers spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley and distant hills. “Wilbraham is famous throughout the Northeast for its peaches and the Rice Fruit Farm is among the best peach growers in the area. The Farm has grown to symbolize the lasting heritage of agriculture at its best and we want to see the land preserved as farmland,” Representative Candaras said. Candaras thanked Senator Brian Lees for his support in obtaining the grant. Senator Lees said, “It is important to preserve this land as open space. I was happy to support such a worthwhile grant proposal.”

The recent approval of the Community Preservation Act in the Town is directly related to the work of the Open Space and Recreation Committee (OSRP) and the Land Trust to permanently protect this important place in the natural and social history of the community. Candaras said, “This is the culmination of much hard work over a period of 5 years and everyone involved should be proud of this accomplishment.”

The prolific orchards of Rice Farm comprise the largest fruit farm in Hampden County and, reportedly, the oldest continuing commercial peach orchard in Massachusetts. It is also the location of a critical wildlife corridor and home to several wildlife species threatened by the loss of habitat.

The Community Preservation Act funds will provide a portion of the monies needed for the $1,350,000 purchase price established for the Farm. Forty thousand dollars of the Town’s conservation fund has already been paid to the owner as a deposit. Private fundraising is another key component and should be invigorated by this announcement. Tom Leary, who spearheaded the project for the Town said, “I am most appreciative of the efforts of Representative Gale Candaras and Senator Brian Lees in support of the grant.”