In order for land to be considered for acquisition or acceptance
by the Conservation Commission, the parcel or parcels in question
should have at least one of the following characteristics:
A. Adjacent to other conservation or recreation lands.
B. Part of the Mount Holyoke Range, or have frontage on the Connecticut
River.
C. Rare species habitat [as identified by the National Heritage and
Endangered Species Program (NHESP)].
D. Public access and possible parking for a few cars.
E. Important water features, such as distinctive or unique wetlands,
springs, brooks, waterfalls, or vernal pools.
F. Streamside or riverfront area, for passive recreation, habitat, greenways,
wildlife corridor.
G. High visual or aesthetic value, including nice views of or from the
location.
H. Diverse landscape or habitat, such as a combination of woods, fields
and water.
I. Unique or distinctive historical, archaeological, or geologic features.
J. Add to a potential greenway or trail system.
L. Priority Natural Vegetation Community type, according to NHESP definitions.
M. Within the "Special Landscape Areas" boundaries as identified in
the 1999 South Hadley Open Space and Recreation Plan.
N. Within NHESP's BioMap Core Habitat or Supporting Natural Landscape,
or Living Waters Core Habitat or the adjacent riparian area.
O. Protect public water supply wells or reservoirs.
P. Five or more acres in size.