Apr
MDAR: Opportunity To Rent Farmland in Northampton - Spotted Lanternfly Webinars - New FY22 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program
Opportunity to Rent Farmland in Northampton – Deadline for Applications is May 14 at 3:00PM
MDAR is soliciting proposals for farmers to rent approximately 19.2+/- acres of farmland located on Rocky Hill Road/ Route 66 in Northampton, Massachusetts. The property is directly across the road from the entrance to the Hampshire County Sheriff’s office. The Property is owned by the Commonwealth, under the care and control of MDAR and subject to an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) held by the City of Northampton.
Farmers may seek license agreements with the state for up to 5 years with an option to renew for 5 years. Eligible applicants are agricultural operations as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, Sec. 1A that are principally and substantially engaged in the business of production agriculture or farming for commercial purposes.
No minimum acceptable rent has been established for the agricultural fields. Acceptable rent will be based on the proposed use of the fields and will reflect current market rates.
The deadline for applications is 3:00 PM, May 14, 2021. RFR and application here. Questions, contact Barbara Hopson at [email protected].
*Reminder – Opportunity To Rent Land In Templeton – deadline 3:00 PM, April 28, 2021. Details here.
Spotted Lanternfly Webinar Series
MDAR is hosting a series of webinars to educate the green industry and environmental groups about Spotted Lanternfly. Organized as quarterly updates, these free webinars will provide attendees with the most current information about this invasive pest.
- Spring Update: 5/18/21
- Summer Update: 8/17/21
- Fall Update: 11/16/21
- Winter Update: 2/15/22
All presentations will be held from 10 -11:00 am. This webinar series has been approved for the following credits: 1 Mass. Pesticide License/PACE (Categories 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 35, 36, 40, 48 & CORE (L)), 1 MCA credit, 1 MCH credit, 1 MCLP credit, ½ MQTW credit. ISA credits are pending. To qualify for these credits, you will need to individually register, stay for the duration of the course, and answer the poll questions throughout the session.
Details here. Questions contact [email protected].
New FY22 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program
The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is committed to helping communities recover from the impact of COVID-19 and contribute to the long-term strength and sustainability of the Commonwealth. The FY22 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program is a new competitive grant program that will award funds to strengthen the economy of Massachusetts through destination development projects that enhance tourism sustainability, support the statewide My Local MA campaign, and have the potential to increase non-resident visitation.
The Destination Development Grant Program for FY22 is funded at $2,000,000 through the Tourism Trust Fund, subject to appropriation. The grant process opens on April 20, 2021 with applications due May 21, 2021. Grant awards will be announced in July 2021.
Any public agency, municipality, or nonprofit organization incorporated in Massachusetts with 501(c)3, 501(c)5, 501(c)6, status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that does one of the following: Produces, promotes, or presents tourism attractions and activities for the public; Provides public access to physical collections and exhibits and meets other eligibility criteria can apply.
Eligible projects will enhance tourism resources and infrastructure and will aid in destination recovery and resiliency. Applications will be accepted for projects that include plans to expand, construct, restore or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. Applicants must demonstrate how the tourism capital project will work to promote the tourism goals of the MA Office of Travel and Tourism and the Regional Tourism Councils. DDC grants are focused on capital improvements with a direct relationship to tourism, and other physical/structural items with a greater than five year lifespan.
Details here. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2022.
Q/A session on Wednesday, April 28 at 10:00 am. To register, please email [email protected], cc: [email protected].