On June 20, 2024, the Monterey Preservation Land Trust (MPLT) donated the 83 acre Livermore Peak property to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The property is located in Monterey and will be added to DCR’s Beartown State Forest.

After many years of stewarding this property and consulting with various stakeholders, MPLT decided to transfer the land to DCR so that the agency can manage it more holistically with the abutting 12,000-acre Beartown State Forest to protect it for wildlife habitat and opportunities for public use.

“I want to thank the Monterey Preservation Land Trust for protecting this unique public land for more than two decades and for entrusting DCR to continue the stewardship of this beautiful natural resource,” said DCR Commissioner Arrigo. “With this acquisition, DCR can expand Beartown State Forest and ensure that this landscape is protected and preserved for families and residents to enjoy for generations to come.”  

As the name suggests, the property contains Livermore Peak—a familiar town geological feature visible from many roads and vistas. At 1,824 feet, it stands proudly on its own adjacent to Beartown State Forest and very near to the Appalachian Trail.

With its varied landscape from a mountain peak to verdant wetlands, the land holds varied habitats for wildlife that inhabit the Berkshires.  The property is also a critical connection for wildlife movement from Beartown State Forest in the north to other lands conserved by the National Park Service and DCR to the south.

The land was originally gifted to MPLT in 1998 by Virginia Cesario, who wished the land to be conserved in perpetuity for the public’s use and benefit.

“The board of trustees of the Monterey Preservation Land Trust would like to honor the legacy gift of Ms. Cesario and thank the Department of Conservation and Recreation for choosing to protect and steward such a unique Monterey property,” says Jonathan Sylbert, President of MPLT.