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By EMILEE KLEIN

AMHERST — Local scientists warn that the proposed federal cuts to the United States Geological Survey’s Ecosystem Mission Area — a federal research program that studies the country’s natural resources — outlined in the White House’s fiscal year 2026 budget could not only degrade national ecosystems, but the industries and people that rely on them.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

In response to the state Department of Environmental Protection’s decision to give FirstLight Hydro Generating Co. a water quality certification for its operations in Turners Falls and Northfield, two environmental advocacy nonprofits have joined others in the Pioneer Valley in filing an appeal with MassDEP’s Office of Appeals and Dispute Resolution.

By DOMENIC POLI

WENDELL — The citizens group that formed in 2023 in opposition to a since-withdrawn proposal for a battery storage facility has filed a motion asking the Land Court to overturn the state Attorney General’s rejection of the group’s proposed bylaw.

By DOMENIC POLI

ATHOL – Anthony A. Brighenti, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired state Environmental Police officer who served many years on the Athol Selectboard and School Committee, died earlier this month. He was 80.

By DOMENIC POLI

ATHOL – Anthony A. Brighenti, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired state Environmental Police officer who served many years on the Athol Selectboard and School Committee, died earlier this month. He was 80.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – In the wake of recent resignations, town officials are seeking residents willing to serve on the Town Energy Committee or the Municipal Decarbonization Task Force.

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — Solar panels have been installed on Fisher Hill Elementary School’s roof, another step in a renovation project that began nearly five years ago.

By HANNAH MORIN

PETERSHAM – On Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m., the Harvard Forest Fisher Museum will premiere “Views from a Woodlot,” a documentary by independent filmmaker Chris Hardee.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – For the third consecutive year, students from Athol Community Elementary School joined Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, Public Works Superintendent Dick Kilhart, Assistant Superintendent Paul Raskevitz, and workers from the DPW to plant a tree on a patch of green in the school’s parking lot.

By DOMENIC POLI

WENDELL — The citizens group that formed in 2023 in opposition to a since-withdrawn proposal for a 105-megawatt battery storage facility plans to present clean energy siting suitability findings to state policymakers in Holyoke on May 5.

By GREG VINE

ROYALSTON – Those interested in installing a solar energy system can get their questions addressed this weekend.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Earth Day is just around the corner, so that means Athol’s annual community-wide, post-winter cleanup is also fast approaching.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – In 2008, the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Green Communities Act to support those communities throughout the commonwealth committed to reducing energy consumption, among other goals.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A 500-acre section of forested land connected to Mount Toby in Sunderland, west of Route 63, is being returned to the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band as a gift from W.D. Cowls Inc.

By MIKE ROCHE

Happy New Year!Last Saturday morning a deer, a mature doe, stood broadside a little over 50 yards away from this writer as he waited “on stand.” Being motionless was not difficult using the T-Stand that has been a part of my deer hunting gear for...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Residents, town officials and the legislative delegation are raising concerns about a proposed forest management plan for land at the edge of the Quabbin Reservoir that could involve removing many tall white pines using large equipment...

By DOMENIC POLI

WENDELL — A battery energy storage bylaw that voters overwhelmingly approved in May has been rejected by the state Attorney General’s Office for failing to comply with procedural safeguards embedded into state zoning laws.Wendell residents voted 100...

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — Town officials have set a goal to remove the expansive asbestos and brick pile at 16-36 West River St. before the new year. The debris was left in the wake of an arson at the former cereal factory, which was burned down by three juveniles on...

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — Toting buckets and nets, roughly 30 volunteers made the trek down into the muddy pit that is the drained power canal to rescue sea lampreys on Monday. This yearly rescue, conducted when the power canal is drained for yearly...

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – It appears the Town of Athol will have to wait a little longer to find out if the removal of oil-contaminated soil at the Millers River Environmental Center (MREC) has left the property pollution-free.In the summer of 2023, plans were in the...

By DOMENIC POLI

The Source to Sea Cleanup has provided a valuable service to the Connecticut River Valley since its 1997 inception. And it can provide receipts.Nearly 40,000 volunteers have removed 1,100 tons of trash, almost 14,000 tires and 144,000 beverage...