186 East Street, Petersham
The East Quabbin Land Trust is offering 25-acres of land to a farmer or farm entity interested in pursuing their agricultural business in Petersham, Massachusetts. The ideal farmer will manage a diversified farm using regenerative farming techniques to improve soil fertility and productivity, such as rotational grazing, no-till and cover cropping practices. A small-scale small livestock business, market vegetable production, portable chicken, berry or orchard operation are options on this farmland. Farmers with demonstrated experience are encouraged to submit a response to this request for proposal. The asking price is $200,000.
The land offered for sale includes a building lot. A building site along East Street will be negotiated with the successful bidder for a single-family or two-family home that meets Petersham zoning requirements. The former farmhouse, barn and outbuildings were recently removed. Space is available for a small solar array sufficient to power the residence and agricultural enterprise. There will be a perpetual conservation restriction placed on the property that affirms the responsibility to farm the land and restricts future development beyond the identified homesite.
The land includes approximately eleven (11) acres of prime or statewide important agricultural soils. The main soil category is Paxton fine sandy loam with slopes of 3 – 8%. The fields are currently used for hay. Petersham is a right-to-farm community with active farmland adjoining this property.
The woods slope to the south and drain into Moccasin Brook, which is a tributary to the Swift River and Quabbin Reservoir. Maintaining forest cover on these slopes is a priority though forest management, wildlife habitat improvements and invasive plant control are rights reserved to the landowner. Public access to the wooded portions, focused on a trail along Moccasin Brook will be required.
Appointments are required to view the property. Email Cynthia at [email protected] to make an appointment. Proposals will be accepted through January 16, 2025 and then on a rolling basis until a purchase and sale agreement is confirmed.
