The 437-acre Ilia Fehrer Nature Preserve, just outside of Berlin, was acquired by Worcester County in 2011 with the assistance of state and federal partners as well as from The Trust for Public Land. The property is located within the 4,000-acre Holly Grove Swamp area and contains the largest section of unprotected forestland in the county, and the county is in the process of creating a stewardship plan, a plan which is to include passive recreational use – such as trail riding. A draft of the plan will be presented to the Worcester County Commissioners in March. After the County adopts a final plan, funding for the establishment of passive recreation will need to be secured.
Public comment will be accepted until February 27. To learn more or to comment, visit Worcester County Environmental Programs.