Pontoosuc Lake Shoreline Access Plan Tabled for RevisionsBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:27AM / Monday, November 03, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Conservation Commission has requested another plan to improve access on the south shoreline of Pontoosuc Lake while stabilizing the bank.
Last week, a modified planting plan from the Parks Commission was tabled. The conversation is now centered on how to use alternative erosion controls from the shrubbery that was planted to balance stabilization and access.
"Moving forward, you're going to have to submit a plan to address the erosion and the issues," Chair James Conant said to Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath, representing the city.
"If the issue is planting because people
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Pittsfield City Council: Make Polluters PayBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
04:57AM / Friday, October 17, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City Council supports statewide efforts to make the largest polluters pay. On Tuesday, it voted to back Bill H.1014/S.588, "An Act Establishing a Climate Change Superfund," which is expected to generate $75 billion over 25 years from the largest oil and gas companies. Councilor At Large Alisa Costa and Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren requested their colleagues' support for the legislation. "I think it's really important to hold businesses accountable in ways that we are not able to do right now," Costa said. "…We see the impacts of climate on our community every day, whether it's our drought,
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Apple Picking Destinations in Berkshire CountyBy Breanna Steele, iBerkshires Staff
10:00AM / Saturday, October 11, 2025 | |
It's apple season! Here are some great locations to spend your day picking your own apples to enjoy the crisp taste or bake into your favorite dishes. Most apple picking is through October, so get yours while you can. Bring your family and friends and spend a day enjoying the Berkshires and their local farms, while learning about where apples come from and be how they grow. 94 Old Cheshire Rd., Lanesborough : Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With over 4,500 fruit trees it's not hard to pick the apple or other fruit that is perfect for you. Guests also have the option to get already picked fruit. More information >> Read More |
Climate Activists Demand That Polluters PayBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:28PM / Sunday, October 05, 2025 | |
Rachael Boyce of Massachusetts Make Polluter's Pay speaks about educating citizens on the impacts of climate change. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Climate activists are demanding that top polluters pay for their impact on the environment.
In late September, community members and elected officials gathered at the Westside Riverway Park for a "Bridges to the Future" event, featuring state Sen. Paul Mark, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, and grassroots organizations from across the region. "We're here to meet and learn about the awesome work that incredible change makers in this community are already doing to not only educate community members about the
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Great Spots to Catch a Fish in Berkshire CountyBy Breanna Steele, iBerkshires Staff
10:03AM / Saturday, September 27, 2025 | |
Windsor Lake in North Adams is regularly stocked with trout. Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty of time and great weather to catch some fish. Most major lakes, ponds, and rivers, including the Housatonic, are open to fishing year-round with catch limits; smaller rivers and brooks have catch limits of three after Sept. 11 and eight after April 1. Find a list of fishing seasons and limits here. Berkshire County has scenic places to sail this fall as well as stand on the edge and cast out. North Adams Affectionately known as Fish Pond, this small lake is stocked with rainbow trout, some brook and brown trout, and chain pickerel. Restrooms and dairy bar >> Read More |
Pittsfield Parks Commission Backs Pontoosuc Access PlanBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:45PM / Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has devised a solution for the south shore of Pontoosuc Lake Park that increases access while protecting the bank from erosion.
On Tuesday, the Parks Commission endorsed a plan for four easy-entrance points after community members asserted that bank plantings limited access for fishing and swimming. It will be sent to the Conservation Commission, which will consider modifying the project's permit.
The plan proposes 150 feet of live stake planting removal on the 940-foot stretch of shoreline.
"I think it's important to state that the Pontoosuc Lake Park shoreline has always been accessible. There has been no
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Berkshire Communities Awarded Funds for Ecological Restoration Projects | 07:55AM / Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | |
BOSTON—The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $2.9 million in grants to support ecological restoration projects across Massachusetts. This funding, provided by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), will strengthen resilience against extreme weather events, improve water quality, reduce flood risks, and restore crucial wildlife habitat. "Massachusetts has over 25,000 culverts, most of which are undersized. By replacing these outdated culverts with larger, safer structures, we can better prepare our communities for severe weather," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary >> Read More |
Aggie Commissioner Stresses Food Access During Berkshires TourBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:38AM / Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | |
Sarah and James Schultz of Red Shirt Farm. They have continued their community-supported agriculture program in addition to the new farm store. LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Like the land it maintains, the farming community has an ecosystem of its own centered on collaboration in an effort to improve access to locally grown food. This was evident on Friday, during state Agricultural Commissioner Ashley Randle's tour of four of the county's agricultural enterprises: Second Drop Farm and Red Shirt Farm Store in Lanesborough, Multicultural Bridge's Solidarity Farm in Great Barrington, and Sheffield Farmers Market. "The theme has been >> Read More |
Berkshire Green Drinks: Monitoring Air Pollution in Pittsfield| 08:11AM / Wednesday, August 06, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Andrew Ferrara and Drake Reed will speak at the August Berkshire Green Drinks event on Wednesday, Aug. 13. This free hybrid event will take place online via Zoom and in person at Wander Berkshires, 34 Depot Street, Suite 101, Pittsfield, MA. The in-person social gathering will begin around 5:15 PM; the presentation and Zoom meeting will start at 6:00 PM. Attendees will learn about the scope of the Breathe Easy Berkshires ambient air quality project, a local effort to monitor air pollution in Pittsfield. The presentation will cover the motivation behind starting the project, the progress made in the research, and findings to date—including >> Read More |
EPA Announces Availability of Funding for Brownfields Job Training Program Grants| 07:25AM / Sunday, August 03, 2025 | |
BOSTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year 2026 Brownfields Job Training Grants Program. These grants put the agency's commitment to protect human health and the environment into action while remaining good stewards of tax dollars and advancing policies to energize the economy. "The Brownfields Job Training Grants Program is a prime example of how we can be both environmental stewards and champions of good-paying jobs for American families," said EPA Administrator Zeldin. "EPA is Powering the Great American Comeback, ensuring our nation has the cleanest air, land, and >> Read More |
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