“The Berkshire Busk! gave people an opportunity for people to hear, see, and experience a wide range of arts, some of which they may have never seen before, just by showing up," explained co-organizer Eugene Carr.
This particular case has far-reaching implications since the land in question is protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts state Constitution. But this proposed pipeline may be unaffected by the demise of the far larger, $3.3 billion Northeast Direct pipeline project to the north across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Mass Audubon also argued that “the proposed pipeline would permanently degrade and fragment” Spectacle Pond Farm, an integral component of the Otis State Forest.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is now requiring, among other things, clarification “that Tennessee would not fell trees in areas where it has not obtained an easement or purchase of property…including lands protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts State Constitution.”
“This is very exciting news. While very few people see the need for this gas line, all that we have ever asked of Kinder Morgan and FERC is to follow the process, be open and be fair to this beautiful community of 800 residents."
-- State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli
“This is a case of a forest of clean air machines being literally traded for the transmission of fossil fuels. Not a step in the right direction.”
-- Arborist Tom Ingersoll, on the Kinder Morgan proposal to cut a swathe through protected old-growth forests in Sandisfield to build a natural gas pipeline extension to Connecticut
"The purchase of this spectacular property [Otis State Forest] ensures its lasting protection and is an example of our prudent investment in the Commonwealth’s rare and irreplaceable natural resources.”
--- Gov. Deval Patrick, in 2007
“We’ve been FERC’ed!”
-- Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, upon learning that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had approved a Tennessee Gas Pipeline route through the protected lands of Otis State Forest in March of 2016
The Tennessee Gas pipeline would cross and alter numerous wetlands and vernal pools in Sandisfield, increase the spread of invasive plant species and permanently remove more than one million gallons of water from Spectacle Pond.
