The property was acquired for water supply protection in accordance with the Massachusetts Constitution and of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission. This property was funded by a Massachusetts Aquifer Land Protection Grant and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a Conservation Restriction of these parcels so they may remain in a natural, scenic and open condition for the purpose of wildlife conservation, forest health and drinking water supply protection.

Acreage

The LaBondard Conservation Area is 363 Acres.

Parking/Access

The LaBondard Conservation Area is accessible via a gravel access road off North Blandford Road in Blandford. There is a 3-car gravel parking area off the road. The majority of the property can be access by crossing the utility right-of-way and entered the forested property on the other side.

History

This land was granted by Allan and Sandra LaBombard in 2002.

Permitted Recreational Activities

• Hiking
• Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing
• Snow vehicle usage with written authorization from the commission
• Non-commercial hunting
• Plant and wildlife observation

Prohibited Recreational Activities

• Campfires, open fires, cookouts or picnics
• Camping
• Mountain Biking
• Filling, storing, placing or dumping of any kind
• Intentional introduction of a non-native plant, animal, or insect
• Activities detrimental to drainage, flood control, water conservation, water quality, erosion, etc.
• Fishing Domestic animals or livestock
• Drunkenness. Breach of peace, profanity, disorderly conduct
• Vandalism
• Construction of any object or structure
• Swimming or wading
• Organized sport activities, including but not limited to orienteering, road races, etc.
• Public assemblies or groups of more than 10 persons unless with written permission from the commission
• Motorized vehicles of any kind
• Boats, of any kind, with or without motors
• Metal detectors of the use of similar devices

Notable Features

LaBondard Conservation Area includes 7 acres of old pastureland in the front of the parcel. Evergreen trees have begun to grow in in this field over time.  open field in the front of the property. A utility right of way passes through the property.

Just beyond the right of way, the 300-acre forest consists of rugged and rocky terrain, with several old logging roads passing through the property. The groundcover in the northeast area of the property consists of large boulders. When conditions are wet, you can hear water trickling through beneath the rocks in the ground.