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 Brooks Conservation Area is 32 Acres.

Parking/Access

Brooks Conservation Area is located off Otis Stage Road, just east of Blair Road. There is no accessible parking.

History

This land was purchased from Kenneth Arthur Brooks, Jr 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 fire, cookouts or picnics
• Camping
• Mountain biking
• Filing, 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.
• Domestic animals or livestock
• Drunkenness, breach of peace, profanity, disorderly conduct
• Vandalism
• Construction of any object or structure
• Swimming or wading
• Fishing
• Organized sports activities, including but not limited to orienteering, road races, etc.
• Public assemblies or groups of more than 10 persons unless with written authorization from the commission

Notable Features

Brooks Conservation Area slopes steeply down from Route 23 into a shady Hemlock forest with rocky, isolated wetlands. The eastern border of the property is defined by Peebles Brook, the largest tributary to Cobble Mountain Reservoir. Several dozen ephemeral feeder streams enter the brook from the conservation area.