Town awarded grant to preserve Dike Creek

Dartmouth has been awarded $35,000 in federal grant money to preserve 73 acres of wetlands, a salt marsh, and forest on Dike Creek.

The grant, which will be used to protect the habitat and water quality, and provide public access to the land, was awarded by the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program through the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Funding is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant will be matched by $11,500 in private contributions.

The property will be acquired by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, in partnership with the town, before being sold to the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust. The 73 acres will be put under a conservation restriction, meaning it will be permanently protected from development. The property will also connect to 380 acres of existing conservation land.

“Preserving open, public access to this beautiful shoreline will complement the existing trail and recent improvements to the nearby causeway,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Mark Montigny. “Dartmouth is a shining example of how conservation efforts and public access can work together to improve the community and natural habitat.”

The property is designated as a habitat for endangered species.

“Dartmouth has been blessed with its natural beauty and access to the amazing Buzzards Bay,” said State Representative Christopher Markey. “The grant money provided today by the Baker-Polito Administration is an acknowledgment of that and the resources required to maintain that beauty. We owe lots of thanks to the Baker Administration.”

Dike Creek runs near Smith Neck Road.