Landowners helping to protect turtles

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - Local landowners are banding together hoping to keep a rare turtle from ending up on the endangered species list.

The wood turtle is considered a species of concern in Massachusetts, which is just two steps away from being endangered.

One of the biggest concerns is preserving these turtles habitat.  That is why several state agencies are teaming up with private land owners to make the areas where the turtles live safer.

A pair of local farmers have agreed to change the times of the year they mow their fields to prevent hitting the turtles.

Amherst College has also set aside land surrounding their properties as a buffer for the turtles. "Amherst College owns approximately a thousand acres and much of that is designated as open space and within that we have designated certain areas as protective habitat," stated Jim Brassord of Amherst College.

Land owners who choose to participate in the program can receive compensation for their efforts.