Massachusetts farmers turn cranberry bogs back to wetlands in $6m initiative

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/28/cranberry-bogs-massachusetts-wetlands

Massachusetts farmers turn cranberry bogs back to wetlands in $6m initiative

Restoration projects awarded grants to convert defunct bogs to bring environmental benefits and restore wildlife

Gloria Oladipo
Thu 28 Nov 2024 06.00 EST

As millions of cranberries were being harvested for Thursday’s US Thanksgiving holiday, Massachusetts farmers were working to convert defunct cranberry bogs to back to wild wetlands, amid climate crisis woes.

Several restoration projects were awarded $6m in grants to carry out such initiatives, state officials announced this week.

The grants, provided by the New England state’s department of fish and game division of ecological restoration (DER), will “increase resilience to climate change for people and nature, restore crucial wildlife habitat, and improve water quality” in 12 communities, said the Massachusetts governor, Maura Healey, in a statement.

“We are excited to support projects that not only restore ecosystems but also prepare us for the impacts of climate change. These initiatives will enhance our ability to store and sequester carbon with nature and help us meet our net zero goals,” said Rebecca Tepper, secretary of the state’s office of energy and environmental affairs.

Tepper added that coastline restoration remained a “top priority” for Healey’s administration.

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(I gleaned cranberries after harvest. They were so sweet. Not at all like hard tart store bought.)