Massachusetts Fish and Game MassWildlife division announced the purchase of the 245-acre Century Bog from A.D. Makepeace last week, an acquisition that permanently protects 883 acres of contiguous land surrounding Red Brook and one of the last remaining habitats for sea-run brook trout known as "salters." Funding for the acquisition comes from the $1.7 billion Energy and Environment Bond Bill signed by Governor Patrick in August 2008.

The acquisition protects the headwaters of Red Brook, which then flows through the  638-acre Red Brook Wildlife Management Area managed by MassWildlife, and the Lyman Reserve managed by the Trustees of Reservations before emptying into  Buttermilk Bay.

The land is considered critical habitat for salters:  sea-run brook trout that live in fresh water from spring to fall, and spawn in the autumn before spending the winter in near-shore ocean waters. A variant of Massachusetts’ native brook trout, they are larger than typical brookies due to a rich marine diet during winter months.

“This is the most important acquisition for the agency this year,” said Fish and Game commissioner Mary Griffin, who added that the department plans to develop a comprehensive restoration plan for the property.

“Conservation and restoration of the Red Brook watershed will ensure the protection of one of the remaining native sea-run brook trout streams in Massachusetts, as well as habitat for a variety of fish and 11 plants and insects recorded on MassWildlife’s list of endangered, threatened, and special concern species.”

During the term of a six-year lease agreement, A.D. Makepeace has agreed to provide further restoration services on the property such as removing culverts and berms, and excavating the main channel. Under that agreement, the company has the right to continue its cranberry operations at the 70-acre Century Bog for five years.

This is the Commonwealth’s second major land conservation effort in partnership with A.D. Makepeace in the past year. In July 2009, Secretary Bowles, Commissioner Griffin and representatives of A.D. Makepeace celebrated a three-phase project to preserve of thousands of acres of critical habitat and open space in southeastern Massachusetts.

"The A.D. Makepeace Company, and particularly the many avid anglers on our staff, have long recognized that the Century Bog property is a unique habitat," said A.D. Makepeace President and CEO Michael P. Hogan. "We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Commonwealth as well as Trout Unlimited and the Trustees of Reservations to ensure the long-term protection of the many wildlife species which live in the area."