No Drought Conditions in Berkshire County

03:17PM / Saturday, August 09, 2025Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON —Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared there are no drought conditions in Massachusetts except the Cape Cod Region, which has been upgraded to a Level 2.

Drought is a look back on conditions over a period of time. July was notably warm in Massachusetts, with average temperatures 2 to 5 degrees above normal. Precipitation levels vary in the state, with some areas getting above-normal rainfall amounts, while areas north of I-90, and the Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and the Islands Regions have seen below-average rainfall. Regions that are currently not in a drought are starting to see some indices impacted by the low precipitation. More precipitation is needed to improve hydrological systems, especially groundwater and fire danger indices, in areas that are lagging.

Observed groundwater levels have begun to decline once more in the Cape Cod Region. Due to a lack of precipitation and prolonged higher temperatures, the risk for outdoor fires has elevated. These weather conditions have resulted in drier soil and reduced water levels in rivers, streams, and ponds, which have impacted fish passage, particularly in the Cape Region.

The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from August 2024 through July 2025.

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Scenic Vistas, Open Spaces Central to Berkshire's Rural Character

By John TownesSpecial to iBerkshires
05:19AM / Thursday, August 27, 2026

This is the first of a two-part series looking at types of land trusts, their missions and their place within the Berkshires.

Land is an essential resource for life. We all spend the vast majority of our lives directly connected to the land or in structures built on it. Land is also a central core of the global ecosystem that makes the earth sustainable for all lifeforms.

The landscape has special significance in the Berkshires. It is a central element in the region's scenic rural character and quality of life, as well an economic resource that is a basis of tourism.

Access to land, and control of its use, is largely based on ownership. This system enables people to own homes, build businesses, establish communities, and pursue other goals and activities.

However, the private use and control of land can also be a source of contention and conflict — from debates about development at local planning boards to international wars over territory.

Traditionally, local and regional planning policies and regulations such as zoning have been used to balance the concepts of private ownership with shared public goals and needs. In addition government ownership provides land for schools, roads, infrastructure, parks and nature preserves, and other public purposes.

In recent decades another form of land ownership and control has gained increasing visibility and prominence. This concept is often known as land trusts.

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