A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LAWRENCE SWAMP PREPARED FOR THE TOWN OF AMHERST
The Lawrence Swamp in the Town of Amherst is a critical ecological and hydrological resource that supports the Town’s drinking water, biodiversity, and open space. Through an integrated analysis of the 2,200-acre landscape surrounding the wetland complex, including water supply systems, habitat networks, and recreational use, the study finds that while the aquifer is well-protected and the landscape provides regionally significant wildlife habitat, increasing pressures from land use, development, and off-trail recreation pose risks to long-term ecological function. Grounded in these findings, the report offers targeted, actionable recommendations to guide the Town of Amherst in balancing conservation, water resource protection, and public access while emphasizing strategic land protection, improved trail management, and collaborative, cross-municipal stewardship to ensure the resilience of this vital landscape for generations to come.
Stephen Kiely, Ashlyn Kohler, and Katie Purcell The Conway School Winter 2026