Massachusetts

Fish, Wildlife and Biodiversity

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/index.htm)
This is the state division responsible for the conservation and management of wildlife and aquatic resources. Sources of information related to threatened and endangered species include:

Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/nhesp.htm)
This program provides information on state and federal threatened and endangered plants and wildlife, habitats of particular conservation concern, and stewardship actions designed to benefit these important natural resources. An online map viewer provides town-level information on priority and estimated habitats, which can aid in the determination of potential impact to threatened and endangered species. Town lists of threatened and endangered species are also available for download. The site also has information on forest cutting plans and consultation with the heritage program. **A fee is charged to compile species lists and information for site-specific requests.

State Wildlife Action Plan (http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/cwcs/cwcs_home.htm)
In 2005, all states completed a State Wildlife Action Plan, to identify and focus management on fish and wildlife in greatest need of conservation. This document provides an overview of key species (primarily nongame) and habitats of conservation concern throughout the state.

Special Sites

Massachusetts Historical Commission (http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcidx.htm)
This is the primary state agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation, providing assistance in identifying and protecting historic properties, archaeological sites, burial places, and other cultural sites in the state. The staff includes preservation specialists (including historians, architectural historians, historic architects, and archaeologists). The agency maintains an online database, the Massachusetts Cultural Resources Information System, to enable the public to locate and retrieve information about the state’s historic and cultural resources. Archaeological information is not included.

Natural Resources Conservation Service- Cultural Resources (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cultural.html)
The NRCS provides financial and technical assistance, including guidance related to cultural resources,to implement conservation practices. Prior to implementation, NRCS staff or other conservation partners will normally conduct site visits that include an inventory of cultural resources. If resources are identified, they can help provide options for preservation and a variety of appropriate land uses. Even if you are not receiving funding from NRCS, the Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator can provide information regarding cultural resources and may be able to visit your property or connect you with other organizations or individuals for assistance. The Cultural Resources Directory can be used to locate your state’s Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator.

Massachusetts State Archives (http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcidx.htm)
The State Archives identifies, preserves, and makes accessible records (such as census records, military records, family histories, and various county, state and federal records and other documents of historical value to the state.

Best Management Practices

States are required by the federal Clean Water Act to identify Best Management Practices to control surface runoff and other forms of nonpoint pollution. In many states in the US, BMPs are considered voluntary for forest owners. However, the AFF’s Standard of Sustainability says that to be certified, forest owners must apply BMPs (Standard 4, Performance Measure 4.1). States are given the flexibility to define their own BMPs appropriate to the management measure and approved by EPA and below is the link to your state’s BMPs:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/forstbmp.pdf