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Board Meetings, Hearings
Date Last Updated: May 31, 2007 UPCOMING FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BOARD MEETINGS June 13-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough-- The June meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Richard Cronin Building, Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill, Road, Westborough. Directions. A Public Hearing will be held at 7 PM at the
Auditorium at the National Grid building in Westborough relative to
establish rules and regulations relative to the control of Coyotes by
licensed problem animal control agents, the hunting of Coyotes and permissible
shot sizes for the hunting of Coyotes, and relative to the tagging of
furbearers. PAST FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BOARD MEETINGS May 17 -- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Ludlow-- The May meeting of the Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be held on Thursday, May 17th, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.at the Ludlow Elks Lodge, 69 Chapin Street, Ludlow, MA.Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. Directions. A Public Hearing will be held at 7 PM at the same location relative to establish rules and regulations relative to the control of Coyotes by licensed problem animal control agents, the hunting of Coyotes and permissible shot sizes for the hunting of Coyotes, and relative to the tagging of furbearers.
April 17 -- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Danvers-- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. There will be a presentation on deer by Bill Woytek, MassWildlife Deer Biologist. This meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Essex Agricultural & Technical High School, Smith Hall Conference Room, 562 Maple Street, Hathorne, MA. Directions. March 27-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough -- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 10 AM at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters. February 27-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough -- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 10 AM at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters. January 30-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough -- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 10 AM at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters. A presentation about coyotes will be on the agenda. December 20-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westboro -- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 11 AM at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters. A presentation by the Office of Boating and Fishing access will be on the agenda. November 14-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westboro -- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 11 AM at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters. October 24-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westboro -- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 11 AM at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters. September 12 -- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Lenox -- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 1:30 PM at MassAudubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road. Presentations about agency hatcheries and the Mass. Outdoor Exposition will be part of the meeting agenda. August 31 --Board Meeting and Hearing, Newburyport-- The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be meeting on August 31, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, Low Street, Newburyport. This meeting and the subsequent hearing are open to the public. At 7 p.m. in the same location, a Public Hearing will held to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2006-2007 migratory game bird seasons and methods of take. The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will vote on the migratory game bird season immediately following the public hearing. July 25--Board Meeting -The Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Miller's River Environmental Center, 100 Main St (Rte 2A) in Athol.. A vote relative to rules and regulations on lake trout slot limits at Quabbin Reservoir is anticipated. See the June Public Hearing Notice below for details. Directions to the Miller's River Environmental Center . June 27--Board Meeting and Public Hearing-The Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the MassWildlife Connecticut Valley District office in Belchertown. A vote relative to rules and regulations regarding the hunting of deer on Martha's Vineyard is anticipated. See the May Public Hearing Notice below for how the Board voted. A Public Hearing will be held at 1:30 P.M. at the same location on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, relative to rules and regulations on lake trout. May 23--Board Meeting and Public Hearing-The Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Tisbury Town Hall, 51 Spring Street, Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard. A vote on Changes to the Massachusetts Rare Species List will be made at this time. See the April Public Hearing Notice for further information. A Public Hearing will be held at 1:30 P.M. at the same location on Tuesday, May 23, 2006, relative to rules and regulations regarding the hunting of deer on Martha's Vineyard. See May Public Hearing Notice below for more details. The meeting and hearing location are within walking distance of the ferry. Interested citizens must take the ferry from Wood's Hole to Martha's Vineyard.
April 27-Board Meeting and Public Hearing-The Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Nashua River Watershed Association, 592 Main Street, (Rte. 119), Groton, MA. A Public Hearing will be held at 1:00 P.M. at the same location on Thursday, April 27, 2006, relative to rules and regulations amending the Massachusetts list of endangered, threatened, and special concern species and the "exemption list" of species which require a permit to possess. See Public Hearing Notice below for more details. March 28--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, Buzzards Bay-This meeting will be held after an event honoring the Francis W. Sargent Conservation award recipient, Russell Cookingham of Monument Beach. The event begins at 1PM with Lt. Governor Kerry Healy attending at the Canal Sportsmen's Club, 324 Main Street, Buzzards Bay. The even and the subsequent Board meeting are open to the public and media. These public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. One item on this month's agenda will be a presentation on the Hunter Education Program. February 14 --Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, 1PM, Westborough-This meeting will be held at 1PM at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Richard Cronin Building, Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. January 18 --Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, 1PM, Westborough-This meeting will be held at 1PM at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Richard Cronin Building, Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. December 13--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting and Hearing, 1PM, Westborough--This meeting will be held at 1PM at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Richard Cronin Building, Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The Board is expected to vote on the February Deer season on Nantucket. November 21--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting and Hearing, 1PM, Nantucket --This meeting will be held at 1PM at the Nantucket High School, Surfside Road, Nantucket. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. A Public Hearing will held beginning at 2 PM at the same location relative to amend rules and regulations relative to a special deer hunting season on Nantucket. October 26--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, 1PM, Montague--This meeting will be held at 1PM at the Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. For directions, call 413/863-0209. September 28--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting and Hearings, 1PM, Martha's Vineyard--This meeting will be held at 1PM at the Tisbury Town Hall, Vineyard Haven. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. As part of the agenda, there will be a presentation about deer on the Island by Bill Woytek, MassWildlife Deer Project Leader. August 25--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting and Hearings, 1PM, East Wareham--This meeting will be held at 1PM at the UMass Cranberry Station, 1 State Bog Road. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. As part of the agenda, the Board will be voting on the proposals relative to the Youth Pheasant Hunt and the black bear hunting regulations (see July proposals below). An informational presentation and meeting will be held at 3 PM at the same location regarding the Massachusetts Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. (Wildlife Action Plan). The public is invited to provide additional comments on this plan at this time. August 29--The Fisheries and Wildlife Board approved the Massachusetts Comprehensive Conservation Strategy at the meeting on August 25. A Public Hearing will held beginning at 7 PM at the same location relative to establishing seasons and bag limits for the migratory bird seasons. July 28--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting and Hearings, 1PM, Lee--This meeting will be held at the Lee Sportsmen's Association, Fairview Street, Lee. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. Two Public Hearings will held beginning at 2:30 PM at the same location relative to rules and regulations relative to the youth pheasant hunting season and the hunting of black bear in Massachusetts. June 23--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, 1PM, Beverly--Held at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill property, 572 Essex St. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. A presentation on deer population management and antlerless permit allocations will be offered at this meeting. For directions, call 978/921-1944. May 26--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, Turners Falls, at 1PM--Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls. A bear presentation will be part of the agenda. For directions, call 413/863-0209. April 22--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, Belchertown, at 1PM--Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at the MasssWildlife Conn. Valley District office in Belchertown located on East Street off Rt 9. Presentations on ruffed grouse and the comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies will be part of the agenda. March 22--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting and Hearing, Westborough, at 11AM--Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at the MasssWildlife Field Headquarters off North Drive in Westboro. The inclement weather date is set for March 23. This meeting will include a vote on the proposed changes to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act regulations. Scroll down to MESA regulations change proposals. February 22-Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting--Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters off North Drive at 11AM. January 12--Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting and Public Hearing--Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters off North Drive at 11AM. A Public Hearing will be held at 2 PM at the Karl Weiss Building, 100 North Drive, Room 102 relative to rules and regulations amending the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act relative to the delineation of priority habitat and the review of activities and projects within priority habitat.
**************************************************************************************** Public Comment: The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will accept written comment on the proposals at any time prior to the public hearings, and will accept either written or oral comment at public hearings. Unless otherwise noted, the Board typically extends the comment period on regulations for an additional two weeks following the public hearing, and vote on the proposal at their next regularly scheduled meeting. Send written comments to: Chairman, Fisheries and Wildlife Board, c/o Wayne MacCallum, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough MA 01581.
*************************************************************** PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 321 May 17, 2007 at Ludlow Elks Club, Ludlow June 13, 2007 at National Grid USA Office Building, Westborough In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 4, 5, and 66 and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Thursday, May 17th, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the National Grid Office Auditorium, 25 Research Drive, Westborough to establish rules and regulations relative to the control of Coyotes by licensed problem animal control agents, the hunting of Coyotes and permissible shot sizes for the hunting of Coyotes, and relative to the tagging of furbearers. Written public comments regarding the proposals will be accepted up to 2 weeks following the June 13 Public Hearing. Directions to National Grid Plain Language Summary of Hearing Proposal: PROPOSED CHANGES TO COYOTE HUNTING AND RELATED PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF MASSACHUSETTS REGULATIONS, 321 CMR 2.03, 2.14, 3.02(3), 3.02(4) AND 3.02(5). 1. Clarify permissible shot sizes for the hunting of coyote and fox; Proposed Regulatory Language: In the below links, the actual proposed regulatory text is provided. Red text indicates the proposed new language, strike throughs would be proposed for deletion. 321 CMR 3.02 Hunting of Coyote and Fox 321 CMR 3.02 (4) Hunting of Coyote and Fox During Shotgun Deer Season 321 CMR 3.02 (5) Tagging Requirements for Coyote and Other Furbearers 321 CMR 2.03 Possession and Use of Certain Types of Ammunition 321 CMR 2.14 Problem Animal Control ********************************** PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 321 August 31, 2006 Migratory Bird Seasons and Bag Limits In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5, 63, and 66, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at the Elks Lodge, 25 Low Street, Newburyport Mass., on Thursday, August 31, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2006-2007 migratory game bird seasons and methods of take. Public comments can only be provided at this hearing as a vote by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will immediately follow the public hearing.
Plain Language Summary of Hearing Proposal: The proposal will include dates, seasons and bag limits for migratory birds for the 2006-2007 migratory game bird season. Early Goose season dates are Sept 5-23 with a five bird daily bag limit. Proposed Regulatory Language: Directions:
Board Vote--Here is the link to the Migratory Game Bird Seasons for 2006-07.
********************************** PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE June 27, 2006 Lake Trout in Quabbin 321 CMR 4.00-- In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 5, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at the Connecticut Valley Wildlife District, 341 East Street, Belchertown, Mass., on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at 3:00 p.m. relative to rules and regulations regarding size limits for the taking of lake trout in the Quabbin Reservoir. A vote by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board is anticipated at the July 25 meeting scheduled in Athol. Directions: Plain Language Summary of Hearing Proposal: The proposal would remove the existing "slot limit" for the taking of lake trout in the Quabbin Reservoir, and replace it with a single daily creel (2 fish) and minimum length (18 inches). The proposal would also make grammatical clarifications relative to the use of fish for bait. Proposed Regulatory Language: Board Vote--On July 25, 2006, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to approve the above proposal. This regulation change will become effective January 1, 2007. Public Comment: The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will accept written comment on the proposals at any time prior to the public hearings, and will accept either written or oral comment at public hearings. Unless otherwise noted, the Board typically extends the comment period on regulations for an additional two weeks following the public hearing, and votes on the proposal at their next regularly scheduled meeting. Send written comments to: Chairman, Fisheries and Wildlife Board, c/o Wayne MacCallum, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough MA 01581. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE May 23, 2006 Deer Hunting on Martha's Vineyard In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 72, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 1:30 P.M. at the Tisbury Town Hall, 51 Spring Street, Vineyard Haven, Mass., on Tuesday, May 23, 2006, relative to rules and regulations regarding the hunting of deer on Martha's Vineyard. Directions: The meeting and hearing location are within walking distance of the ferry. Interested citizens must take the ferry from Wood's Hole to Martha's Vineyard. Plain Language Summary of Hearing Proposal: The proposed change would amend the deer hunting regulations in Wildlife Management Zone 13 (Dukes County) for the so-called “shotgun” deer season to provide for a 2-week shotgun deer season, to replace the 1-week season now in place. Proposed Regulatory Language:
321 CMR 3.02.(4)(b) The Board Vote--Following a public hearing held on Martha's Vineyard in May, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted unanimously on June 27 to establish a 2-week shotgun deer season in Wildlife Management Zone 13 (Dukes County). With substantial public comment expressed for reducing deer densities and for timely action, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to make the new hunting season dates take effect in the upcoming 2006 deer season. This year, those dates are November 27 - December 9, 2006. The expanded shotgun season dates are in alignment with the shotgun season held throughout Massachusetts except Wildlife Management Zone 12 (Cape Cod ) which still has a 1-week shotgun deer season. "Last year over 60% of the deer harvested on Martha's Vineyard were taken during the shotgun season," said Bill Woytek, MassWildlife Deer Project Leader. "The shotgun season is the most effective and efficient means of reducing high deer densities and presents more opportunities for deer hunters on Martha's Vineyard." MassWildlife estimates there are 40-50 deer/square mile on the Vineyard. Woytek noted that every time a hunting season has been extended, the numbers of deer harvested rises. The muzzleloader and archery seasons have been extended several times in the past ten years throughout the state, including Dukes County while the shotgun season in that same WMZ had not been extended. Deer hunters may also use muzzleloaders and archery equipment during this season and must comply with all shotgun deer season rules and regulations. Woytek also pointed out that his recommendation for extending the deer season is part of a two prong approach to deer management on the island; hunter access to private land is also key to successfully reduce high island deer densities.
********************************** PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE April 27, 2006 Amendment to List of Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 4(13A) and 23, Chapter 131A, Section 4, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 1:00 P.M. at the Nashua River Watershed Association, 592 Main Street (Rte. 119), Groton, Mass., on Thursday, April 27, 2006, relative to rules and regulations amending the Massachusetts list of endangered, threatened, and special concern species and the "exemption list" of species which require a permit to possess.
Plain Language Summary of Hearing Proposal: The proposed regulatory change would: 1. Amend 321 CMR 10.90, to make changes to the official state list of endangered, threatened, or special-concern species, including changes in status for 2 plants, the addition of 3 plants, and the deletion of 3 plants, 6 invertebrates, and 2 vertebrates. There are also several taxonomic name changes which will not affect the listed status of the particular plants and animals; and 2. Amend 321 CMR 8.01, to reflect the correct cross-reference to the official list; and 3. Amend 321 CMR 9.01, to provide that commercial trade in the spotted turtle will remain prohibited, despite the proposed removal of this turtle from the official list. Proposed Regulatory Language: CMR 10.00 CMR 8.01 CMR 9.01 Public Comment: The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will accept written comment on the proposals at any time prior to the public hearings, and will accept either written or oral comment at public hearings. Unless otherwise noted, the Board typically extends the comment period on regulations for an additional two weeks following the public hearing, and vote on the proposal at their next regularly scheduled meeting. Send written comments to: Chairman, Fisheries and Wildlife Board, c/o Wayne MacCallum, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough MA 01581. May 23--Fisheries and Wildlife Board Vote on Above Proposal On May 23, 2006, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted in favor of passing the above proposals relative to changes to the official state list of endangered, threatened, or special-concern species, including changes in status for 2 plants, the addition of 3 plants, and the deletion of 3 plants, 6 invertebrates, and 2 vertebrates. (See list below.) The prohibition on the collecting of spotted turtles from the wild or allowing them to be sold in the pet/collector's trade continues. For a chart with more details, click here. This regulatory action will not take effect until it is published in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR), an administrative process that typically takes 30-60 days from the date of the vote. Definition of Massachusetts Rare Species List Categories
ADDITIONS TO RARE SPECIES STATUS: Plants:
CHANGES IN RARE SPECIES STATUS: Plants:
DELETIONS FROM RARE SPECIES STATUS Plants:
Invertebrates: (insects, mollusks, beetles, bugs etc)
Vertebrates: (animals with backbones)
NATURAL HERITAGE & ENDANGERED SPECIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICES April 12---Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee Meeting, MassWildlife Field Headquarters- Held on the second Thursday of every month except August, this meeting is open to the public. Topics on non-game and endangered species will be covered, an update on agency activities will be part of the agenda. The Committee makes recommendations on these issues to the Fisheries & Wildlife Board. 1:30 - 4:00 PM . Directions to Westborough Field Headquarters are below or contact MassWildlife at 508/389-6300.
Directions to Westboro Field Headquarters Directions From Rte I-495 North or South: Route 495 to Exit 23 for Route 9 West ramp.Take Route
9 West straight through 1 set of traffic lights. From the East on MassPike: Take MassPike to Exit
11A for Route 495 North. From the West on MassPike: Take MassPike to Exit
11 for Route 122 in Millbury. From Rte I-290, East or Westbound Take the Church Street Exit in Northboro and head south
into Northboro center to traffic lights at the junction of Rte 20.
********************************** Questions? Comments? Contact: MassWildlife at Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us |
