Wildland Acquisition and Protection

In order to protect wildlife habitats, one of MassWildlife's highest priorities is habitat acquisition. Field Operations staff (particularly District Managers and their staff), other MassWildlife staff, Fish and Wildlife Board members and conservation partners of the agency are all involved in identifying lands for acquisition. Sunrise photo

The goals of acquisition are

to protect and perpetuate ecosystems that contain significant fish and wildlife resources
to conserve biological diversity, and to provide adequate routes for public access to the lands and waters.

Potential acquisitions are reviewed and prioritized by the Lands Committee, which determines their resource and recreational value. Negotiations and processing are carried out by a core staff consisting of a Bond Fund Administrator, Chief of Wildlife Lands, an attorney, a paralegal and five land agents. Technical input is provided by the Districts and a representative from each of the three research sections (Fisheries, Wildlife, and Natural Heritage and Endangered Species). Massachusetts law requires the review and approval of all acquisitions by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.

MassWildlife staff, Board members and conservation partners are all involved in identifying lands for acquisition by the agency. The goals of acquisition are to protect and perpetuate ecosystems that contain significant fish and wildlife resources, to conserve biological diversity, and to provide adequate routes for public access to the lands and waters. Potential acquisitions are reviewed and prioritized by the Lands Committee, which determines their resource and recreational value. Negotiations and processing are carried out by a core staff consisting of a Bond Fund Administrator, Chief of Wildlife Lands, an attorney, a paralegal and five land agents. Technical input is provided by the Districts and a representative from each of the three research sections (Fisheries, Wildlife, and Natural Heritage and Endangered Species). Massachusetts law requires the review and approval of all acquisitions by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.