Skip navigation.

The Official Website of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

 
Land and Water

Habitat Publications

Habitat management and other related publications are below. If you don't find what you need, go back to the More Publications link.

Unless otherwise noted, all publications are free for pick up at MassWildlife offices. Some publications are also available online, a few are ONLY available online. ($) = sale item only

Booklets

  • Field Guide to Animals in Vernal Pools -- Available from the Westborough Field HQ. This spiral bound full color guide is an excellent reference for the creatures which depend on vernal pools (those wicked big puddles in the woods which dry up in summer) and to these interesting and ephemeral habitats. ($)
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries -- Maps and descriptions of 12 of the MDFW's 13 sanctuaries. $1.50 ($) Free pick up, Westboro Office
  • Living Waters--These booklet identifies the aquatic habitats most in need of protection in order to protect the native biodiversity of the Commonwealth. Living Waters focuses on important aquatic habitats for rare species and exemplary natural communities. Further information on the booklets as well as accompanying posters or call 508/389-6360. Free if picked up at District or Westboro offices!
  • Town Core Habitat Reports, 2004 - These reports detail information from the BioMap and Living Waters projects. Available for download in PDF format.
  • Classification of the Natural Communities of Massachusetts Reprinted 2004 - The main purpose of this technical classification is to provide a useful framework for describing, inventorying and tracking natural communities in Massachusetts. ($) Electronic copy of this publication is also available as a pdf file.

Maps/Atlases

  • Natural Heritage Rare Species & Habitat Atlas --A reference book or CD, for wildlife professionals and others involved in environmental review processes. Call (508) 389-6360 for price and availability. ($) Also viewable online.
  • Town Core Habitat Maps - Maps for conservation planning based on the BioMap and Living Waters projects. ($)
  • Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools in Massachusetts (CD Viewer) --This CD provides statewide coverage of Potential Vernal Pools using the MassGIS Data Viewer software. It is a statewide inventory of potential vernal pools that have been identified from aerial photographs.
  • Pond Maps -- These are pdf files of bathymetric maps with text write ups on fish species and habitats found in the listed ponds. This is NOT a complete list of all ponds, only those to which the public has a right of access.
  • Wildlife Management Area Maps - Maps of MassWildlife properties that primarily protect wildlife habitat and are open to fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing and other passive recreation. (PDF files)

Posters

  • Living Waters Poster -- This colorful poster showcases the Living Waters conservation plan. It contains beautiful photographs of some of our rarely seen underwater species. Free and available at MassWildlife District offices and Westborough Field HQ.
  • BioMap Poster -- This full-color poster was produced in conjunction with the BioMap report. It contains beautiful photos of some of our rare species and natural communities. Free and available at MassWildlife District offices and Westborough Field HQ.

Flyers/Lists

  • Landowner Incentive Program PDF icon - A program flyer about a program for private landowners who want to actively manage their lands and waters for the benefit of wildlife.
  • Rare Species List -- List of rare species now listed under the Mass. Endangered Species Act Regulations (321 CMR 10.60)