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Guidelines for Protecting Rare Species and their Habitats

The following guidelines were developed to assist property owners and land managers in protecting rare species populations and their habitats. Implementing these guidelines may also serve to avoid potential violations of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MGL c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00). Users of these guidelines are advised that they do not supersede any law, regulation, or official policy of this or any other agency. Rather, these guidelines are intended to complement existing regulatory review processes by providing scientifically based management recommendations.

These guidelines include a summary of life history and habitat requirements for a species, a summary of pertinent laws and regulations, guidelines for avoiding adverse impacts to their habitats, and literature cited.

• Jefferson and Blue-Spotted Salamanders
• Marbled Salamander
• Blandings Turtle
• Spotted Turtle
• Wood Turtle

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, MA 01581
Tel: (508) 389-6300; Fax: (508) 389-7890
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Tel: (508) 389-6360; Fax: (508) 389-7891