Forestry and Rare Species

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) reviews land-use projects, including forest harvesting, for compliance with the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA; M.G.L. c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00). This section of the NHESP website provides information about how the NHESP is involved with regulatory review of forestry projects. There are two main functions of the NHESP with respect to regulation of forestry:

• NHESP Review of Forest Cutting Plans as part of the review process coordinated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Development of specific management guidelines, termed Conservation Management Practices (CMPs) for use during forestry operations in habitat of certain rare species

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