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Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Publications

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Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund
MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581

Natural Heritage Publications
An Introduction to the Threatened Turtles of Massachusetts: Why They Need Our Help? (2007) $5.00 each ("Free" for Educators) Click here for order form.
Turtles of Massachusetts Poster (2007) Educators, conservation commissioners, environmental organizations and consulting firms will find "Turtles of Massachusetts" and "Hatchling Turtles of Massachusetts" posters valuable tools aiding the identifying physical and habitat characteristics of adult and juvenile turtles. Turtles of Massachusetts includes images of 10 native adult turtles, with views of the carapace (upper shell), the plastron (lower shell) and a hatchling turtle. Information about each turtle's population status, size, identifying field marks, description of habitat and distribution in the state are also provided. A paragraph on assisting turtles across roads is also included. "Free" Publication Click here for order form.
Hatchling Turtles of Massachusetts Poster (2007) Hatchling Turtles of Massachusetts illustrates 10 native turtle hatchling images with carapace and plastron views, egg clutch size, season of hatchling emergence, physical description, population status and the range of these turtles in Massachusetts. Threats to hatchling turtles are also briefly described. "Free" Publication Click here for order form.
Status List of Massachusetts Rare Plants (2007) Edited by Melissa Dow Cullina, Paul Somers, and Kathy Wilensky This list has been compiled and revised over many years, beginning with the first effort to identify the rare plant species of MA in 1978 (Coddington and Field, New England Botanical Club). The list contains three sections: Plants of the MESA List, the Plant Watch List, and the Plant Historic List. "Free" Publication Click here for order form.
A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts (2006) Note: Due to the high demand of this publication, please call our office at (508) 389-6360 for availability. This guide is a user-friendly aid to identification of 66 plant species recognized by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group as Invasives. Likely Invasive or Potentially Invasive in Massachusetts. Importation, propagation and sale of these species is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Color photos, line drawings, detailed descriptions, references and a glossary are provided along with web links to assist land managers, gardeners, nurserymen, landscapers, conservationists and others with recognizing and accurately identifying the featured species.
Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas, 12th Edition (2006) Atlas Bound Book $100.00 Atlas CD Viewer $15.00 This Atlas is the product of a statewide revision of Priority Habitat and Estimated Habitat boundaries to reflect the latest state-listed species data, understanding of species biology and habitat requirements, and GIS technology and data. These revisions represent the last phase of implementing the revised MESA regulations, which took effect July 1, 2005. Natural Heritage Atlas, bound book 187 full-color, 11 x 17 aerial photo maps displaying Priority Habitats, Estimated Habitats and Certified Vernal Pools for the entire state Natural Heritage Atlas, CD viewer Statewide coverage of Priority Habitats, Estimated Habitats, and Certified Vernal Pools using the MassGIS Data Viewer software; software installation instructions included. Click here for order form.
Town Core Habitat Maps and Reports, 2004 $20.00/map ($15.00/map for 10 or more copies) Town maps were sent in December of 2004 to: Conservation Commissions, Town Planner/Planning Boards, local Land Trusts, Community Development Plan Committees, and Community Preservation Act Committees. Free town maps can be sent on request to Town Open Space Planning committees. For other conservation partners (regional planning organizations, watershed associations, regional planning agencies, etc.), we will produce up to 5 town maps for free, at which point we will start charging $20/map or $15/map for 10 or more copies. Click here for order form. Town Core Habitat Reports, 2004 - Available for download in PDF format.
A Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Massachusetts (2003) by Blair Nikula, Jennifer Loose, and Matthew Burne $20.00 ($15.00 per copy for orders of 25 or more) Features 196 pages of color photographs of adult males and females, illustrations of diagnostic characters for groups such as the Enallagma and Somatochlora , and range, flight period, habitat, and behavior notes. It is the first guide to cover all 166 species found in the Commonwealth, and as the range of many Massachusetts species extends well beyond our borders, will be useful to those interested in dragonflies and damselflies throughout the northeast. Click here for order form.
A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools (2001) by Leo Kenney and Matthew Burne $12.00 ($10.00 per copy for orders of 50 or more) This 8" X 5 1/2" full color field guide provides an excellent reference to the specialized creatures that depend upon vernal pools. Beautiful photographs and descriptive text are combined to aid in the identification and study of amphibians, reptiles and many invertebrates. Click here for order form.
Massachusetts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools CD Viewer $15.00 NHESP presents the first comprehensive 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. This survey represents a tremendous leap forward in the protection of this resource by providing, at a glance, the most complete picture available to date of the number and distribution of vernal pools across the Commonwealth. Click here for order form.
Classification of the Natural Communities of Massachusetts DRAFT - 2001- (version 1.3) Reprinted 2004 by Patricia C. Swain and Jennifer B. Kearsley The main purpose of this technical classification is to provide a useful framework for describing, inventorying and tracking natural communities in Massachusetts. Electronic copies of this publication are available as pdf files from the Natural Community Classifcation section of our website.
Living Waters: Guiding the Protection of Freshwater Biodiversity in Massachusetts by Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program This 50 page full color report describes the creation of NHESP's conservation plan for the state's freshwater plants, fish, and invertebrates. Living Waters Technical Report (2003) by Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program This companion to the Living Waters report details the scientific and GIS methods used in creating the conservation plan. This document is intended for a technical audience. "Free" Publication Click here for order form.
Living Waters Poster by Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program This colorful poster showcases the Living Waters conservation plan. It contains beautiful photographs of some of our rarely seen underwater species. "Free" Publication Click here for order form.
The Vascular Plants of Massachusetts: A County Checklist (2000) by Bruce A.Sorrie and Paul Somers Provides a concise reference work for students of the state's flora. The first published comprehensive compilation of the state's vascular flora since 1840. Provides current nomenclature for 3119 native and introduced vascular plant taxa, and recognized but unnamed hybrids, found currently or historically in the Commonwealth. Distributions indicate whether a species is considered native or introduced in the county. Note: This publication is currently out of print and not available.
Vernal Pool Life: A Race Against Dryness (Poster) Photos by Leo Kenney This beautiful color poster was created using twenty-six photographs to depict the many animal species which depends on vernal pools. The poster is a wonderful educational aid. Support for the production and distribution of this poster has been provided by NHESP, Sweet Water Trust, the Vernal Pool Association, EnviroNet, and Tuft's Wright Center for Education. "Free" Publication Click here for order form.
BioMap: Guiding land conservation for biodiversity in Massachusetts (2001) Note: This publication is currently out of print and not available.
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" Publication Click here for order form.
Rare Species Fact Sheets Fact Sheets on many rare vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and natural communities are available on our website in pdf format. Endangered Species List A list of the rare species now listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act Regulations (321 CMR 10.60) Guidelines for the Certification of Vernal Pool Habitat These guidelines describe the requirements for the certification for a vernal pool, including documentation of biota using a vernal pool and vernal pool locations.