DRAFT Priority Habitat Map Public Comment Period

In accordance with the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), M.G.L. c. 131A, and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00), the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife held a sixty (60) day comment period for the public to review and submit comments on a proposed updated version of the Priority Habitat map from August 5 – October 4, 2026.

Reviewing and Commenting on the Map

The Public Comment Period has closed. We are currently reviewing comments.

Updates to the Map

The current map was released August 1, 2021 (the 15th Edition Natural Heritage Atlas). MassWildlife reviews and updates the map every four years. Revisions are typically based on the following factors:

• changes to the MESA list 
• New species occurrences
• Remove historic occurrences (greater than 25 years old)
• Latest biological research about species habitat utilization
• Evaluation of species-specific regulatory review outcomes
• Better aerial photographs, GIS layers and tools
• Exclusion of sites with poor estimated population viability (based on size, quality, landscape context)

Next Steps

Within thirty (30) days after the close of the public comment period, we will determine whether any modifications to the proposed Priority Habitat map are appropriate.

We will post the final Priority Habitat map, together with a summary response to public comments and a summary explanation of any significant modifications to the proposed updated map, on our website within thirty (30) days of the determination of whether any modifications to its proposed updated Priority Habitat map are appropriate.

Please see Regulatory Maps: Priority & Estimated Habitats for the current 15th Edition Atlas. 

Date published:	August 5, 2026
Last updated:	October 5, 2026