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), beginning on August 5, 2026, the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife will hold a sixty (60) day comment period for the public to review and submit comments on a proposed updated version of the Priority Habitat map.

Reviewing and Commenting on the Map

Explore the draft priority habitat map viewer and public comment form.  

This viewer is intended to serve as both the tool for viewing the DRAFT Priority Habitat map ("the map") for the 16th Edition Natural Heritage Atlas as well as an avenue to comment on the map.

• Open Comment Period: August 5, 2026 – October 4, 2026
• Please note this map does not include Estimated Habitats or Certified Vernal Pools

Specifically, MassWildlife is requesting public comment on the status of areas proposed for delineation or removal as Priority Habitat regarding the physical or biological features of the habitat, or the current scope of existing development in the area.

How to submit comments using the Priority Habitat Public Comment Viewer

The Priority Habitat Public Comment Viewer lets users add comments to specific locations on an interactive map. Find a location by zooming in or entering a street address, then place a point on the map and complete the form to submit your comment for review. The comments will be linked to the pin on the map and available for consideration by MassWildlife. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited; however, additional pins and comments can be entered at any time.

Comments may be provided at any scale (e.g. statewide, by town, by individual Priority Habitat, specific address, etc.) however, Priority Habitat is intended for use, and delineated at a scale of 1:25,000 using the 2023 USGS aerial photographs. 

To aid in your review of the map regarding the physical or biological features of the habitat, see our town species viewer for a list of species that have been observed in each town. Please note mapping is only considered for species observed in the last 25 years.

How to submit comments by mail or email

Comments may also be submitted via email (to [e-mail]) with “Comment on the DRAFT Priority Habitat Map” in the subject line.

Or in writing to:     

Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Attn: DRAFT Priority Habitat Map Comment
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581

If submitting comments via email or in writing on a particular area, please consider including a map.

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