MA Endangered Species Act (MESA) Overview

The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act protects rare species and their habitats.

Purpose of the Act

The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) was enacted in December 1990 (M.G.L c.131A).  Implementing regulations were promulgated in 1992 and most recently revised and implemented as of January 10, 2020 (321 CMR 10.00).

The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and its implementing regulations

Additional Resources

Take

Take is defined as the following:

In reference to animals, means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, hound, kill, trap, capture, collect, process, disrupt the nesting, breeding, feeding or migratory activity or attempt to engage in any such conduct, or to assist such conduct,

and in reference to plants, means to collect, pick, kill, transplant, cut or process or attempt to engage or to assist in any such conduct. Disruption of nesting, breeding, feeding or migratory activity may result from, but is not limited to, the modification, degradation or destruction of Habitat.

Additional Resources

Permits for taking rare species

Permits for “taking” rare species for

  • scientific
  • educational
  • conservation, or
  • management purposes

can be granted by the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

Additional Resources

Contact   for MA Endangered Species Act (MESA) Overview

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