Dr. Eve Schlüter Appointed Director of MassWildlife
WESTBOROUGH — The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) announced today that Dr. Everose (Eve) Schlüter will serve as its next Director. Schlüter, who has served as Acting Director since January, brings nearly two decades of experience at MassWildlife and a distinguished record of leadership in wildlife conservation, endangered species protection, public policy, and strategic planning. As Director, she will oversee the agency’s work to conserve the Commonwealth’s fish and wildlife, protect and restore habitat, expand opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation, and strengthen partnerships with communities and conservation organizations across Massachusetts. Schlüter’s appointment marks a historic milestone for MassWildlife, making her the first woman to serve as Director.
“I am deeply honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to lead an agency that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Schlüter. “I recognize the tremendous responsibility that comes with advancing MassWildlife’s mission, and I am proud to do that work alongside our outstanding staff, whose dedication, expertise, and passion make our success possible every day. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners and the diverse communities we serve to advance science-based conservation, expand opportunities to connect with the outdoors, and strengthen the agency’s impact. Together, we will conserve the Commonwealth’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources for generations to come.”
“Appointing the Director of MassWildlife is one of the Board’s most important responsibilities,” said Emma Ellsworth, Chair of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. “Following a nationwide search, we are confident that Dr. Eve Schlüter has the experience, vision, and leadership needed to guide the agency forward. Her commitment to science-based conservation, outdoor recreation, and strong partnerships will position MassWildlife for continued success for years to come. We are excited to see what the talented team at MassWildlife will accomplish under her continued leadership.”
Before becoming Acting Director, Schlüter served as MassWildlife’s Deputy Director from 2023 to 2025, helping establish and implement agency priorities and overseeing major program areas, including fisheries, wildlife, endangered species, operations, and land and habitat conservation. She also helped lead the development of Massachusetts’ statewide biodiversity conservation goals and worked to strengthen coordination across the agency’s land acquisition, stewardship, and habitat-management programs.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching Dr. Schlüter grow into this leadership role, and it’s been exciting to see her bring both passion and purpose to MassWildlife,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “As MassWildlife continues to grow—protecting biodiversity, restoring habitat, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, and helping communities adapt to new conservation challenges—I can’t think of a better person to lead the agency into its next chapter. I look forward to seeing all she and the MassWildlife team will accomplish.”
“Dr. Eve Schlüter’s expertise is invaluable, and she has already demonstrated exceptional leadership during her tenure as Acting Director of MassWildlife,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Throughout that time, she has earned the respect of her colleagues and partners through her clear vision, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to conservation. She brings extensive expertise in wildlife policy, conservation, and strategic planning, along with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping wildlife conservation today. These qualities make her exceptionally well positioned to lead the agency. We are excited to see how her leadership will continue to strengthen the agency and advance its mission.”
Earlier in her career, Schlüter served as Assistant Director of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, where she directed conservation science, habitat restoration, species recovery, information management, and regulatory review. She led the redevelopment of BioMap, a statewide conservation-planning resource created in partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts.
Schlüter also previously served as Assistant Director of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office and held several positions focused on implementing the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Across these roles, she developed extensive experience working at the intersection of science, policy, regulation, and public administration.
As Director, Schlüter will provide strategic direction for MassWildlife’s conservation, regulatory, public-engagement, and recreation programs. Her priorities will include advancing the state’s biodiversity conservation goals, strengthening climate resilience, supporting sustainable wildlife and fisheries management, promoting equitable access to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, and securing long-term funding for the agency.
Schlüter, who lives in Maynard, holds a doctorate in biology, with a research focus in conservation biology, from Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and literature from Claremont McKenna College. Her public-service recognitions include a Governor’s Citation for advancing the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s climate and resiliency goals and the Commonwealth’s Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service for her work on the Biodiversity Executive Order project.
Statements of Support
Paul Johansen, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies:
"Dr. Eve Schlüter is a proven conservation leader who brings an exceptional depth of knowledge, experience, and vision to this role. She has a deep understanding of how state fish and wildlife agencies deliver conservation on the ground and recognizes that lasting success depends on strong partnerships and meaningful collaboration. Her ability to foster productive relationships across agencies, organizations, and stakeholders will help advance conservation efforts and drive measurable results for fish, wildlife, and their habitats at both the regional and national levels."
David O’Neill, President & CEO of Mass Audubon:
“As the Commonwealth’s largest conservation organization and a partner with the state in addressing biodiversity loss and climate resilience for people and wildlife, Mass Audubon is thrilled with the appointment of Dr. Eve Schlüter as the next Director of MassWildlife. We’ve been fortunate to partner with Dr. Schlüter for years and her expertise, experience, and recent success as MassWildlife’s Acting Director are proof that the future of conservation in the Commonwealth is in highly capable hands.”
Christopher Borgatti, Eastern Policy & Conservation Manager of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers:
“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers commends the appointment of Dr. Eve Schlüter as Director of MassWildlife. Her proven leadership and dedication to science-based management will be an asset in conserving fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. We look forward to partnering with her to advance conservation priorities, protect and expand public access, and promote hunting, fishing, and wildlife-dependent recreation for all who cherish the outdoors."
Antlerless Deer Permit announcements
Check your Antlerless Deer Permit status
If you applied by the July 16 deadline, you can now check to see if you were awarded a permit.
Surplus Antlerless Deer Permits
Unlimited permits (zones 10, 11, 13, 14) are available now and have no daily or season purchase limit. Limited permits in zones 1, 3, 4S, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 12 will go on sale on September 16. Get more information about surplus ADPs.
Construction begins to restore Century Bog
PLYMOUTH — The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and its partners have begun construction to restore Century Bog, a retired cranberry bog in Plymouth and Wareham. This project will transform the former Century Bog into a healthy network of streams, wetlands, and native uplands. The project marks the final major step in a years-long effort to restore the Red Brook watershed, creating lasting benefits for fish and wildlife, clean water, and the public.
"From the Berkshires to Cape Cod, Massachusetts is investing in restoration to bring nature back and sustain biodiversity, especially places like Red Brook which are important for helping migratory fish from the ocean reach freshwater to spawn, “said Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Commissioner Tom O'Shea. “We are proud to continue this transformational ecological restoration effort with partners for over two decades whose contributions make this large, watershed-scale restoration project possible."
For more than 100 years, Red Brook flowed through a landscape shaped by cranberry farming. Wetlands were drained, streams were straightened, and water was carefully controlled to support one of southeastern Massachusetts' historic industries. Although cranberry farming ended on the site in 2015, decades of cultivation left a lasting imprint. Century Bog is now owned by MassWildlife as part of the 683-acre Red Brook Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Today, parts of the former bog support young pitch pines, shrubs, grasses, and sedges. While nature has begun reclaiming the site, much of the landscape still lacks the natural connections between streams, wetlands, and uplands that once defined this ecosystem. The project will reconnect Red Brook to its floodplain and groundwater, allowing the stream to flow more naturally while restoring the surrounding habitats.
“Red Brook is one of the region's most special places, providing habitat for sea-run brook trout, American eel, river herring, and other native species that depend on healthy streams to survive,” said Eve Schluter, MassWildlife Acting Director. “Over time, wetlands will once again provide clean water, native plants will flourish, fish will move more freely, and Red Brook will continue to become a healthier, more connected ecosystem. With thoughtful restoration, even landscapes shaped by generations of human activity can be given the opportunity to thrive once again.”
The project is expected to benefit at least 56 Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan. From migratory fish to birds, amphibians, reptiles, pollinators, and plants, countless species stand to gain from the return of a more natural landscape. Over the course of the project, crews will:
- Restore approximately 72 acres of wetlands and 12,300 feet of Red Brook;
- Improve fish passage and in-stream habitat through the removal of culverts and berms and realignment of the stream channel;
- Restore about 47 acres of native upland habitat, including barrens shrubland, sandplain grassland, and pitch pine-oak woodland; and,
- Reconnect wetlands and uplands so water, plants, and wildlife can once again move naturally across the landscape.
To accomplish this, restoration teams will reshape portions of the former bogs, remove culverts, berms, and drainage ditches, and reconnect the land with groundwater. Native vegetation will be planted where needed, while other areas will be left to recover naturally. The restored stream itself will follow a more natural course, connecting with existing springs and incorporating boulders and large woody material that create habitat for fish and improve stream health for years to come.
“Healthy wetlands improve water quality, reduce flooding, store carbon, and create resilient natural systems that are able to adapt to climate change” said Beth Lambert, Director of the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER). “Restoring sites like Century Bog helps revitalize our rivers and wetlands while providing lasting benefits for surrounding communities.”
The Century Bog project is the culmination of more than a decade of partnership between MassWildlife, DFG, DER, Buzzards Bay Coalition, Division of Marine Fisheries, The Trustees, Mass Audubon, Trout Unlimited, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, NOAA, and many others working to restore the Red Brook watershed. As construction gets underway, visitors may notice heavy equipment and significant changes to the site. Those short-term disruptions will help achieve the long-term vision of restoring the natural systems that sustained this landscape long before cranberry farming began.
The cranberry bog restoration is part of MassWildlife’s Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Landscape Restoration and Community Engagement Initiative, which will also restore pine barrens and coastal plain pondshores. The southeastern Massachusetts pine barrens is the largest remaining block of Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens north of New Jersey and supports numerous animals and plants, including rare, at-risk species like the prairie warbler, frosted elfin butterfly, and barrens buckmoth.
The Initiative is supported by a $4.9 million America the Beautiful Challenge Grant awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in 2022 with additional financial support provided by the MA DFG’s In-Lieu Fee Program, MA DER, the B-120 Trustee Council, MA DCR, and in-kind matching contributions from our grant partners.
Statements of Support
Sara Quintal, Senior Restoration Ecologist for Buzzards Bay Coalition:
“It has been a pleasure to assist MassWildlife with restoration of the headwaters of Red Brook at Century Bog, helping to bring it through final design and into construction. This is an exciting opportunity to complete the restoration of Red Brook from its confluence with Buzzards Bay all the way to White Island Pond. Between 2006 and 2009, there was extensive restoration of the lower part of Red Brook within the adjoining Lyman Reserve. Now, we are about to restore the upper part of this revered sea-run brook trout stream.”
Alex Hackman, Mass Audubon's Director of Ecological Restoration:
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore wetlands in Southeastern Massachusetts as unproductive cranberry farms retire. Breaking ground on the Century Bog project is a major milestone. Kudos to MassWildlife for making this happen and inviting so many partners to help. Projects like this expand biodiversity, protect clean water, and create beautiful healthy places for people to enjoy. We are delighted to be a part of it.”
Sharl Heller, Coordinator of the Massachusetts Coastal Pine Barrens Partnership:
“Partnerships are clearly the best—if not the only—way to save an entire globally rare ecoregion such as the Massachusetts Coastal Pine Barens. You need the expertise and involvement of everyone including federal, state, municipal, and tribal officials, land trusts, universities, advocacy groups, citizen scientists, and professional ecologists, biologists, and foresters. Moreover, in conjunction with every aspect of the hard work and dedication that goes into all regional conservation projects, you need an equally strong and pervasive education and outreach program to celebrate the accomplishments and build community support. This America the Beautiful Challenge Grant project has it all, and the Massachusetts Coastal Pine Barrens Partnership is proud to be a part of this expansive project.”
Warren Winders of the Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter of Trout Unlimited:
“When Trout Unlimited first became involved with the Lyman family to protect and restore Red Brook back in the late 1980s, the idea of restoring the A.D. Makepeace owned Century Bog to what it once was, a complex marsh headwater of Red Brook, was something that we never dared to dream was possible. Yet, following the removal of the last two of the four dams removed from Red Brook in 2009, we (TU) and all of the partners involved, were surprised and overjoyed to learn in 2010 that the Department of Fish and Game had purchased the Century Bog property completing the protection of Red Brook in its entirety. After decades of effort by the Red Brook partners, the process that was begun by Theodore Lyman, when he first purchased land along Red Brook in 1870, is nearing completion. Thanks to MassWildlife, that which we never dared to dream is now about to happen.”
Turtle taxis: Discovery reveals how some freshwater mussels travel
Freshwater mussels are not known for speed and most only move a few meters per week. But biologists from MassWildlife and collaborators in other New England states discovered some may have found a faster way to travel: hitching rides on turtles.
While freshwater mussels are no strangers to hitchhiking, they typically travel only during their earliest life stage. Species such as the eastern elliptio (Elliptio complanata) disperse by releasing microscopic larvae into the water that temporarily attach to the gills or fins of fish. After developing, the young mussels detach—often far from where they began—and settle into the riverbed, where they spend the rest of their adult lives moving only short distances.
But, what biologists thought they knew about adult mussels changed when they recently discovered some adult freshwater mussels traveling around by attaching to turtles. The first observation occurred in 2007, when a male wood turtle was seen walking along the river bottom with an eastern elliptio firmly attached to its right hind foot.
Since then, researchers have documented eight observations involving three turtle species in three New England watersheds. In nearly every case, the mussels were attached to a turtle's claws or feet. Although the behavior appears to be uncommon, seeing the same pattern repeated across multiple turtle species and watersheds suggests these encounters are more than isolated accidents.
These observations are more than an unusual wildlife story—they could change how scientists understand freshwater mussel movement. Until now, biologists thought mussels mainly moved upstream as larvae attached to fish hosts and traveled downstream through flooding events. Adult mussels traveling on turtles introduces another pathway for dispersal. If turtles occasionally carry attached mussels over land between streams or watersheds, they could connect populations that were previously isolated. Even rare movements like these could have important implications for the genetic diversity of freshwater mussel populations.
This mussel behavior appears rare today—researchers documented these mussel-turtle interactions only after more than 11,000 direct observations of turtles. Yet that rarity may not reflect how often the behavior occurred in the past. Wood turtles and freshwater mussels were once far more abundant, meaning these encounters may have been a more routine part of New England’s river ecosystems. The discovery offers a glimpse into ecological connections that may have become harder to see as species have declined.
Many questions remain. Researchers still don't know how often adult mussels hitch rides on turtles or how this relationship may impact mussel and turtle populations. But each new observation adds another piece to the puzzle and reminds us that the natural world is often more connected—and more surprising—than we realize.
Fall hunting announcements
Fall hunting seasons are just around the corner. Stay up to date on hunting information, including antlerless deer permit awards, surplus sales, the Blue Hills deer hunt, squirrel hunting season updates, and waterfowl season dates and bag limits.
ADP award period underway
Hunters who applied for an Antlerless Deer Permit (ADP) before the July 16 deadline can now return to MassFishHunt to see if they were awarded the permit. Check your status anytime between August 1 and December 31; odds of winning a permit are the same regardless of when you check. If you are awarded an ADP, you must purchase it in order to use it. The easiest way to check the award status and purchase an ADP is online through MassFishHunt. In-person sales are also available at select license vendor locations and MassWildlife offices.
Surplus ADPs
Surplus ADPs in zones 10, 11, 13, and 14 are available now and have no daily or season purchase limit. Surplus ADPs in zones 1, 3, 4S, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 12 go on sale at 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2026. These are first-come, first-served and limited to 1 permit per zone per day.
MassWildlife makes surplus ADPs available for zones that have permits remaining after the application/award process. Surplus permits provide additional opportunity for hunters and minimize the number of permits that go unused. Anyone with a valid hunting or sporting license can buy a surplus ADP. You do not need to have applied for an ADP by the July 16 deadline to be eligible for surplus permits. The easiest way to buy a license or a surplus permit is online through MassFishHunt. In-person sales are also available at select license vendor locations and MassWildlife offices.
2026 Blue Hills Deer Hunt
The 2026 Blue Hills Archery Deer will take place Mondays through Thursdays, November 2–25. To participate, licensed hunters must apply and be selected through a lottery. The application is open now through September 20. After the application closes, selected hunters will receive an online orientation and hunt rules to acknowledge before receiving a hunt permit. Learn more about the Blue Hills Hunt and get a link to the application.
Learn about other controlled hunts in Massachusetts.
Squirrel hunting season date error
Gray squirrel hunting season is September 8, 2026 through February 27, 2027. Squirrel season dates in the printed Hunting and Fishing Guide are incorrect but have been corrected in the online version of the Guide. Review all squirrel hunting regulations.
Migratory game bird seasons and limits
The 2026–2027 season dates and bag limits are available online. Review all migratory game bird regulations.
Black bear hunting updates
New single season: The three-part black bear season has been combined into one season from September 7–December 12, 2026.
Youth bear permit: Youth hunters ages 12–17 can now hunt black bear during the youth deer hunt and throughout the bear season after obtaining a free youth bear hunt permit.
Wildlife coloring pages
Discover Massachusetts wildlife with free coloring pages featuring some of the animals that make our state special. Pick your favorite colors and bring these wild neighbors to life! Download coloring pages.
2026 Youth pheasant hunt
Hunter Education graduates aged 12–17 are invited to participate in the 2026 Youth Pheasant Hunt. Participants learn hunting basics and firearms safety from experienced adults. Classes are offered on different dates at locations around the state. Register for an event by August 31.
MassWildlife staff among wildland firefighters deployed to Minnesota
This summer, members of MassWildlife’s prescribed fire crew are putting their training and experience to work beyond Massachusetts by supporting ongoing wildland firefighting efforts.
MassWildlife’s Ben Mazzei is currently deployed to support wildfire response operations in Minnesota. Ben is a member of the Massachusetts Inter-Agency Suppression Module, an 11-person wildland firefighting team made up of staff from MassWildlife and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
In the coming weeks, additional members of MassWildlife’s prescribed fire crew, including Alex Entrop, Dan Bove, and John Garofoli, will deploy alongside other trained wildland firefighters to assist with fire suppression efforts in northern Minnesota near the Canadian border.
Drought conditions and widespread lightning storms in early July sparked numerous wildfires across the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. While some fires are contained, wildfire activity continues, and new fires are being ignited by dry lightning storms in the “Bear Trap”, “Sioux”, and “Thumb” fire areas. Initial attack and continued suppression efforts are focused in these locations.
While providing support, MassWildlife staff apply their skills in new environments, work alongside fire professionals from across the country, and gain valuable experience that will strengthen the agency’s Prescribed Fire Program. The knowledge gained by staff during wildfire assignments helps improve habitat management and wildlife conservation efforts here at home.
Massachusetts has a long history of assisting with wildfire response efforts. Wildland firefighters from MassWildlife and the DCR have supported fire operations in Montana, Idaho, California, Oregon, Arizona, and Alaska, as well as in Quebec Canada.
MassWildlife is proud of the dedication and service of its prescribed fire crew and grateful for their contributions to wildfire response efforts and conservation across North America.
Submit feedback on the next revision of the Natural Heritage Atlas
MassWildlife is seeking input on draft Priority Habitat maps for rare, state-listed plants and animals as part of the 16th Edition of the Natural Heritage Atlas. The public comment period is open now through October 4. Review the maps and submit your comments.
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| Date published: | August 6, 2025 |
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