Attendees
Present: Emma Ellsworth/Chair, Matthew Sisk/Vice Chair, Sasha Dyer, Kyla Hastie, John Hitt, Eve Schlüter/Director, Tom O’Shea/Commissioner/DFG, Nicole McSweeney/Assistant Director of Outreach and Education, Todd Richards/Assistant Director of Fisheries, Emily Myron/ Assistant Director of Land and Habitat Conservation, Trina Moruzzi/Assistant Director of Operations, Kris McCarthy/CFO, Joe Rogers/Conn. Valley Wildlife District Manager, Patricia Huckery/Northeast Wildlife District Manager, Andrew Madden/Western Wildlife District Manager, Christine Smith/Assistant General Counsel/DFG; Public: David Morin, Melinda MacKendrick, Mike Roche
Acceptance of the minutes of the August monthly business meeting
Ms. Hastie moved to accept the minutes of the August business meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hitt. The vote in favor was unanimous.
Chair's comments
Chair Ellsworth provided comments on the launch of a Massachusetts ballot initiative, Question 6: to Establish the Nature For All Fund Initiative. This initiative would direct funding to accounts for conservation for both restoration activities and to purchase lands for conservation. The funds can also help to support the state’s current biodiversity goals and land stewardship efforts.
She also reported on a conversation that she had with a constituent who shared a conversation they had had with Martin Feehan, Deer and Moose Project Leader, related to questions they had about the Antlerless Deer Permit (ADP) allocation process. The constituent was grateful for the time Dr. Feehan spent with her, and with the explanation he provided. As a result, the constituent felt well-educated and empowered to explain the ADP process to others in her community. Chair Ellsworth thanked Dr. Feehan and the rest of the MassWildlife staff for their work with the public.
Director’s updates
Director Schlüter reported that four MassWildlife staff, Habitat Biologist Ben Mazzei, Prescribed Fire Project Leader Alex Entrup, Restoration Ecologist Dan Bove, and Southeast Wildlife District Technician John Garofoli, participated in wildfire assignments at intervals from late July through early September 2026 in Northern Minnesota. All staff have returned safely home, gained valuable experience on the fire-line, completed wildfire task-book assignments, and are back to important work on our WMAs. The staff worked to contain a series of wildfires that started from intense lightning storms in early July and continued to burn and flare up over a two-month period within the boreal forests and peat-based wetlands of the Boundary Waters National Forest and Wilderness Area. She thanked Mr. Mazzei, Mr. Entrup, Mr. Bove, and Mr. Garofoli as well as wildland fire partners at DCR for their dedication and service in protecting communities at risk in Northern Minnesota.
Fall prescribed fire season is underway throughout Massachusetts, and the Director reported that MassWildlife, in collaboration with partners, is planning a busy fall season of prescribed fires. The recent rain has abated drought conditions in certain regions of the state, and we hope to have an active fall burn season. To date, three prescribed fires have been completed this September and there are more to come.
The Prescribed Fire Partnership is underway in Southeastern Massachusetts as part of the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) Grant made possible through the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Foundation. A skilled Seasonal Prescribed Fire Leader has been hired with ATBC funds, and we are working closely with partners to set up a series of wildland fire trainings and prescribed burns on municipal and NGO lands within the project region. MassWildlife and partners are building a strong coalition, will train volunteers and partner staff, and conduct a series of burns this fall, winter, and spring. One of the first partnership burns will be held at the West Barnstable Conservation Area this fall.
Director Schlüter reported that, on August 27, she had the privilege of attending a special event to celebrate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Partner with a Payer program. The event was held at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield. This gathering celebrated the American System of Conservation Funding, which we know is a unique, user-supported model in which hunters, target shooters, anglers, trappers, and boaters help conserve America’s fish and wildlife resources through their purchases of certain types of equipment. The event recognized the importance of the Pittman–Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell–Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act and how through these Acts the federal excise tax paid by firearm, ammunition, archery, and fishing tackle manufacturers, as well as the federal fuel taxes attributable to motorboats and small engines, collectively fund habitat restoration, fish and wildlife management, fishing and boating access sites, target shooting, and outdoor opportunities enjoyed by millions of Americans. She reported that it was a wonderful day with numerous speakers, and the attendees were able to view various exhibits highlighting the role of the Springfield Armory in shaping military history and firearm innovation.
The Director also reported attending the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (AFWA) Annual Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This was her first time attending the conference and, as Director, she had the privilege of engaging with directors from across the country and Canadian provinces; 45+ were in attendance. There was a full agenda covering various topics from CWD and OneHealth to R3 and landscape conservation efforts. The week also included a director’s meeting with USFWS Director Brian Nesvik. As you may be aware, there are significant changes at the national level regarding the implementation of the Endangered Species Act and the interpretation of harm. AFWA and MassWildlife staff are continuing to work with our partners at the USFWS to determine how these changes will impact our endangered species work, although we are very lucky to have a robust state endangered species act. Additionally, while the directors were in Pennsylvania, the president signed an Executive Order entitled “Reinvigorating America's Hunting Heritage,” which directs the Secretary of the Interior to expand hunting opportunities in select federal lands that would not put objects of historic and scientific interest at risk. As you know, we have already been actively engaged with the USFWS to review and address alignment with state regulations on hunting and fishing access. Those conversations have been moving forward, and we hope to see some proposed federal regulatory changes in the near future.
In hunting-related updates, Director Schlüter reported that the surplus Antlerless Deer Permit sales on Wednesday, September 16, went very well. Zone 5 took about 20 minutes to sell out, Zone 4S took about 45 minutes to sell out, and Zone 1 and Zone 8 both sold out on the second day. As of the day before the Board meeting, permits were still available in zones 3, 7, 9, and 12, while unlimited permits continue to be on sale throughout the season for zones 10, 11, 13, and 14. The Director took the opportunity to thank the District and FHQ staff for their hard work with the in-person sales at our offices.
She also took a moment to recognize that staff had identified some initial confusion related to the Winter Deer Season, and have since conducted several outreach efforts on the issue and have updated the website to clarify the seasons and permit requirements. Similarly, she reported confusion on the overlap of woodcock season with the newly passed Youth Deer Hunt extension. The Director reminded the members that the woodcock season was moved to an earlier start by the Board a few years ago, which led to the overlap with Youth Deer Day. This year, the Youth Deer Day was expanded to a second day, and licensed hunters who hunt other animals during the Youth Deer Hunt must follow special restrictions, including wearing hunter orange. Dogs are also not allowed except for hunting waterfowl on coastal waters and salt marshes.
The Director then turned to fisheries-related updates, and reported that fall trout stocking was expected to begin statewide at the end of September. As always, staff made decisions on where to stock based on local conditions, including the impacts from the drought that the state has been experiencing. Anglers can visit mass.gov/trout for daily stocking updates and locations.
Director Schlüter also noted that the Western Wildlife District will resume stocking rainbow trout in specific sections of the upper Deerfield River in Florida and Rowe that are valued by anglers. The upper catch-and-release area will remain unstocked. She reminded the Board members that the Deerfield River is one of the premier recreational fishing destinations in the state, and she reported that staff have engaged with partners in ongoing surveys and monitoring of fish communities in the river. This operational decision was based on additional input staff received following the strategic pause in 2025 to review and enhance the program, including from our participation in 413 day, which was led by the Lieutenant Governor.
Commissioner’s updates
Commissioner O’Shea reported on the status of the Mass Ready Act legislation, which includes the proposed changes in hunting provisions and statutes that were initially filed by Governor Healy in April 2026. The act is still in the conference committee and he is hopeful that the full legislature will vote this fall, but the status is still the same as last month’s report.
He stated that just prior to the day’s board meeting, he was in Sandwich with the Environmental Management Commission (EMC), which includes the commissioners of the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Environmental Protection. The care and concern of the commission encompasses the protection of the drinking water supply and wildlife on Camp Edwards, home to a drinking water aquifer and several endangered species. The role of the EMC is enforcement of environmental laws and resource protections.
He stated that the second round of reviews for applications to the Community Biodiversity Grants are now underway and reported that a Chief Biodiversity Officer has been hired by the Department. Colleen Sculley, formerly with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will play a key role in advancing interdepartmental relations and the biodiversity goals. He also reviewed Ms. Sculley’s professional background in conservation for the past 25 years, including as the head of the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration program, and remarked that those experiences will fold nicely into the demands of her new position.
Personnel Report (Supervisory staff)
Promotion
Employee Position Location
Kevin Magowan Hatchery Manager Palmer
Fish Culturist III
Assistant Director of Fisheries Todd Richards requested the Board’s approval of the promotion of Kevin Magowan to Palmer Hatchery Manager. He provided a brief background of Mr. Magowan’s professional skills and lengthy experience.
Vice Chair Sisk moved to accept the personnel report as submitted. Ms. Hastie seconded the motion and the vote in favor was unanimous.
Update on land acquisition and the stewardship program (Emily Myron)
Assistant Director for Land and Habitat Conservation Emily Myron provided a report on land protection accomplishments for FY 2026. She reported that MassWildlife works in partnership with the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) to protect the Commonwealth’s most important fish and wildlife habitat and to expand the public’s access to land and inland waters for wildlife-related recreation, including hunting, fishing, trapping, birding, wildlife photography, and more.
To accomplish this dual mission, the land protection program purchases land in fee or conservation restrictions (CRs) from willing landowners who seek to conserve their property. Annual funding for these acquisitions includes capital funds from the Environmental Bond and monies from the Wildlands Stamp Fund, which is supported by a $5 fee added to each purchase of a hunting, fishing, or trapping license. In addition, the program secures state and federal grants and receives support from incentive programs, as well as generous gifts from landowners and partners.
In FY 2026, 41 projects conserved over 3,320 acres for $8.8 million from a total of five funding sources. Assistant Director Myron displayed a map of the land projects across the state, as well as a table showing the number of projects in hear Wildlife District and the total newly protected acres in each:
| Wildlife District | Number of Projects | Newly Protected Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Central | 6 | 298.8 |
| Connecticut Valley | 6 | 563.69 |
| Northeast | 15 | 376.76 |
| Southeast | 3 | 180.98 |
| Western | 11 | 1,899.94 |
| Total | 41 | 3,320.17 |
Assistant Director Myron then provided the details of one acquisition from each Wildlife District, to give the members a sense of the range of lands the numbers represent. She stressed that none of the projects would have happened without partners – internal and externa – and stated that the lands program is fortunate to have an incredible land protection team made up of DFG land agents, MassWildlife’s District Managers, DFG Assistant General Counsel Christine Smith, and DFG Director of Land Protection and Capital Planning Christy Edwards, noting that all projects are reviewed by the lands committee, which includes everyone mentioned as well as representatives from each of the MassWildlife programs.
For a number of the FY 2026 projects, Ms. Myron stated that external partners played a key role. From introducing us to landowners to providing significant resources, the land protection program is grateful to all them. In particular, she thanked a number of partners for making a significant contribution to projects this year, ranging from the donation of a CR to paying for due diligence to pre-acquiring a property, including the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the Essex County Greenbelt Association, the Franklin Land Trust, the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Mass Audubon, and The Nature Conservancy.
Assistant Director Myron highlighted that the acquisition is just the beginning, and that now the long-term work begins. She detailed some of the many aspects of land stewardship that MassWildlife staff engages in, including marking boundaries on new properties, improving public access where appropriate, and updating the agency’s online resources so people know about and can visit the new acquisitions. Staff also have to complete baseline documentation reports for all new CRs; build and maintain relationships with CR landowners, including reviewing any trails, forestry, or other management plans; and conduct ongoing compliance monitoring, as well as incorporating opportunities to conduct biological monitoring to better understand these properties. Assistant Director Myron also noted that site planning and any necessary restoration and management activities have to be carried out on MassWildlife’s new in-fee properties. Noting that when a site is acquired, it is forever, Ms. Myron expressed her gratitude to the Stewardship Biologists in each district; CR Stewardship Coordinator Liz Newlands; and the habitat restoration and management team for their commitment to stewarding wildlife lands in perpetuity.
After a brief discussion, the members thanked Ms. Myron for her work and her very informative report.
The Century Bog restoration project (Jason Zimmer)
Southeast Wildlife District Manager Jason Zimmer reported on the restoration of Red Brook, a major conservation project in his district that was recently completed. He stated that Red Brook gets its name from the reddish iron deposits common throughout the stream. Noting that there are very few places where MassWildlife has the opportunity to restore an entire coldwater stream system from its headwaters all the way to the sea, Mr. Zimmer stated that Red Brook is one of those unique and special places.
He began his presentation by introducing the salter brook trout, a unique coastal form of the native Eastern brook trout (EBT). Salters move between the freshwater environment in Red Brook out into the brackish and saltwater estuary in Buttermilk Bay where there is abundant food. Salters grow to a larger size at 14-17 inches long, versus 6-9 inches for EBT, and they require cold water (less than 70 degrees F) to survive. They have a preferred water temperature of 52-56 degrees F, which correlates with the groundwater temperature in Southeastern Massachusetts. The fish spawn in late October and November over upwelling groundwater. Mr. Zimmer reported that staff have been conducting PIT-tagging research since 2007 to document the fishes’ movements, habitat use, and population trends, and he noted that Red Brook has served as a living laboratory for understanding coastal brook trout.
Mr. Zimmer also stressed that there are many other important resources in the stream, including sea run brook trout, herring and American eel, and that this project isn’t just about trout. He talked about the larger, surrounding landscape, a coastal pine barrens ecosystem that includes the stream, riparian wetlands, coastal plain ponds, vernal pools, pitch-pine–scrub-oak barrens, and sandplain grasslands that support over 55 species in greatest need of conservation as identified in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan.
He sketched some of the history of the area back into the late 18th century, including efforts to start a herring fishery, the development of cranberry bogs in the late 19th century, and the recognition of the amazing resources in and around Red Brook by Theodore Lyman III, who became a founding member of the Commission of Inland Fisheries, the precursor to MassWildlife, in 1866 and served on the commission for 17 years. Lyman acquired a house and surrounding land at Red Brook in 1870 and ultimately acquired almost 640 acres as he recognized the importance of landscape-scale conservation to protect the trout. The house and the lands were turned over to MassWildlife and The Trustees in 2001 and some early restoration was done 2006-2009 with help from Trout Unlimited, but the lynchpin for the present-day, full-scale restoration project was MassWildlife’s acquisition of Century Bog, a cranberry operation, in 2010. With Century Bog, MassWildlife finally had the opportunity to restore connectivity and ecosystem function from the headwaters to the ocean and across the entire wetland/upland landscape.
He reported that after all the due diligence had been done, the project still languished for about 10 years for lack of funding. While discouraging, he reported that the delay was beneficial because staff and partners learned a lot about and completed quite a few bog restorations in the interim and the site had time to reestablish pitch pine and other native vegetation after the last cranberry harvest in 2015. He detailed the work with examples from some of the other bog restorations.
Mr. Zimmer closed by highlighting the importance of cooperation and partnerships for a project like Century Bog, as well as the overall ATBC grant project. Landscape-level conservation rarely happens in the absence of strong partnerships between state and federal agencies, municipalities, Tribes, and non-governmental conservation organizations. He stated that this project not only represents the lasting legacy of Theodore Lyman, a person whose conservation ethic was decades ahead of his time; it also represents part of the legacy of MassWildlife’s longtime Southeast District Fisheries Biologist Steve Hurley, who played a major role in coldwater fisheries resource awareness and restoration in the state. There are so many talented and dedicated individuals from many different agencies and organizations, including well over a dozen MassWildlife staff, that have dedicated their time and expertise to this project, this stream, and the surrounding coastal pine barrens ecosystem, that he could not thank them all individually, but he hoped those people know and understand the gratitude MassWildlife has for the role they played in making this project a reality. Mr. Zimmer also recognized MassWildlife’s Federal Aid and Compliance Manager Lori Cookman, who does so much work associated with large grant projects, most of it behind the scenes without the acknowledgement or praise she deserves, because she truly keeps projects moving in the right direction.
Confirm the October business meeting date and time, at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters and on Zoom
The members confirmed the October meeting for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. It will be held at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, and on Zoom.
After a brief discussion, the members set the November business meeting on Monday, November 9, at 11:00 a.m. [Secretary's note: the meeting time was changed to 11:00 a.m. after the close of open session on October 21, 2026], at the Field Headquarters and in a Zoom webinar.
Board members’ comments
Chair Ellsworth acknowledged Ernie Foster and Mike Roche, both former MassWildlife board members and current volunteer Hunter Education Program instructors, in the room for the meeting. She stated that they will be attending an awards ceremony after the Board meeting in which they are being honored.
Ms. Dyer apologized for her inability to attend the August board meeting for the appointment of Director Eve Schlüter. She thanked the preliminary screening committee for its work, understanding what a large task that is. She also thanked Director Schlüter for inviting the Board members to the employees’ conference in July, stating that she appreciated being able to spend time with staff and learn from them. She closed by making suggestions on how Board members can respond to comments made by constituents who are voicing their opinions about the regulatory changes in deer hunting.
Executive session
Vice Chair Sisk moved that the Board go into executive session for the purpose of discussing potential land acquisition projects whose negotiations might be compromised by discussion in open session and not return to open session afterward. Mr. Hitt seconded the motion. A roll-call vote was taken.
Ms. Ellsworth: Yes
Mr. Sisk: Yes
Ms. Dyer: Yes
Ms. Hastie: Yes
Mr. Hitt: Yes
The vote in favor was unanimous.
The Board was presented with the details of one proposed acquisition. It was unanimously approved in a roll call vote of the members.
Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. Sisk moved to adjourn. Mr. Hitt seconded the motion. The vote in favor was unanimous, and the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Malcolm Haith
Secretary
List of documents presented to the Board in its September business meeting packets
September agenda
Draft August meeting minutes
September personnel report
Executive session packet