News  Upgrade to MassWildlife's Heritage Hub

MassWildlife is pleased to announce a major system upgrade to the Heritage Hub. Since early 2021, the Heritage Hub web portal has provided an avenue to submit plant, animal, vernal pool, and natural community observations to MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). The recent upgrade includes two new forms allowing users to file their MESA regulatory review applications electronically.

The new Request for State-listed Species Information form can be used to request rare species information for proposed development projects or for habitat management and conservation purposes. The new Project Review Checklist form provides an online option for applicants with proposed projects and activities within Priority and/or Estimated Habitat of state-listed species to file electronically with the NHESP. For more information on filing requirements see our Regulatory Review webpages.

The Heritage Hub upgrade includes: 

• two new MESA online filing forms,
• electronic payment portal,
• greater transparency (e.g., notifications on review timelines, streamlined communication with project proponents, and easier access to determination letters), and,
• enhancements to the Observation forms and bulk upload features.

Current users will see the new “MESA Forms” menu at the top of their screen. New users can visit mass.gov/heritagehub to learn more and register for an account.