Save the Endangered Species Act

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Hillary T.

This just in from our Advocacy department on Beacon Hill:

ACTION ALERT: Save the Endangered Species Act TODAY!

The Massachusetts Legislature is considering revisions to the state Endangered Species Act (MESA) which would result in an effective repeal of endangered species protections in the Commonwealth.

On June 14, the Joint Committee on Environment approved Senate Bill 1854, An Act relative to land takings (filed by Senator Gale Candaras). The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The redraft will:

  • Place impossible and unprecedented requirements on the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW) to be completed in 7 months, effectively undoing current protections for the 435 species of native animals and plants at risk in Massachusetts.
  • Inject uncertainty, delays and conflict in the project review process, leading to potential fines and lawsuits against landowners and developers.
  • Up-end long-standing appeal procedures and case law putting DFW on different footing than every other agency in the Commonwealth.

This unfunded agency mandate would create an unworkable system leaving endangered species unprotected. To learn more, read the letter in opposition signed by 72 conservation and sportsmen’s organizations, which includes a bill summary and FAQ.  Here is the most recent SB1854 text.

PLEASE ACT NOW!

We urge you to contact your state representative and senator – by phone, email or mail – today. Ask them to protect endangered species and oppose SB1854, An Act relative to land takings and ask them to communicate their position to leadership. In the House, that’s Speaker DeLeo and Chairman of House Ways and Means Brian Dempsey and in the Senate, that’s Senate President Murray and Chairman of Senate Ways and Means Stephen Brewer.

Find out who your legislators are and how to contact them.

We expect the bill to be sent to the House Committee on Ways and Means this week and the bill may get a new number. We will keep you posted.

Thank you for stepping up to protect endangered species!

Photo of an Eastern box turtle © Joy Marzolf

Summer Fun By Land and By Sea

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Mass Audubon

With temperatures on the rise and plenty of daylight hours, summer is a spectacular time to be outdoors (despite today’s washout!). There are so many great things you can see—birds, butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers… the list goes on!

Outdoor adventures can be as varied as what you might see while you’re exploring. Duck into shady woods for some relief from direct sunlight and take a nature walk, or a more vigorous hike if you’re looking for a longer, more physical activity.

For those who prefer to be out on the water during the hot summer days, kayaking or canoeing can be a great way to enjoy sunshine while staying cool. Or, take to the water by night during an evening canoe trip with Broadmoor in Natick or Wellfleet Bay on the Cape—a perfect ending to a summer day and you’ll be able to see some wild nightlife.

Not much of a paddler? Joppa Flats Education Center is hosting cruises all summer long that will get you out on water looking for seabirds and marine mammals (that’s right— whale watching!). Long Pasture and Wellfleet Bay also offer cruises throughout the summer off the Cape.

By land, you can go on an insect safari with Pleasant Valley in Lenox, join free weekly programs in Worcester, or take a nature walk with the Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries at the Hawley Bog on July 8th—a great place to see blooming orchids and native insectivorous plants. Or just visit any of our wildlife sanctuaries and bring along our Summer Walk Nature Bingo cards for a fun way to take in the scenery.

Check out our website for a full list of our programs or our Summer Vacation Guide for ideas. We hope to see you around our sanctuaries soon…just don’t forget to bring your hat, sunscreen, and some water!

Text by Emma Evans