Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex Draft CCP/EA November 26, 2003
Planning Processes
General Planning
Although respondents are generally complimentary of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
staff and the CCP/EA, commentors provide some suggestions and various criticisms of the
document. Respondents also request an opportunity to revisit the plan after its
implementation and make any necessary changes.
Time frame for planning/length of comment period
Some respondents are disappointed in the comment period, arguing that holding the comment
period during the summer months limits the informed input that communities and individuals
can give. Specifically, the Suasco Watershed Community Council states, “The summer
timing of this public review may have inadvertently and unfortunately limited public
comment.” Also, some respondents want more time to review the “technical and
voluminous” conservation plan so that they may submit more informed comments.
Respondents are also disappointed that the agency failed to adequately inform the public of
the comment period. One respondent from Concord, for example, wanted notice of the
comment period posted on the bulletin board at the Great Meadows Refuge. The FWS, some
argue, should extend the comment period and improve outreach efforts so that communities
and individuals may provide well-informed and useful comments.
Public Involvement
Many respondents feel satisfied with the FWS’s level of public involvement and education;
they praise the agencies past efforts and eagerly anticipate additional opportunities for
interest groups and communities to stay involved in the refuge’s management. One Maynard
respondent affirms, “Your efforts to involve the local communities are appreciated and
should benefit us all.” There are, however, a significant number of respondents who believe
the FWS could improve their public involvement and education efforts. One individual
states, “Community members in the towns abutting the land appear to have very little
knowledge about your proposal, and therefore have had very little input.” Respondents urge
the FWS to hold more public meetings in schools, libraries, senior centers, and town offices,
as well as take advantage of the media to improve public involvement and educate
communities. “[Great Meadows Refuge] is a wonderful opportunity for public outreach—a
place to engage dedicated environmentalists in a dialogue with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and to
recruit new support for the service and its mission.”
Civic and conservation organizations express interest in collaborating with the FWS on
management issues. The City of Marlborough Conservation Commission, for example,
would like to work cooperatively with the FWS in managing the Refuge Complex and the
Memorial Forest and Desert Natural Area “to enhance biodiversity and wildlife while
allowing public access where suitable.” Conservation commissions from other towns express
Summary of Comments 3