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

Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex Draft CCP/EA November 26, 2003
Purpose and Need
Range of Issues
Some respondents feel that FWS is making a mistake in classifying certain issues as beyond
the scope of the EA. These respondents want the FWS to evaluate and mitigate noise and air
pollution impacts on visitors and wildlife caused by Hanscom Field air traffic. One
commentor states, “The CCP should include a plan to evaluate impacts to waterfowl,
especially during nesting seasons, from air traffic at Hanscom Field. The CCP should
identify noise from Hanscom Field as an issue with which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff
should be more involved.” Respondents protest the expansion of Hanscom Field and its
related impacts to the visitor experience; and ask that FWS partner with local communities
and federal agencies—the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation
Administration—to analyze the impacts of the expansion. One conservation organization
asks the FWS to participate in the evaluation of jet ski impacts to recreation and wildlife on
the Concord River.
Guiding Policy for Public Lands
Respondents repeatedly describe the agency’s mission as one of wildlife protection, and
assert that human activities and development should be limited. “In establishing the
permitted uses for the refuge, you must not bow to public pressure. You must follow the
charter of a NWR. To do that, you need to establish what the sensitive species are in the
refuge, and how they are best managed. You must define what additional resources should be
involved to preserve habitat for the animals. This might include re-establishing topographical
features, acquiring adjacent land, procuring easements on neighboring lands, or managing
tourists.” Respondents emphasize the history of the land and its importance to local
communities, and suggest that informed management decisions that benefit biodiversity
would best preserve the refuge. To accomplish this, respondents suggest the agency
“recognize areas in proximity to the refuge and consider such in managing refuge resources,”
as wildlife and ecosystems do not recognize political boundaries.
The land that makes up the Assabet River, Great Meadows, and Oxbow Wildlife Refuges is
important to the people in the neighboring communities. Many respondents feel connected to
the land, historically, spiritually, and personally.
Summary of Comments 6