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

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Appendix C: Responses to Substantive Comments
population of a given species. State fish and wildlife agencies have an excellent record of
sound, professional wildlife management, and this is true in Massachusetts as well.
Fishing
Most fishing comments are directed toward the proposal to allow fishing at Puffer Pond
on the Assabet River NWR. There is considerable support for fishing on Puffer Pond.
There are also a number of respondents who request that fishing be prohibited on Puffer
Pond. These individuals argue that anglers will disturb nesting birds, erode the shoreline,
trample vegetation, contribute to the spread of invasives, and drag boats through the
refuge.
Fishing is one of the priority wildlife dependent uses for national wildlife refuges, where
compatible. As such, the staff has determined that fishing is compatible with refuge
purposes. Staff from Assabet River NWR will finalize the details of fishing on Puffer Pond
as a part of the Fishing Management Plan. Staff will ensure that impacts to the resources
in and surrounding the pond are minimized. This is evidenced by the stipulations already
included in the draft plan. No motorized boats will be allowed, greatly reducing the
likelihood of invasive species being brought to the pond. Public use in general causes some
disturbance of vegetation and wildlife. We will manage all public uses, including fishing, to
minimize the disturbance and ensure that the level of disturbance does not materially
interfere with the purposes of the refuges. We share the concern about the potential
introduction of invasive species, as well as other types of disturbance. We will continue to
monitor disturbance caused by public uses of the refuges and take any action that we deem
necessary or appropriate.
Environmental Education
A majority of commentors who chose to address environmental education support the
efforts and facilities proposed in Alternative B, advocating more environmental
education for people of all ages. Several respondents encourage completion of the
proposed Sudbury River interpretive canoe trail. Some of the commentors encourage the
FWS to think bigger, and develop its educational plan in concert with other regional
entities and efforts.
Environmental education is one of the priority wildlife dependent uses for national wildlife
refuges. As such, the staff has determined that it is compatible with refuge purposes and
will continue to work to provide these opportunities. The staff is encouraged by the
support that individuals and groups have shown for environmental education. We look
forward to continuing and expanding educational opportunities associated with the
refuges.
Wildlife Observation Trails
Some of the organizations and towns that commented on the CCP included requests for
trails to be developed in specific areas that would connect to adjacent trail systems. In
some cases, the requests are for formalizing trails that have been created by individuals
Assabet River NWR