Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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Appendix C: Responses to Substantive Comments<br />
cattails are native, <strong>and</strong> should not be removed; a number of respondents argue that mute<br />
swans are harmless.<br />
We will develop specific strategies to deal with control <strong>and</strong> elimination of invasive species<br />
as a part of the Habitat Management Plan. We are aware of the problem with invasives at<br />
nearby lakes <strong>and</strong> ponds. We have proposed to allow only non-motorized boats on Puffer<br />
Pond to help ensure that new invasive species are not introduced to the pond.<br />
State Listed Species<br />
The Massachusetts Natural Heritage <strong>and</strong> Endangered Species Program (NEHSP)<br />
provided changes <strong>and</strong> edits to the Species Lists for each of the refuges, especially<br />
concerning the state listed species.<br />
We have reviewed the suggestions <strong>and</strong> incorporated them into the species lists.<br />
<strong>Wildlife</strong> Surveys<br />
NEHSP suggested that we complete surveys to determine areas that should be closed to<br />
public use <strong>and</strong> prior to opening roads or trails for use.<br />
Staff will continue to use survey information, along with local knowledge <strong>and</strong> known<br />
locations of sensitive species to determine whether there is a need to close areas of the<br />
refuge that are open or before opening areas to new public access opportunities.<br />
Literature Cited<br />
An individual suggested inclusion of a comprehensive bibliography of biodiversity for the<br />
Great Meadows <strong>NWR</strong> area that has been published.<br />
We have included a reference to this bibliography in the Great Meadows <strong>NWR</strong> <strong>CCP</strong>.<br />
Editorial/Corrections<br />
A number of commentors made suggestions that were editorial or that offered corrections<br />
to place names, geography, or history.<br />
We have made the corrections where appropriate.<br />
Alternatives<br />
The Humane Society of the Unites States expressed concern that the <strong>CCP</strong>/EA did not<br />
consider a reasonable range of alternatives. HSUS urged the <strong>Service</strong> to “give full<br />
consideration to an alternative that would emphasize non-consumptive uses, non-lethal<br />
approaches to conflicts with wildlife, aggressive acquisition of l<strong>and</strong> that could provide<br />
important habitat for refuge wildlife, <strong>and</strong> removal of invasive plant species.<br />
Comprehencive Conservation Plan - 169 -
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