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

Mallard with ducklings: Photo by Joseph Rhatigan
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Chapter 4: Management Direction
listed under Goal 2 will benefit state listed species. If ongoing monitoring
and surveys determine the presence of federally listed species, we will take
any and all appropriate actions.
Goal 2: Protect and enhance habitats that support self-sustaining
populations of federal trust species and wildlife diversity.
Objective 1: Collect and evaluate relevant baseline habitat and wildlife
data to ensure future decisions are based on sound science.
We are currently managing lands for wetland species, forest dwellers and
those species requiring grassland, wetland and old field habitat. However,
due to the relatively small land base we have, it is important for us to
consider how we can best contribute to the overall picture of trust species
of the Atlantic flyway. The Northeast Region of the Refuge System is
currently working on a region-wide strategic plan to
establish management goals for refuges which address
landscape concerns and needs. We are currently gathering
data to better understand the role of these refuges for these
species and will begin additional surveying, monitoring and
researching of our lands. This information is essential for
determining our management focus. Using this information
and guidance from the regional strategic plan, we will draft
an HMP for the refuge which will outline the direction and
details of refuge management. The HMP will include
information required under the Service’s Biological
Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health Policy,
including discussion of historic conditions and restoration of
those conditions if possible (see http://policy.fws.gov/
601fw3.html to view this policy).
In addition to current management activities, increased staff and funding
resources associated with our management will enable us to take a number
of actions that will lead to the completion of two key step-down plans under
this CCP: the HMP and a Habitat and Wildlife Inventory and Monitoring
Plan (HWIMP).
Strategy 1: Continue to participate in several region-wide and Service-wide
surveys and studies, including information on frogs, shorebirds, marsh
birds, and American woodcock. Breeding bird surveys and participation in
the national frog deformity project will continue as staff and funding allow.
Strategy 2: Update and expand current wildlife inventories to close data
gaps related, in part, to seasonality of use, habitat-type preferences, and,
where practicable, estimates of population numbers. We will survey and
inventory both the Service’s trust resources (migratory birds and federally
listed threatened and endangered species) and resident wildlife, including
state listed threatened and endangered species. We expect to accomplish
Assabet River NWR