The BEAT News
March 19, 2007

MassWildlife News 3/16/07  #3
Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Wayne F. MacCallum, Director
Phone: (508) 389-6300, Fax: (508) 389-7890, E-mail: Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us
Media Inquiries: Call 508/389-6300

BEARS AND BIRDFEEDERS

To avoid possible seasonal conflicts between people and bears in central and western Massachusetts, MassWildlife recommends that bird feeders be taken down by mid-March and that other preventive actions be taken. With the lack of snow and warmer days, bears are now leaving their winter dens. "There is little in the way of natural foods and bears learn to seek out high-energy human foods such as bird seed," says Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife Bear Project Leader. "This may lead to conflicts that pose hazards to both bears and people." Though Massachusetts is third most densely populated state in the country, it is also home to approximately 2000 resident bears with the majority living west of the Connecticut River. Bears also reside as far east as Worcester County and northern Middlesex County.

Bears have excellent long-term memories and remember which foods are available at different seasons, and where these foods can be found. Even if a feeder is inaccessible to bears, they will be attracted by the scent of seed and suet and they will scavenge seed spilled on the ground. Once they learn the location of these foods, they will return. Bears are typically shy and fearful of people but deliberate feeding or indirect availability of human food, coupled with a lack of harassment can cause bears to become accustomed to people. If bears lose their fear of people and develop a taste for human foodstuffs, bears can become bolder and may cause damage that ultimately leads to harm to people or to the demise of the animal.

If a bear is passing through a neighborhood without stopping, enjoy the sight. However, if the bear stops to feed on trash, bird seed or other human generated foods, remove those foods after the bear has left and advise all neighbors to do the same. Due to their fear of people, bears tend to leave a yard when people step outside.  Garbage and pet food must be secured from bears. Keep garbage in airtight containers, securely stored in a cellar, garage or shed. Put trash out for roadside pickup the day of trash pickup, not the night before. Keep trash cans clean and wash them regularly to remove food scraps and fluids. Bears can break into small sheds with loose doors, especially when attracted by sweet or meaty smells. Ammonia or bleach may help deodorize trash containers. Refrain from feeding pets outdoors. Do not deposit sweet or meaty items in your compost pile as bears will soon find it. In residential areas where bears are known to be present, the entire neighborhood must take recommended actions or bears will move from yard to yard seeking food. Cardoza noted these actions also reduce problems with other common wildlife species such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Common sense, good sanitation, and knowledge of bear behavior and habits will go a long way to alleviating human-bear conflicts, allowing everyone to enjoy this magnificent animal while preventing damage or disturbance to our homes and yards. For more detailed black bear information, click the Wildlife button on the MassWildlife website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife).

2007 SPRING TROUT STOCKING BEGINS

Bay State anglers can look forward to over 625,800 feisty brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout being stocked this spring according to figures released by MassWildlife. Weather and water conditions permitting, MassWildlife stocking trucks will be making their spring trout stocking runs to selected lakes and ponds in the northeast, southeast and central regions of the state by mid March.

"Half of the trout we will be putting out trout will be over 12 inches long," observes Chief Fish Culturist Dr. Ken Simmons. "They'll be distributed statewide throughout the stocking season by our five regional Wildlife District offices." 354,000 rainbows will be stocked along with 150,500 brown trout. The larger water bodies will receive the larger fish with the smaller brooks and streams receiving the younger fish. 112,400 brook trout will be stocked in a similar fashion. Anglers can also anticipate trying to take some of the 8,000 tiger trout to be released. These handsome fish, a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout.

Weekly trout stocking reports will be updated each Friday on the MassWildlife website (www.MassWildlife.org). All schedules are subject to alteration or cancellation due to equipment failure, inclement weather, high water or other unforeseen circumstances. Please refrain from asking when a particular water body will be stocked for the same reasons! Anglers without Internet access may also call the nearest District office for information on trout stocked waters: Western 413/447-9789; Valley 413/323-7632; Central 508/835-3607; Northeast 978/263-4347 or Southeast 508/759-3406. Don't forget to bring a new angler, youth or adult fishing!

TAX SEASON: THE SEASON TO SUPPORT ENDANGERED WILDLIFE

 Since 1983, Massachusetts tax filers have been able to donate to MassWildlife's Endangered Species Fund while filing their state income tax (Line 32). When you contribute to the fund, you help to protect and restore rare and endangered animals, plants, and their habitats. Your past donations have helped conserve and restore in the Commonwealth populations of the Bald Eagle, Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly, the Northern redbelly Cooter, and the beautiful Eastern Silvery Aster. Donations to the Fund may also be made year round by sending a check made out: Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund and sent to: MassWildlife Field HQ, NHESP, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough MA 01581 Check the Natural Heritage area of MassWildlife's website; www.mass.gov/masswildlife to learn more about the work that your donations support.

HELP STOCK SALMON FRY

Volunteers from schools, sporting clubs, civic groups and individuals with a passion for rivers, fish or fishing are needed to assist MassWildlife in stocking 1.7 million salmon fry (juvenile fish) as part of the Atlantic salmon restoration program. According to Dr. Caleb Slater, MassWildlife's Anadromous Fish Project Leader, at least 20 stocking dates are planned in April and early May to release salmon fry into dozens of Connecticut River tributaries. The fry will come from MassWildlife's Roger Reed Hatchery in Palmer and the White River National Fish Hatchery in Bethel, Vermont. Fry will be trucked to meeting sites where volunteers will gather and caravan to release sites. The tiny fish will then be moved from truck to water by bucket using volunteer man and woman power.

Dr. Slater offers some tips for potential volunteers, "You may get wet! A change of clothes is a good idea. You will be walking on slippery stream and river beds, so waders or other waterproof footgear is useful." There are a few waders to loan. Volunteers will also be climbing up and down steep stream banks and should be in good physical condition. MassWildlife aids anadromous (migratory) fish in a number of ways: stocking fry in tributaries of the Connecticut River, monitoring fish passage at dams on the Connecticut, Westfield and Merrimack Rivers; trapping salmon and shad for transport to hatcheries and/or upstream release locations, working with other federal agencies to ensure safe upstream and downstream fish passage at hydroelectric dams, and working with local watershed groups to improve freshwater habitat for fish. For more information on dates, meeting locations and times for fry stocking check out www.mass.gov/masswildlife   or contact Dr. Caleb Slater at 508/389-6331.

TUNING IN TO TURTLES!

With spring just around the corner, turtle enthusiasts can now acquire several new turtle related items produced by MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program and other conservation partners.  Posters and a DVD focusing on Massachusetts native terrestrial and freshwater aquatic turtles (not including sea turtles) are now available from the agency.

Educators, conservation commissioners, environmental organizations and consulting firms will find “Turtles of Massachusetts” and “Hatchling Turtles of Massachusetts” posters valuable tools aiding the identifying physical and habitat characteristics of adult and juvenile turtles.  “Turtles of Massachusetts” includes images of 10 native adult turtles, with views of the carapace (upper shell), the plastron (lower shell) and a hatchling turtle.  Information about each turtle’s population status, size, identifying field marks, description of habitat and distribution in the state are also provided. A paragraph on assisting turtles across roads is also included. “Hatchling Turtles of Massachusetts” illustrates 10 native turtle hatchling images with carapace and plastron views, egg clutch size, season of hatchling emergence, physical description, population status and the range of these turtles in Massachusetts. Threats to hatchling turtles are also briefly described.

These posters were a collaborative effort supported by MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, the Vernal Pool Association, and the University of Massachusetts/Boston Electronic Field Guide supported by the National Science Foundation.

The turtle DVD, “An Introduction to The Turtles of Massachusetts; Why They Need Our Help!” is 12 minutes in length. It features information about rare turtles including interviews of a variety of turtle experts, major threats to turtles and ways in which people can help turtles.  “People of all ages and walks of life have had experiences with turtles and are fascinated with these animals,” said Lori Erb, Turtle Conservation Biologist with MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. “Our purpose was to promote greater public awareness about the status and threats to native turtles and also to provide useful information for those people who want to assist turtles.”  Erb noted that the DVD was produced by college students enrolled in Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts. “It was a great learning experience for the students—not only about the production process, but also the challenges of filming in a variety of environments. We’re grateful for their efforts.”

Turtle posters are free and can be picked up at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough and MassWildlife District offices in Acton, Bourne, W. Boylston, Belchertown and Pittsfield.  The DVD is also available in those offices.  Cost for the DVD is $5 but is free for educators.

2006 MOOSE/VEHICLE COLLISION FIGURES

There were 39 reported moose/vehicle collisions in 2006, a 35% increase from the 29 moose/vehicle incidents that were reported in 2005.  Also, 1 moose was destroyed for public safety, 11 were found dead, 1 was hit by a train, and 9 moose immobilized and relocated. The record number of reported moose/vehicle accidents was 52 in 2004. All moose/vehicle collisions should be reported to MassWildlife at mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or by calling a MassWildlife District Office or Massachusetts Environmental Police with the following information: date and location of the collision and if the animal was a male or female. This information allows biologists to follow moose population trends as well as knowing where moose are active. Unlike deer, moose may not be salvaged by a Massachusetts driver or passenger of the vehicle killing the moose. The disposition of any moose carcass is only at the discretion of the Massachusetts Environmental Police or the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. More information about moose may be found in the Wildlife area of MassWildlife's website www.mass.gov/masswildlife.

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be meeting on March 27, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough off North Drive. Open to all, these public meetings provide Board members with information on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet on April 12 at 1:30PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. For directions, check the MassWildlife website in About MassWildlife (www.mass.gov/masswildlife ) or call 508/389-6360. Both meetings are open to the public.

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

NEW PHONE NUMBER AT WESTBORO FIELD HQ  1/508-389-6300

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MACC Names BEAT's Executive Director Environmentalist of the Year

Jane Winn, BEAT's Executive Director, receives Environmentalist Of The Year award from the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. Jane received her award from the commission's Executive Director, Ken Pruitt, at the commission's Annual Environmental Conference on March 3, 2007.

“Long an environmental advocate and mobilizer of community interest and involvement in wetlands permitting deliberations and open space preservation in the Berkshires, Jane Winn is fierce in her determination and seldom willing to take “no” for a final answer. She has demonstrated many times over that perseverance is a powerful advocacy skill. With the creation, fundraising, nurturing and day-to-day management of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and the weekly e-publication of The BEAT News, Jane has become a leading spokesperson on environmental issues. Her courage, dedication, and boundless energy have already produced stunning successes – and are creating a broad constituency of knowledgeable, caring activists and stewards to carry the work forward.” Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions   (Photo: Joan Cousins)

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MassDEP Solid Waste and Waste Reduction Web Site Postings and Updates

November 2006 - February 2007 BWP Web Postings

DOCUMENT        URL    
New module on Disposing and Recycling Mercury Safely    http://www.mass.gov/dep/toxics/stypes/hgres.htm#dispose
Updated Fact Sheet on Mercury Management Act    http://www.mass.gov/dep/toxics/stypes/hgres.htm#doing

       
Revised Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) application form & instructions to include new category:
BWP SW 44       http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/approvals/swforms.htm#beneficial

       
Annual Solid Waste Facility Reporting Forms     http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/approvals/swforms.htm#afr
       
Added Supermarkets to list of participants in Supermarket Recycling Program Certification List  http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/srpclist.htm#wholefoods

       
Added Organics Haulers to web list      http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/smhauler.htm    
11/30 Waste Wise Forum Information      http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/wwforum.htm
       
10/06 SWAC Meeting Summary, presentations and handouts  http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/committee/swacsums.htm  
Added links to EPA “success story” fact sheet on Massachusetts supermarket recycling program    http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/composti.htm#commercial

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/supermkt.htm#other     
Added link to EPA Bulletin on Pay As You Throw successes in Massachusetts       http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/paytfact.htm#links

       
2007 Organics Recycling Summit  information
        http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/composti.htm#summit

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/orgsum07.htm    
Updated VSQG Fact Sheet to remove dead links    http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/vsqgfcts.htm
       
Added Calendar listings for School Chemical Management Training sessions        http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/depcal.htm#schoolchem

       
Added links to Auto Recyclers page on mercury switch locations and removal procedures   http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/autobiz.htm#hg

       
2006 municipal recycling data sheet, population data    http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/approvals/dswmpu03.htm
       
Updated Massachusetts School Chemical Management Program Manual http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/schools.htm#facility
       
Updated List of Municipalities with DARP Status http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/assistan1.htm#darp

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/darplist.htm    
Corrected Certification Form for Mercury Auto Switches  http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/autobiz.htm#hg
       
Updated History of Municipal Recycling Rates, Added 2005 Recycling Tonnage & Rates Summary      http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/priorities/dswmpu01.htm

       
Updated Covanta and Wheelabrator Material Separation Plans to indicate that they are final      http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/solid/covanta.htm#msp

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/solid/wheelm.htm#msp

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/solid/wheelna.htm#msp

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/solid/wheels.htm#msp

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/solid/semass.htm       
Updated 310 CMR 30.000, Hazardous Waste Regulations, to include dredged materials amendments (final)    http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/laws/regulati.htm#hw

       
Updated Compost Site & Processing Facility annual reporting instructions & definitions   http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/approvals/dswmpu03.htm

       
Revised Certification Form for Mercury Vehicle Switches http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/autobiz.htm#hg
       
Corrected figure in document on Merrimack Valley sediment cores (indicators of lake/pond inputs of mercury)     http://www.mass.gov/dep/toxics/stypes/hgres.htm#monitoring

       
Updated link to Massachusetts Healthy Schools Council Check List: Environmental Health & Safety Issues in Massachusetts Schools http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/schools.htm#facility

       
Added link to U.S. Climate Action Partnership   http://www.mass.gov/dep/air/climate/index.htm#links
       
Updated roster of Solid Waste Advisory Committee members        http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/committee/swaclist.htm
       
1/24/07 Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting agenda   http://www.mass.gov//dep/public/committee/swac.htm
       
Added link to NEWMOA List of Non-Mercury Product Vendors for Schools    http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/schools.htm#mercury

       
End of Life Vehicle Solutions (ELVS) auto mercury switch management plan & MassDEP approval     http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/autobiz.htm#hg

       
Updated list of stores with Supermarket Recycling Program Certification http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/srpclist.htm   
Updated Solid Waste Facility Database   http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/solid/swfacil.htm
       
Updated list of PAYT bag suppliers under state contract http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/paytfact.htm#links
       
Added contact phone and email link for information on municipal mandatory recycling enforcement         http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/assistan1.htm#darp

       
1/07 SWAC meeting minutes, handouts & presentations     http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/committee/dswmpu02.htm
       
MWC 2006 annual & 2/07 semi-annual reports      http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/solid/mwcfr.htm

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News from Massachusetts Forest Update, March 2007 (An online newsletter about forest happenings in Massachusetts) 

New Chapter 61 Law goes into Effect on March 22nd
The Chapter 61 Reform law, Chapter 394 of the Acts of 2006, becomes law on March 22nd and most of its provisions will take effect as of that date.  One notable exception is the change of how woodlands are valued under Chapter 61.  The provision to change forest valuation from a percentage of full market value to a value based on site productivity for growing trees will likely not go into effect until July 2008 as the Forest and Farmland Advisory Committee must first develop suitable values for different sites and productivity levels around the state.

Nathan L’Etoile of Mass. Farm Bureau Federation, has produced a chart explaining how the different sections of the laws have changed and what the new law contains.  If you’d like to get a copy of the chart, email Greg Cox at gcox@crocker.com .

Wood Producers Members Meeting Will Focus on Proposed Logging Regulation Changes
The Massachusetts Wood Producers Association will hold a members meeting and dinner at the Bluebonnet Restaurant in Northampton on Friday March 30th.   The meeting will include a presentation about the changes proposed for the Forest Cutting Act (Chapter 132) regulations governing logging and seek input from loggers about the proposals.  The meeting will also feature presentation of the Wood Producers Annual Award for service to the forest community, and election of officers for the coming year.

The meeting will begin with a social hour from 5 to 6 pm, dinner at 6, and then the 2 hour program.  Foresters and Loggers should get CEUs awarded for attendance.

Cost of the dinner is $23 for members, $18 for spouses or guests.  Reservations are due by March 27th.  If you have questions or want to make a late reservation, call Greg Cox at 413 339-5526 or email gcox@crocker.com

Pine Shoot Beetles Found in Connecticut
Pine shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda) has been confirmed in Connecticut and Massachusetts for the first time this past year.  

Pine shoot beetle is an introduced pest from Europe that attacks both healthy and stressed pine trees and may cause significant damage.  This non-native pest continues to extend its range through New England , New York , Pennsylvania , West Virginia , and the north central states.  Information on pine shoot beetle can be found on a number of websites, including:

USDA APHIS
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ispm/psb/

Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project
http://massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/pineshootbeetle.html

USDA Forest Service
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/pest_al/shootbeetle/shootbeetle.htm

Cornell University
http://ppathw3.cals.cornell.edu/trees/CPSBeetle.html

Woodcock Habitat Initiative Begun
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Ruffed Grouse Society, Wildlife Management Institute and Cowls Land and Lumber Company of North Amherst have teamed up in a habitat partnership to join the American Woodcock Initiative.  The Initiative’s goal is to focus habitat management efforts to benefit American woodcock and other declining wildlife populations through maintenance of field and shrubland habitats and the creation of young forest habitat in Massachusetts .

Young forest habitat makes up less than 5% of forest habitat types in the state. It consists of densely growing stands of young seedling and sapling trees typically no more than 30 years old. This type of habitat establishes itself in areas after major disturbances such as heavy wind or ice storms, fires, flooding or by certain types of timber harvest techniques.  Woodcock, as well as New England cottontails, chestnut sided warblers and wood turtles are among the species which depend on young forest habitats for all or parts of their lives. The lack of young forest habitat has contributed to declines of these species throughout southern New England . 

Private landowners own more than 80% of the forested land in Massachusetts . Historically, they have managed their forest lands through partial cutting of mature trees. On a large scale landscape, this cutting practice has resulted in the older, mature forest stands currently seen in much of Massachusetts . Wildlife and forest ecologists have long known that certain forestry practices such as clear cutting achieve many of the same benefits of natural disturbances and are an effective means of creating young forests.  With advice and assistance from the Woodcock Initiative Partners, clear cuts will take place in carefully selected forested areas on Cowls property. This will create much needed young forest habitat benefiting woodcock populations as well as other wildlife.

Massachusetts’ native wildlife and has been directing efforts towards wildlife habitat protection, restoration and management.  “The Division has a goal of maintaining or creating young forest habitat on 15-20% of its own properties. Ideally, we would like to see that same percentage applied across all forest lands in the state.” said George Darey, Chairman of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.

Funding for the Woodcock Initiative comes from the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), a private, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to the conservation, enhancement and professional management of North America 's wildlife and other natural resources. “The Cowls partnership with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is an excellent example of the type of partnership that we are promoting in Massachusetts and other northeastern states with important woodcock nesting ranges.  Recovery of woodcock populations will rely upon private landowners having the knowledge and resources to improve their lands as habitat,” says Scot Williamson, Vice President of the Wildlife Management Institute.   In an effort to communicate the importance of forest management for young forest habitat, the Wildlife Management Institute tinkered with Cowls Lumber’s popular “got wood?” bumper sticker and produced a new sticker that reads “got woodcock?” listing the project’s partners and mission.

The “got woodcock?” bumper stickers may be obtained by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to the Wildlife Management Institute, 69 Clinton Avenue , St. Johnsbury , VT 05819 .

Annual Harvard Forest Ecology Symposium  March 27th
Harvard Forest will hold its annual Forest Ecology Symposium at the Fisher Museum on Tuesday March 27th.  The title of the symposium is "Expanding horizons in long-term ecological research: synthesis across the New England region and disciplinary boundaries".

Confirmed speakers and topics include:

• David Foster, Harvard Forest - Expanding Horizons in Long-term Ecological Research
• Brian Donahue, Brandeis University - Agrarian Landscapes in Transition: Cross-Scale Approaches with Application to Conservation
• David Kittredge, University of Massachusetts - Woodland Owner Behavior and Change in the Forest
• David Orwig, Harvard Forest - Ecological and Management Implications of Hemlock Salvage Logging
• Bill Munger, Harvard University Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences - Regional Observations of Forest-Atmosphere Exchange
• Bill Sobczak, Holy Cross College - Carbon Dynamics in a Hemlock-Dominated Stream Ecosystem
• Emery Boose, Harvard Forest - Hydrological and Analytical Networks

For more information about the program, or to make a reservation, see http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/symposium/2007symp.html
Reservations are due by March 13th.
 

DCR Announces New Off-Road Vehicle Policy

  
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced on February 23rd a new policy on Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use on DCR properties.  DCR’s lands include the seven state forests where the use of OHVs, including all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles, is legally permitted.
The policy consists of a new set of criteria that will be used to evaluate the appropriateness of a given property for motorized recreation. At its February 2 meeting, DCR's oversight board, the Stewardship Council, approved the new policy and added a requirement that the agency also develop a plan within the next six months to address enforcement issues. 
The criteria were developed over the course of a year by DCR and the OHV Working Group, an advisory council consisting of trail users, environmental scientists, state and federal land management agencies, and other concerned citizens.  Other participants in the process included The Nature Conservancy and the New England Trail Riders Association.  Drafts of the criteria were presented at public meetings across the Commonwealth in February and March of 2006, and more than 130 written comments were also received during the public comment period.
DCR currently maintains approximately 200 miles of motorized recreation trails in seven Massachusetts state forests.  The new criteria provide a consistent framework for evaluating these and other locations for motorized recreation.  The criteria were designed to ensure, among other things, the protection of natural resources (such as wetlands, water supply areas, wildlife habitat and forest reserves), proper coordination with local communities, and public safety.
DCR will work with law enforcement agencies and various stakeholders on the enforcement plan, which will be presented to the Stewardship Council for a vote by early August. Updates on the development of the plan will be posted on DCR’s website, http://www.mass.gov/dcr as it progresses.
Detailed information on the siting criteria can be found at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/orv.htm.  For more information, contact DCR at 617-626-4973 or mass.parks@state.ma.us

Oak Trees Available 
This spring the town of Hadley Shade Tree Committee and the Sheffield Tree Project are working together to make available a beautiful selection of 1"+ to 3"+ caliper oaks.  These trees have all been pruned yearly for strong central leaders and are in perfect health.  They will be spaded, burlapped, and caged on March 31st, and will be available on that day for pickup.

The trees will be offered free to communities and non-profits planting trees in the public viewshed.  It will be necessary however to reimburse the Sheffield Tree Project for the cost of spading and B&B materials (approximately $75-$100 per tree depending on size).  These are truly magnificent specimens grown in great soil, and well loved.  To make arrangements to obtain trees or for more information please contact Kris Covey of the Sheffield Tree Project at 518-321-3706 or email kcovey@tek2000.net

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