Protecting Biodiversity and Natural Communities that support species considered Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern

Problem

Goals and Objectives

Changes: Some objectives were re-worded improve clarity and readability. Added the term “threatened species” to be consistent with state regulations. Specific bird species were called out to emphasize their importance. Five new objectives were added to clarify actions needed and new state goals.

Goal 9.1. Conserve, protect, and enhance the native biological diversity of Buzzards Bay and in its surrounding watershed.
Objective 9.1. Ensure that habitats of species considered to be endangered, threatened, or of special concern, including vernal pools, continue to be mapped and this information made publicly available.
Objective 9.2. Ensure that habitats of species considered to be endangered, threatened, or of special concern are considered in the Wetlands and Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act permit review process.
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Objective 9.3. Ensure that important native biological habitat, as identified by MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, is protected and conserved.
Objective 9.4. Ensure that the public and government officials are aware of the importance of the protection of species considered to be endangered, threatened, or of special concern, through effective education efforts.
Objective 9.5. Support studies that promote a better understanding of how climate change will affect marsh dependent nesting species like the diamondback terrapin and marsh sparrow, and other coastal species such as Roseate Tern, Least Terns, and Piping Plovers. (New)
Objective 9.6. Support and promote habitat restoration and enhancement efforts and specific projects that will protect and improve rare and endangered species habitat. (New)
Objective 9.7. Support studies that assess the effect of climate change on wetland habitat area and quality. (New)
Objective 9.8. Support studies that assess climate change impacts to biodiversity and efforts that meet biodiversity conservation goals in Massachusetts (Executive Order 618 as enacted by the Department of Fish and Game). (New)
Objective 9.9. Support efforts to protect and restore the US Endangered Roseate tern populations in Buzzards Bay. (New)