Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game

Unfortunately, Massachusetts’ drought has progressed following unprecedented low precipitation this fall. Today, EEA Secretary Tepper elevated the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Southeast regions to a Level 3 - Critical Drought. A Level 3 - Critical Drought persists in the Central and Northeast regions. The Cape and Islands Regions still remain at a “Level 0 - Normal Drought”. The dry conditions have also increased wildfire occurrence and intensity, with many brush fires being managed across the state. Residents and businesses are urged to follow water conservation and fire prevention steps to minimize impacts. Find more information including what residents and businesses can do to help here ?? https://bit.ly/3OfC4Hu

Another DER project is nearly complete! The project team is putting the final touches on the Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project in Harwich after being under construction for most of this year. This project restored 50 acres of former commercial cranberry bog into healthy wetlands and created over 4,000 linear feet of river channel along Cold Brook. One of the unique aspects of this project is that it was designed to capture the groundwater through the newly crafted ponds and “treat” it naturally which improved water quality for the surrounding communities and ecosystems. The photos speak for themselves as they were taken in March and October! Primary project partners include DER, HARWICH CONSERVATION TR, the Town of Harwich, SumCo Eco-Contracting, Inter-Fluve and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).?

The Quinapoxet Dam removal has begun construction! On a recent field trip organized by colleagues from the Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN), a few of DER’s staff got to see the progress on the Quinapoxet River Restoration in West Boylston. This #DERPriorityProject began construction this month to remove an aging dam at the confluence of the Quinapoxet River within the Wachusett Reservoir. Attendees got to see the water control structure rerouting the river around the dam so that the crew can begin removing the dam “in the dry” within the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more updates on this project as construction progresses. Project partners include the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and construction by Lucianos Excavation Inc..

Massachusetts is experiencing severe drought & widespread wildfires. ?? ?? #MassWildlife staff are assisting Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and local fire departments in the ongoing efforts to contain wildfires across the state. Wildfire risks remain extremely high--we urge all to take precautions when recreating outdoors & conserve water at home. Learn how you can help > https://lnkd.in/eq8_uK2v

Have you been dodging a constant barrage of falling acorns, startled by the thwack of them pelting your car’s roof, or raking up mounds of acorns in your yard? You’re not the only one! Oak trees go through cycles where they produce more seeds in some years than others. While the abundance of acorns may be annoying to us, they are high in calories and fat, making them the perfect snack for wildlife preparing for winter. Learn more in #MassWildlife's latest newsletter > https://lnkd.in/e94TTdqq

Three months of construction in three minutes! ?? This awesome video shows the progress on the #HerringRiverRestoration Project from July to September. This #DERPriorityProject is restoring up to 890 acres of tidal estuary in Wellfleet and Truro. Give it a watch ?? https://bit.ly/48JQMzR Partners on this project include Friends of Herring River, Town of Wellfleet, National Park Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and many others.

Earlier this week the MVP Team partnered with Mass ECAN, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and other local groups to host?the North Branch Hoosic River field trip. We explored dam removal benefits, including flood mitigation, stream continuity, and fish passage. We also discussed how watershed-scale partnerships, community engagement, and the prioritization of climate justice are all essential parts in increasing resiliency.?Thank you to our partners!??

Trails connect us all! The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched Trails for All to enhance access for people with disabilities and promote inclusivity on Massachusetts trails. The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation will lead a Trail Access Working Group to assess trail accessibility.

Calling all Massachusetts anglers! ?? We're looking for photos that capture the excitement & joy of saltwater fishing off our coast.?Send us your photos today—you'll have the chance to be featured in #DivisionofMarineFisheries 2025 Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide! https://lnkd.in/ehBdyxiR

SOUND ON! ?? Take a deep breath & soak up the sounds of a free-flowing river. Explore one of Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration's restoration sites near you.