Wetlands—Current Projects

Massachusetts Wetlands Collaborative

In a process initiated and coordinated by UMASS Extension, six agencies and organizations are working together toward a coordinated approach to wetland education. In addition to Extension, this group includes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, MA DEP, the MA Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC), and the MA Audubon Society. NREC personnel offer training for Conservation Commissioners and Wetlands Consultants -either independently or through MACC, and in close cooperation with DEP.

Objectives

• Facilitate communication about wetlands education and training programs and the sharing of education resources among partners.
• Participate in cooperative needs assessment, program planning and priority setting.
• Work cooperatively to seek funding for program priorities.
• Respond collaboratively to address identified education and training needs.Wetlands

Education

• NREC provides education and training on wetlands issues for a variety of audiences. Topics include:
• Wetland functions and values
• Fundamentals of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
• Wetland wildlife habitat assessment
• Wetland plant identification and boundary delineation
• Natural history, identification and protection of vernal pools
• Protecting forested wetlands during timber harvest
• Riparian habitat protection

Wetland Habitat Assessment and Protection:

NREC personnel and affiliated faculty in the Department of Natural Resources Conservation have developed wetland habitat assessment methodologies to assist in conservation planning and wetland protection. NREC is responsible for the modification and updating of these methodologies, production and distribution of these and related materials, and providing training and technical assistance in their use.

• NREC has developed procedures, field data forms and standards for conducting wildlife habitat evaluations under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and provides training and technical assistance in the use of these procedures. NREC personnel serve on an ad hoc committee convened by the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to develop a guidance document for protecting wildlife habitat under the MA Wetlands Protection Act.
• Wethings and Wethings-Birds are two habitat evaluation methodologies and resource guides developed at the University of Massachusetts for assessing the suitability of wetlands habitat for wildlife. NREC is responsible for modification and updating, production and distribution, training, and technical assistance for these methodologies.