Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game

With well over 600 wildfires occurring throughout Massachusetts this past October and November, many people are wondering, “What happens to wildlife during a fire?” The answer is complex and depends on many factors, including the animal’s mobility, and the uniformity, severity, size, and duration of the fire. Most landscapes are quite variable, with hills, valleys, and wetlands, all of which burn at different rates and intensities, leaving patches where animals can take refuge. Learn more in #MassWildlife's recent deep dive into how wildfires shape ecosystems > https://lnkd.in/e9XxxkmF

#MassWildlife is hiring! Our Central District is looking for a Wildlife Technician to join the team in West Boylston. For a full job description and how to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/e3R4evMD

What happens when you have extensive knowledge about culvert replacements and want to share that with a large audience? You host a free training! As we reflect on 2024, we’re reminded of the training DER held back in June for municipalities interested in learning about culvert replacement. Through DER’s Culvert Replacement Training Initiative, project sites are selected as case studies which provide local road managers comprehensive training on how to assess, plan, and carry out these important resilience projects statewide. In 2024, DER awarded funding to four projects through this initiative to support culvert replacements that meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards. Ashburnham hosted our first training of the year, and we look forward to more in 2025! Read about our most recent grant award to the Town of Ashburnham, one of our current case study sites ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ivPdu0 #LookBackAt2024

Massachusetts Environmental Police is hiring! Please take a look at our specs for this role by clicking the link below. If you are interested or know someone who is, please PM me. #MEP #Colonel #diversity https://lnkd.in/eWu-cvYp

As our anniversary year winds down, we reflect on the many incredible partners that we work alongside to advance our restoration projects. Successful projects begin with strong project teams! 🤝 We want to thank Commissioner O’Shea from Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game and Lynn Werner from Housatonic Valley Association for their kind words and long-lasting partnership as we look back at #15YearsofRiverRestoration. We have featured many other partners throughout 2024. Find more partner highlights and information on DER's 15th Anniversary here - https://bit.ly/3Zviu0P

We’re hiring! Our Central District is looking for a Wildlife Technician to join the team in West Boylston. For a full job description and how to apply, visit https://lnkd.in/eg4iMygq

I am proud of our team at DFG and Divisions!

The Department of Fish & Game is pleased to announce our 2024 Performance Recognition Program (PRP) Certificate of Appreciation Winners! ⭐🥳 A nearly 40-year tradition, the Commonwealth’s #PerformanceRecognitionProgram provides an opportunity to formally recognize outstanding contributions of individuals and groups of state employees who play a major role in the successful delivery of extraordinary services to the citizens of Massachusetts. "Our 2024 PRP awardees exemplify outstanding public service—each and every one of the nominees go above and beyond their day-to-day duties to deliver excellence in our programs, facilities, partnerships, education, and outreach," said DFG Commissioner Tom O'Shea. "We are grateful for their dedication to our mission to conserve the Commonwealth’s abundant marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities for the benefit and enjoyment of all people." Individual Citation Winners: Brian Castonguay, Christy Edwards, Kimberly Fine, Eileen Garcia-Smith, Dan Koch, Jim Lagacy, Sarah Maier, Emily Stolarski, and Dave Wattles Group Citation Winners: NEAFWA Conference Committee--Chalis Bird, Jim Burnham, Caren Caljouw, Jason Carmignani, Debra Chamberlain, Meghan Crawford, Martin Feehan, John Gutzeit, Mike Huguenin, Astrid Huseby, Mike Jones, Kris McCarthy, Sue McCarthy, Nicole McSweeney, Rob Morley, Trina Moruzzi, Jim Pollock, Todd Richards, Susan Sacco, Eve Schluter, and Emily Stolarski Join us in congratulating our exceptional team!! 🥳 #StaffAppreciation #PublicService #Excellence

‘Tis the season to see snowy owls! ❄️🦉 Snowy owls spend most of the year in the Arctic tundra, but some winter in Massachusetts coasts. Learn more about snowy owls + how to view them safely and respectfully > https://lnkd.in/eFnVr9J9

Aerial photo update at the: Quinapoxet Dam Removal Project West Boylston, MA Here are some interesting facts about the project: Historical Significance: Constructed in 1905 to support the Wachusett Reservoir, the Quinapoxet Dam has stood for over a century. Its removal marks a significant step in restoring the river's original state. Ecological Benefits: The dam's removal will reopen access to approximately 35 miles of upstream habitat for native fish species, including landlocked Atlantic salmon and brook trout, promoting biodiversity and healthier fish populations. EASTERN BROOK TROUT JOINT VENTURE Mussel Relocation Effort: Prior to the dam's removal, over 1,600 eastern pearlshell mussels were carefully relocated upstream to protect them from construction impacts, showcasing a commitment to preserving local wildlife. MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNMENT Community Engagement: The project includes the construction of an ADA-compliant path and platform, along with interpretive signage, enhancing public access and educational opportunities along the river. Sediment Management: A detailed sediment management plan has been implemented to ensure the protection of downstream water quality in the Wachusett Reservoir during and after construction. This project exemplifies a successful partnership aimed at ecological restoration and community enrichment. City of West Boylston Town, MA Lucianos Excavation Inc. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation FISH AND GAME, MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF/ DIVISION OF ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game SLR Consulting MWRA #restoration #environmental #river #damremoval #der #dcr #mwra