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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game

@massdfg.bsky.social
276 followers 328 following 184 posts

Working to conserve the Commonwealth’s abundant fish, wildlife, & habitats for the benefit & enjoyment of all people | See @masseea.bsky.social + @massecorestore.bsky.social | Visit mass.gov/dfg

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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Rewilding a former golf course in Northampton, Mass. transforms fairways and tee boxes into wetlands and wildlife habitat, building climate resilience into the landscape.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Join the 2026 City Nature Challenge on April 24–27! 🐝 Through this global participatory science effort, you’ll contribute to our understandingand appreciation of nature right in your neighborhood. Find an event near you: www.mass.gov/news/join-th...
mass.gov
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
April 22: Onota Lake, Pittsfield April 23: Long Pond, Plymouth April 23: Chicopee Reservoir, Chicopee April 24: Colburn Pond, Leominster (3/3)
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Join us: April 21: Cliff Pond, Brewster April 21: Lake Wyola, Shutesbury - CANCELLED April 22: Hampton Ponds, Westfield April 22: Sunset Lake, Braintree April 22: Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester (2/3)
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
School is out, help stock trout! Grab a bucket and lend a hand – #MassWildlife is inviting the public to help stock trout during school vacation week! Details at bit.ly/trout-events (1/3)
School is out, help stock trout!
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Join us to celebrate Right Whale Day at New England Aquarium! 🐋 On Friday, April 24th from 10 AM - 1 PM, we will be joining partners in right whale conservation to highlight work to protect this critically endangered species. Learn more > lnkd.in/e8JX7EMK
Massachusetts North Atlantic Right Whale Day at New England Aquarium
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Attention Massachusetts boaters: new safety requirements are now in effect! As of April 1, 2026, operators of motorboats born after January 1, 1989, must have a boater safety certificate. Get more information and find an approved course at mass.gov/BoaterSafetyFAQ
Graphic asking “Do you operate a motorboat in Massachusetts?” with notice that boater safety education requirements took effect April 1, 2026, under the Hanson-Milone Act, featuring a silhouette of a person driving a boat and a Massachusetts Environmental Police logoGraphic directing viewers to Mass.gov/BoaterSafetyFAQ for more information, with an illustration of a person riding a personal watercraft on the water.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Wheelwright Pond Dam is the largest dam removal in Massachusetts. Reporter Henry Schwan with the Worcester Telegram & Gazette explains how the project will reconnect 130 miles of freshwater habitat, eliminating a safety hazard and benefitting people and wildlife. bit.ly/3O38RTG
bit.ly
Massive dam coming down in Central Mass. It could prevent catastrophe
The aging Wheelwright Pond Dam holds back 10 feet of water that extends 2½ miles upstream.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
#JobOpportunity: We are seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (#MassWildlife). 🐟 We’re looking for a strategic, collaborative leader with a passion for conservation and public service. Apply today > massanf.taleo.net/careersectio...
Job Opening: MassWildlife Director
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
@massgovernor.bsky.social @masseea.bsky.social @bostonschools.boston.gov @boston.gov @massdcr.bsky.social @thetrustees.bsky.social @umassamherst.bsky.social @kcs-umasslowell.bsky.social
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Pollinator gardens. Urban forests. Bird-safe buildings. Restored rivers. Youth education. We're investing $1 million in 12 community-led projects to ensure that all have the opportunity to connect with nature, right in your neighborhood. Learn more > www.mass.gov/news/healey-...
Healey-Driscoll Administration awards $1M to protect and restore biodiversityList of grant awards
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Access. Opportunity. Food on the table. For American Daughters of Conservation NE Chapter President Sheryl Magdyczl, common sense updates to our hunting laws is a game changer. This means more time in the field, fewer barriers to entry, and more mentorship opportunities, especially for women.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
We are committed to supporting our commercial fishing industry, which is an essential part of our history and heritage, blue economy, and coastal culture. Every day, our courageous fishers face challenges out on the water while they work year-round to put healthy, local seafood on the table. (2/2)
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
DFG Commissioner Tom O'Shea, DMF Director Dan McKiernan, and our entire staff join Governor Healey in extending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the fishers on the F/V Yankee Rose, as well as our commercial fishing community in New Bedford, Provincetown, + across the state. (1/2)
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
#GrantOpportunity We are excited to announce that DER’s Partnerships Program Request for Responses is now live! Learn more and help us spread the word! Applications are due by Friday, April 3, 2026 at 5 PM EST. www.mass.gov/how-to/ders-...
Images of DER staff and partners touring a restoration site
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Restoring rivers. Reviving wetlands. Preparing for sea level rise. That’s what the Mass Ready Act does. We’re proud to have the support of @massaudubon.org Director of Ecological Restoration Alex Hackman, who shares why Mass Ready is critical to accelerating restoration work across the state.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Protecting people and wildlife from extreme weather takes action – and investment. We’re grateful for the support of @nature.org Massachusetts Director of Policy & Partnerships Steve Long who highlights why the Mass Ready Act is essential for safeguarding the state’s future.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
#JobOpportunity: We're hiring a Chief Biodiversity Officer! 🦋 You'll lead coordination across state government and work with partners to drive progress towards the Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals. Apply today > massanf.taleo.net/careersectio...
Job Opening: Chief Biodiversity Officer
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Good news! Roseate terns reached a major conservation milestone in 2025 with a record-high 4,010 nesting pairs in Massachusetts – an astounding tripling of the population since 2013! Discover more about roseate terns, #MassWildlife's recovery efforts, and how you can help > lnkd.in/g4A56c3G
Major milestone for Massachusetts' roseate ternsIn 2025, roseate terns reached a record-high 4,010 nesting pairs in Massachusetts, a remarkable rebound from historic lows
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
From feeding families to lowering energy costs, @massgovernor.bsky.social’s state budget invests big to deliver real benefits across Massachusetts.
$528 Million for Energy and the Environment 

Protecting clean air, water, and the land people rely on every day 

Fills critical gaps in food security, by providing $55 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program 
 
Renews focus on affordability, using energy efficiency and oversight to help keep costs down

Strengthens environmental work to move permits faster, keep enforcement strong, and address emerging threats like PFAS 

Invests in state parks and public spaces, making them more welcoming for residents 

Continues work on permitting reforms that speed up clean energy and infrastructure projects while keeping communities at the table 

FY27 State Budget
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea, DMF Director Dan McKiernan, and their staff join Governor Healey in extending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the crew members on the F/V Lily Jean, as well as the commercial fishing and Cape Ann communities.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Governor Maura Healey @massgovernor.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
My statement with @massltgovernor.bsky.social on the Coast Guard suspending their search for the crew of the Lily Jean.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Attend one of the public listening sessions: 🔸January 27 at 6 p.m. on Zoom 🔸January 28 at 6 p.m. in Westborough 🔸January 29 at 6 p.m. in Pittsfield 🔸February 2 at 6 p.m. in Bourne 🔸February 3 at 1 p.m. on Zoom
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
ANNOUNCEMENT: #MassWildlife is gathering public input on several opportunities to expand hunting access in Massachusetts, including Sunday hunting, hunting with crossbows, and minimum setback distances for hunting. mass.gov/news/healey-...
ANNOUNCEMENT: #MassWildlife is gathering public input on several opportunities to expand hunting access in Massachusetts, including Sunday hunting, hunting with crossbows, and minimum setback distances for hunting.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
“This represents the final phase of the Boston Harbor cleanup, which we collectively as citizens invested so much effort in over many years, and it has proven to be successful." (4/4)
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
“It’s a great thing for the community. It’s a great thing for Massachusetts — because not all areas of the state are seeing a positive trend,” said DMF's Shellfish Program Leader Dr. Chrissy Petitpas. (3/4)
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Thanks to improving water quality trends, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has begun work with the towns of Hingham, Hull, and Winthrop to reopen areas to shellfishing. (2/4)
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Today in @gbhnews.bsky.social: For the first time in 100 years, Boston Harbor is poised to welcome back shellfish harvesting! 🦪 wgbh.org/news/local/2... (1/4)
wgbh.org
Boston Harbor welcomes back shellfish harvesting, says goodbye to dirty water
For the first time in decades, water quality has improved enough to reclassify certain areas to allow shellfishing for human consumption.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Happy New Year from DER! As we look back at 2025, we're proud of accomplishments like 21 projects under construction, 86 acres of freshwater wetland habitat restored, & over 620 river miles reconnected! We're excited for what 2026 has in store 😊
A large group of people posing outside in the autumn.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Interested in applying for a culvert replacement grant from DER? Join us on 1/8 at 3pm for an informational webinar on this year's Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant (CRMA) Program and the Training Sites Initiative opportunities. Register at: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
A construction site showing a large concrete box culvert being installed with construction workers and an excavator in the background.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Our 2025 End of Year Report is LIVE! From introducing two major pieces of legislation to protecting biodiversity and investing in our communities, our team dedicated the year to building a more affordable, prepared Massachusetts for everyone. Read more: bit.ly/EEA2025Report
EEA 2025 End of Year Report cover showing a scene of animals at the back of a house with rooftop solar
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
REMINDER: Apply today for the Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Program! 🐝 Applications are due December 26, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Learn more > www.mass.gov/how-to/massa...
Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Program
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Want to get updates on the Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals? 🦋 Sign up today for the latest news, events, and ways to take action! lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/GpQtghu/b...
lp.constantcontactpages.com
Sign up to stay in touch!
Everyone has a role to play in conserving our state’s irreplaceable biodiversity.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
REMINDER: Apply today for the Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Program! 🐝 Applications are due December 26, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Learn more > www.mass.gov/how-to/massa...
Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Program
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Exciting news! Last week, we announced $1.2M to boost the competitiveness and resilience of our commercial fisheries. 🌟 🐟 Read all about it > www.mass.gov/news/healey-...
mass.gov
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Biodiversity is a climate solution! 🐝 Thank you to @wbur.org and @conservema.bsky.social for inviting DFG Commissioner Tom O'Shea to the studio for an interview for the upcoming "Nature as a Solution” podcast series. Stay tuned—the series will premiere in 2026!
WBUR Producer Jay Feinstein interviews DFG Commissioner O'Shea in the studio.Group photo in the studio, surrounded by audio equipment
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
DER is happy to announce $350,000 for dam removal studies in seven municipalities to help communities prepare for climate change and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Check out the press release to learn more: www.mass.gov/news/healey-...
A person wearing waders stands in water while reading a gauge with a dam in the background.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
DER's Regional Restoration Partnerships Program currently supports 3 partnerships & new opportunities to join the program are expected in early 2026! Learn more at a webinar on December 11th at 12 noon: zoom.us/webinar/regi... Can't make it? We'll be posting the recorded webinar on our website.
A person speaking to a large group of people standing outside.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with nature through outdoor recreation! 🦌 Each year, #MassWildlife staff + volunteers bring hunters with paraplegia together for a special, three-day deer hunt. This year, 18 hunters participated statewide. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/29/m...
bostonglobe.com
MassWildlife program embraces paraplegic hunters - The Boston Globe
When Fred Baker fractured his spine in a motorcycle accident in 2009, one of his first thoughts was how he would continue his hobbies like skiing, motorcycling, fishing — and hunting.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with nature through outdoor recreation! 🦌 Each year, #MassWildlife staff + volunteers bring hunters with paraplegia together for a special, three-day deer hunt. This year, 18 hunters participated statewide. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/29/m...
bostonglobe.com
MassWildlife program embraces paraplegic hunters - The Boston Globe
When Fred Baker fractured his spine in a motorcycle accident in 2009, one of his first thoughts was how he would continue his hobbies like skiing, motorcycling, fishing — and hunting.
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Grant opportunity!💥 The Community Biodiversity Grants program is now accepting proposals for projects that drive on-the-ground progress towards the state's Biodiversity Goals. Apply today > mass.gov/how-to/massa...
Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Program - deadline for applications is December 26, 2025.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Grant opportunity!💥 The Community Biodiversity Grants program is now accepting proposals for projects that drive on-the-ground progress towards the state's Biodiversity Goals. Apply today > mass.gov/how-to/massa...
Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Program - deadline for applications is December 26, 2025.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Today in @reuters.com, @contextnewsroom.bsky.social: How Massachusetts is stepping up to protect and restore nature! 🦎 "What you’re seeing is an opportunity to make things better than they have been in the past, and what we’ve done to the landscape can be healed." www.context.news/nature/us-st...
context.news
US states take up conservation goals axed by Trump | Context by TRF
After Trump ended a goal of saving 30% of sea and land, local governments are ramping up conservation efforts
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Another dam down! Earlier this month, partners including The Nature Conservancy removed the Becker Pond Dam on an unnamed tributary to Schenob Brook in Mt Washington. With the dam gone, natural riverine processes are restored, improving habitat for coldwater species like Eastern brook trout
Construction equipment actively removing a concrete dam as a stream flows in the foreground.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Growing the restoration workforce! ⚡ 🌱 💪 Last month, we were delighted to join MA AFL-CIO and Mass Rivers Alliance for an inspiring tour of the #PlumbersLocal12 Apprenticeship Center + successful dam removal, stream restoration, and green stormwater infrastructure projects.
Group poses for a photo at the site of a restored river.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Looking for a spark of inspiration this weekend? ⚡ Join us at the 2025 TEDxBoston #PlanetAction conference to learn about Massachusetts' nation-leading Biodiversity Conservation Goals and how you can take action. Register here > luma.com/ideas-in-act...
Happening on November 15 at 9AM at MIT Kresge Auditorium
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Reminder! 🌱 Join us at #TEDxBoston's Planet Action Summit 2025 for an inspiring talk by DFG Commissioner Tom O'Shea about how the state is driving local action to protect + restore nature through the Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals! Register today > tedxboston.com/portfolio/pl...
Planet Action 2025 at MIT on November 15, 2025!
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
What do grasshopper sparrows, ruffed grouse, bats, and box turtles all have in common? They all benefit from prescribed fire! 🔥 Learn how prescribed fire benefits common and rare species > mass.gov/news/blazing-a-path-for-wildlife
Collage of eastern box turtle, grasshopper sparrow, ruffed grouse, and bats.
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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Terrapin counting, habitat work, herring passage monitoring, oh my! 🐢 #MassWildlife biologists have been busy working on a range of conservation projects in the Buzzards Bay watershed this year. Read all about it > www.mass.gov/news/busy-bi...
Biologists collect data and improve habitats for wildlife in Buzzards Bay
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Reposted by Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Mass CZM @massczm.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
The ResilientCoasts Final Plan is now available! This comprehensive statewide plan outlines guidance and strategies to address near- and long-term vulnerability to coastal hazards like sea level rise, storm surge, and erosion over the next 50 years. www.mass.gov/info-details...
ResilientCoasts Final Plan cover with coastal aerial photo in shades of blue.
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