Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Puffer Pond at Assabet NWR: Staff photo
Chapter 1: Introduction and Background
Chapter 1: Introduction and Background
This Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) has been prepared for
the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), which is one of eight
refuges of the Eastern Massachusetts NWR Complex (Complex) (see Map
1-1). Concurrently, we are releasing the Final CCPs for Great Meadows
(Concord and Sudbury divisions), and Oxbow NWRs.
We will prepare a separate CCP and Environmental Impact Statement
(CCP/EIS) for Monomoy and Nomans Land Island NWRs beginning later
in 2004. We propose to begin the CCP process for Massasoit in 2005 and
Mashpee and Nantucket NWRs in 2006.
This CCP is the culmination of a planning process that formally began in
January 1999. Numerous meetings with the public, the State, and
conservation partners were held to identify and evaluate management
alternatives. A draft CCP and Environmental Assessment (CCP/EA) was
distributed in July 2003 for public review and comment. This CCP presents
the management goals, objectives, and strategies that we believe will best
achieve our vision for the refuge, contribute to the National Wildlife Refuge
System (Refuge System) Mission, achieve refuge purposes and legal
mandates, support regional conservation priorities, and serve the American
public.
Refuge Overview
Formerly known as the Sudbury Training Annex, Assabet
River NWR is the most recent addition to the Complex,
created in the fall of 2000, when Fort Devens Army base
transferred 2,230 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service). This transfer was made in accordance with the
Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, with
the purpose of having “particular value in carrying out the
national migratory bird management program.” All acres
within the approved Refuge boundary are acquired. The
large wetland complex and the contiguous forested areas
are important feeding and breeding areas for migratory
birds. Under Army administration, the area was not open to
general public use. Because of this, public access remains a
high priority for local community members.
Purpose and Need for a CCP
The purpose of a CCP is to provide managers and other interested partners
guidance and direction for each refuge over the next 15 years, thus
achieving refuge purposes and contributing to the mission of the Refuge
System. The plan identifies what role the refuge plays, consistent with
Comprehensive Conservation Plan - 1 -