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

Chapter 2: The Comprehensive Conservation Planning Process
participates in advisory committees that comment on permits and plans
that affect water quality.
Some Towns wish to develop water supply wells on refuge property.
Some towns requested access for the purpose of drilling water supply wells.
Wells have been shown to draw down the surrounding water table. A 1994
study by the Massachusetts Office of Water Resources identified that
“wells can have a significant impact on nearby (surface) water bodies and
may affect specific biological resources.” Concerns were
raised by the public during CCP scoping that disturbance
to wildlife, and other impacts due to the wells, or access to
the wells, could occur.
Chemical control of mosquitoes on National Wildlife
Refuges nationwide is being evaluated by the Service.
The Service has developed a draft national mosquito
policy for refuge managers to apply when determining
how and when mosquito populations may be managed on
lands administered within the Refuge System. The draft
Hazards at Assabet NWR: Staff photo
science-based policy indicates that mosquito populations
will essentially be allowed to function unimpeded as part
of the wetland ecosystem. Mosquito populations may be reduced in certain
circumstances. We work with state and local public health departments
and mosquito abatement agencies to monitor and if necessary contain
mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito spraying to control larval mosquitoes
on Assabet River NWR has not occurred. The decision to restrict mosquito
control on the refuge is consistent with the current draft policy. Any
future Service policy will be applied to Assabet River NWR.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan - 15 -