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

USFWS photo
Chapter 4: Management Direction
assess waterfowl use on the refuge, specifically habitats being used and
seasonality of that use.
Strategy 3: Provide fishing opportunities at Puffer Pond. Fishing will be
restricted to “catch-and-release” and “no live-bait” use. After additional
fisheries surveys are completed and we assess sustainable harvest, we may
consider eliminating the “catch-and-release” restriction. However, until
that data is collected, only “catch-and-release” fishing will be allowed. We
will provide limited shoreline fishing from up to four areas along the pond
perimeter and fishing from canoes will be allowed. Ice fishing will not be
permitted. The current, proposed locations of these facilities are depicted
on Map 4-1. These shoreline fishing areas may need to receive stabilization
or be provided with erosion control measures prior to being opened, and
they may be closed as needed to prevent or repair bank erosion if such
should develop. At least one of these locations will be made handicapped
accessible.
Objective 5: Improve the visibility of the refuge in the community and
increase awareness of the Refuge System in general and the
management activities and purpose of the refuge.
As the Assabet River NWR continues to contribute to the quality of life in
east-central Massachusetts, strong support in the community and the
region will also continue to contribute to its success. Helping hands are
needed for program development, data gathering, and other opportunities
discussed in these alternatives. Only with this type of assistance can the
refuge fully achieve its goals and objectives, support the missions of the
Refuge System and the Service, and help meet the needs of the community.
Volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities. These include wildlife
and wildlands photography, assisting with or conducting educational and
interpretive programs, providing information to visitors, conducting
observations and surveys of wildlife species, botanical surveys, litter pickup,
trail clearing and maintenance, sign rehabilitation, and other
maintenance projects.
The volunteer program at the Complex has been growing steadily. In
1990, volunteers provided more than 3,435 hours of assistance to the
Refuge Complex. In 2000, volunteers provided 20,675 hours of
service. The total for 2001 was 25,432. Six thousand of those hours
were at Assabet River, 5,870 at Oxbow and 2,641 at Great Meadows.
Much of this volunteer work was done by core volunteers and active
Friends Group members. Through 2004, we have received incredible
support from volunteers. We are deeply indebted to all of our
volunteers for their dedication and services rendered for the
betterment of our nation’s natural resources.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan - 57 -