State/Region: Massachusetts

Plan Name: Massachusetts BioMap Project

Website: http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/nhbiomap.htm

General Description: The Massachusetts BioMap Project seeks to identify and protect the state's biodiversity. The development of a statewide biodiversity assessment and maps will facilitate the implementation of the project. As an assessment tool, the BioMap identifies areas most in need of protection to conserve the biodiversity of Massachusetts.

Lead Organization: Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program

Administrative Structure: Along with the current staff, the Natural Heritage Program hired fifteen additional personnel to complete the project. They included ecologists, botanists, zoologists, a project manager, a data management assistant, and a geographic information systems (GIS) specialist.

Partners: In addition to the Natural Heritage Program staff, individuals at the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, and the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife helped on the project. Support and data was also used from MassGIS, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, The Nature Conservancy, and Harvard Forest. Technical data was also provided by neighboring states' Heritage Programs, including: New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Goals: "To promote strategic land protection by producing a map showing areas that, if protected, would provide suitable habitat over the long term for he maximum number of Massachusetts' terrestrial and wetland plant and animal species and natural communities."

Timeline: In the spring of 2000, the BioMap project was initiated. The statewide maps and other products, including a report, technical appendix, and poster, were completed by the summer of 2001. By the summer of 2002, the Natural Heritage Program will be sending maps to local conservation entities, along with summaries of the species and communities represented in the Core Habitats.

Cost: Approximately $1.5 million

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs

Data: Since 1978, the Massachusetts' Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program has been compiling a database that, as of 2001, has over 7,000 current (post-1975) records relating to rare or threatened biodiversity. These site-specific records include the occurrences of rare plant and animal species along with natural community boundaries. Records incorporate data on 435 rare species, which include 253 plant species, 72 vertebrate animal species, and 110 invertebrate animal species. Also included are "watch-list" species which have the potential to become endangered. There are also 105 unique terrestrial, palustrine, and estuarine natural communities tracked by the Natural Heritage Program.

Out of the 7,000 records, approximately 2,500 plant populations (occurrences) were evaluated. In turn, botanists and ecologists analyzed 246 different rare plant species for viability, along with 750 natural community occurrences. Of the communities reviewed, 92 different community types were assessed.

Methods: The first step in producing a useable "BioMap" for individuals, organizations, and towns to maximize biodiversity conservation is to define the issue of rarity among species. By using a ranking system developed by NatureServe, each species is deemed Critically Imperiled, Imperiled, Vulnerable, Apparently Secure, or, most commonly, Secure. Once a classification has been constructed for the rarity of plant and animal species, these results are compared with state, regional, and national rankings. These "elements of biodiversity" are called "element occurrences," by The Natural Heritage Program. The "element occurrences" are areas that have practical value for conservation of the species or community. The occurrences are then ranked from A to D; the highest probability of long-term persistence to the lowest, respectively.

Three factors are considered in the A to D scale. "Size" is the first component of the classification, which includes: (1) the area of occupancy, (2) number of individuals, (3) population density, and (4) population fluctuation. Next is the "condition" of the population which considers the: (1) reproductive success and health; (2) maturity of natural community; (3) species composition, biological structure, and presence of exotic species; (4) ecological processes and degree of disturbance; and (5) physical and chemical factors. Finally the "landscape context" is evaluated by its: (1) landscape structure, connectivity, fragmentation, and patchiness and (2) the condition of the surrounding landscape.

Information to be included on the BioMap must incorporate a combination of rarity and viability of the species and natural community. Rare plant populations were represented as single points on the map due to their relatively immobile nature. Buffers of 330 feet were given around each occurrence of a rare plant, with currently developed areas clipped out. Wildlife, on the other hand, were represented by habitat areas that met all requirements to sustain life: (1) breeding, feeding, resting, and dispersing; (2) life history; (3) threats; and (4) conservation needs. Aerial photography along with GIS technology allowed for accurate habitat boundaries. As for mapping natural community boundaries, field data, and firsthand knowledge of communities were combined with GIS technology and color infrared aerial photography.

Results: The elements of biodiversity were analyzed and a map of the "Core Habitats" and "Supporting Natural Landscapes" areas were developed. "Core Habitat" is the "sum total of viable rare plant habitat, viable rare animal habitat, and viable exemplary natural communities." The "Supporting Natural Landscapes" areas are a combination of Core Habitat buffers, large roadless areas, and undeveloped watersheds. Together, these areas help maintain the ecological integrity and enhance the "Core Habitat."

Overall, The BioMap identified 2,130,000 acres (42% of Massachusetts) as important for the long-term conservation of species and natural communities, of which 1,160,000 acres were Core Habitat (23% of Massachusetts) and 970,000 acres were Supporting Natural Landscape (19% of Massachusetts). In all, 246 rare plant species, 87 invertebrates, and 42 vertebrates were included in Core Habitat areas. A total of 92 natural communities (43 terrestrial, 41 paustrine, 8 estuarine) from 643 ideal community occurrences were included as Core Habitat on the BioMap.

Conservation lands, or protected areas, represented 13% of Massachusetts. A total of 660,000 acres of Core Habitat (450,000 acres) and Supporting Natural Landscape (210,000 acres) were protected. These areas were supported or managed by a number of organizations, including: the Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Trustees of Reservations, The Nature Conservancy, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Approximately 69% (1,470,000 acres) of the BioMap's Core Habitat (710,000 acres) and Supporting Natural Landscape (760,000 acres) areas were in need of protection.

Of the 13 Ecoregions of Massachusetts, the Boston Basin was the only region with less than 13% of Core Habitat. Approximately, 23% of the state was classified as Core Habitat. Except for the Boston Basin, at least 28% of each ecoregion included Core Habitat and areas Supporting Natural Landscape.

Strategy/Plan: When envisioning a sustainable future for Massachusetts, the Natural Heritage Program developed the BioMap as a tool to help set land protection priorities. These priorities are meant to facilitate informed land conservation decisions. The BioMap was not developed for regulatory purposes. When implementing a conservation strategy, the Natural Heritage Atlas is the sole source of Estimated Habitat maps.

Map of Proposed Priority Conservation Areas: As a community resource, the BioMap should be used to determine what can be done to protect biodiversity. Areas deemed Core Habitat should be set with the "highest priority of protection." These areas have been determined to represent the most viable and important habitats to conserve. Secondly, areas Supporting Natural Landscape should be given the next highest priority. Areas Supporting Natural Landscape that buffer Core Habitat, connect Core Habitat, connect other areas of Supporting Natural Landscape, or connect areas of Protected Open Space should be given higher priorities.

Click here for larger view of map.

Incentives for Private Landowners: With respect to the BioMap Project, the Natural Heritage Program does not address the issue of incentives for private landowners. However, the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs- Division of Conservation Services does provide incentives for landowners. Through the Massachusetts Conservation Partnership and in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, "these programs include conservation planning assistance on public and private lands, soil survey reports, conservation tree seedling sales, training workshops, sediment & erosion control technical assistance, and conservation education programs."

Land Acquisition: There is no formal mechanism in place to purchase areas identified through the BioMap Project. However, organizations and agencies throughout the state use the BioMap in their prioritization of land acquisition.

Implementation

Biodiversity Policy: The state of Massachusetts does not have a formal biodiversity policy.

However, Secretary Bob Durand of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs has made "biodiversity and ecosystem protection" a top priority. Secretary Durand's three objectives include: (1) building public support for protecting biodiversity in our backyards, neighborhoods, communities, and watersheds, (2) protecting and restoring ecosystems through land protection and ecological restoration projects, and (3) promoting the inclusion of biological conservation and ecosystem protection considerations in citizen, land use, and government decision making.

Land Protection/Management: The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife land protection program's primary function is acquiring habitats that "protect and perpetuate ecosystems that contain significant fish and wildlife resources and to conserve the biological diversity of the state." In order to further this process the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife established the Lands Committee. The committee is comprised of individuals from: Fisheries, Wildlife, and the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species program; representatives from each district; along with member of the realty staff from the agencies Boston office. The committee also advises conservation groups on areas to protect, as well as helping out towns with their open space plans.

In 1998 the Cellucci/Swift administration announced a goal of conserving 200,000 acres of open space in a matter of ten years. By August 2001, the administration had already conserved 100,000 acres. This was made possible with the cooperation of municipalities, non-profit land trusts, landowners, increased acreage in gifts, and increased use of conservation restrictions to preserve land.

In reference to biodiversity, the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs has also protected 15,000 habitat acres. These "bioreserves" make up the first of three landscape-scale projects.

Developed by The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs in 1994, The Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program is a voluntary program that facilitates the implementation of wetland restoration projects. Financial support, technical assistance, and monitoring is provided by The Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program; along with federal, corporate, and non-profit partners the project is initiated, developed, and seen through.

The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs developed the Massachusetts Watershed Initiative. The Watershed Initiative is a results-oriented program that rehabilitates watersheds by protecting natural resources and ecosystems. The primary goals are to improve water quality, restore river flows, protect and restore habitats, regulate public resource use, improve community involvement in resource protection, and promote protection/management of the watershed as a shared resource. Through education, communication, coordination of state agencies, and improved direction of funding, the Watershed Initiative is made a reality.

The Division of Conservation Sciences, under the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, incorporates a number of programs that provide technical and financial assistance to public and private landowners. Often the success of the programs comes from the cooperation of the Division and non-profit organizations.

Outreach: Through Biodiversity Days, The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs has organized a statewide program that informs, educates, and allows individuals to take part in conserving the states biodiversity. The development of "Exploring Biodiversity: A Workbook," interested individuals can learn to explore, identify, and document their discoveries of plant and animal species.

Citizen Science: The citizens of Massachusetts are encouraged get out and explore and document their sightings of all species of plants and animals. The Visible Species of Massachusetts database, under the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, accepts data from individuals and organizations on sightings of all plants and animals. Currently, the Visible Species database contains approximately 9,824 taxa collected from over 110,000 occurrences. When rare plant and animal species are encountered, citizens are urged to contact the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

Incentives for Private Landowners: There are several incentive programs that place short or long-term restrictions on development while encouraging existing land usage. Management is an important component in maintaining biodiversity, and these programs could prove important in conserving both the BioMap Core Habitat and Supporting Natural Landscape areas.

Invasive Species Control: Under the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, the Ecological Restoration Program addresses invasive species control. Along with the Upland Habitat Management Program, MassWildlife's Program is "working to conserve our common wealth of native flora and fauna by reintroducing fire in fire-adapted communities, controlling invasive exotic vegetation, creating and maintaining habitats for declining native species, and other activities." To sustain biodiversity in Massachusetts, the ecological management generally states that the spread of aggressive, non-native or exotic species can choke out native vegetation. The Natural Heritage Program accepts that more management of invasive species is necessary.

Linkage to Local Land Use Planning: The BioMap Project allows for improved conservation planning and increased coordination among conservation groups and municipal officials. Local land use planners will also be able to mesh the BioMap Core Habitat and Surrounding Natural Landscape with Open Space and Recreation Plans to protect a particular area.

Another tool for local land use planning, the Community Preservation Act, provides monies for communities to preserve Open Space, historic sites, and affordable housing.

Biodiversity Information

Institutional Arrangements: The Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Advisory Committee offers scientific advice on the conservation and protection of wild plants and animals while promoting the Natural Heritage Fund. Also, the committee provides funding for biological field research and inventory as well as other issues concerning the protection of biodiversity in Massachusetts.

Biodiversity and Land Use Indicators: None

Monitoring: The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, along with the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, monitors hundreds of species that are not hunted, fished, trapped, or commercially harvested in the state. For example, research on rare species and natural communities generates information about population size, productivity, and predation.

Highlights & Challenges: With the completion of the state's first biodiversity assessment and map, Massachusetts is well poised to conserve the states rare species and natural communities. The BioMap project allows communities, land planners, and private landowners to make the necessary first step in conserving the state's biodiversity. The extensive site-specific data maintained by the Natural Heritage Program works as a resource for all conservation efforts.

In order to sustain the biodiversity of Massachusetts, many non-profit organizations, towns, and individuals must get involved and work to restore and manage their natural areas. The BioMap, with effort, will contribute to improved conservation planning, increased coordination among conservation groups and municipal officials. Furthermore, the incentives for private landowners to conserve biodiversity must be addressed.

Products/Publications

1. Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2001. BioMap: Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts. Boston, MA. Click here
2. Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2000. Exploring Biodiversity: A Workbook. Boston, MA. Click here
3. Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2001. Community Preservation Tool Kit. Boston, MA.
4. Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement. BioMap: Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts.8 January 2002. Click here
5. Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2001. BioMap: Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts (map poster). Boston, MA.
6. Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2001. BioMap Technical Report. Boston, MA.

Contacts:
Henry Woolsey
Program Coordinator
Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
North Drive
Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 792-7270 x162
(508) 792-7821 (fax)
Email: Henry.Woolsey@state.ma.us

Sharon McGregor
Assistant Secretary for Biological Conservation & Ecosystem Protection
251 Causeway St., Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1150
(617) 626-1181 (Fax)
Email: sharon.mcgregor@state.ma.us

Information Sources:

1. Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2001. BioMap: Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts. Boston, MA.
2. Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2000. Exploring Biodiversity: A Workbook. Boston, MA.
3. Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2001. Community Preservation Tool Kit. Boston, MA.
4. Environmental Law Institute. 2001. Status of the States: Innovative State Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation. Washington, DC.