COMMITTEE for RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

~Committed to Conservation, Education and the Preservation of our Natural Resources~

"Promoting Science Based Wildlife Management Decisions for a Better Massachusetts"

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Web Changes and more

This is where we'll announce the most recent additions to our web site. If you've visited us before and want to know what's changed, take a look here first.

January 24th 2009 - COLAP workshop located at Worcester College. Panel discussion on  Concerns Related to Beaver Conflicts in Massachusetts: Allowing for Co-existence and Finding Long-term Solutions to Real Problems. 

The panel will initiate an honest public discussion addressing beaver related issues that are negatively affecting natural resources, wildlife, property, human health, public safety and budgets.  The objective is for the panel to listen to the attendees and find out what they are experiencing on the ground.  The panel will then address those concerns, based on their expertise to suggest ways to mitigate conflicts within the constraints of the current law.  The permitting process will be described and what tools are available for the public to deal with immediate problems.  In addition to defining the issue and how to address immediate situations, a discussion will also be initiated on long-term proactive approaches to managing furbearer wildlife which includes beaver.  This discussion will revolve around; what would such a proactive program look like, what devices would be acceptable for use, who would be involved, how would people be trained and how it would be regulated.  Identifying the obstacles and acceptable solutions for such a program to exist will also be explored.

10/30/08 & 10/31/08 - The CRWM set up it's "Massachusetts Furbearer Conservation" display exhibit for two days at the Mass Mutual Convention Center in Springfield, MA.  The response was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring at real desire to revisit our current laws governing Massachusetts furbearer management.  Over 500 officials attended. Out of those 500 attendees, 125 took our informational packets that included the 'Destroying the Myth' video and a wealth of printed material on furbearer management.  Almost 100% of the individuals who stopped by believes in the need for change, but their concerns had to do with the types of devices used, the regulations behind them and the training of citizens to use these devices properly.  It became obvious that education concerning how a modern day regulated trapping program would be implemented and understanding the regulation behind such a program is critical.  In order for the public to allow this activity to occur they need to understand the entire process.  A process that describes the need for such a program that includes the acceptable proper devices , covers proper training, licensing, enforcement and regulation.  Their was enough interest, that next year at the conference the CRWM anticipates a 40 minute seminar discussing their issues and the future of furbearer management in Massachusetts.  To find out more about the conference go to: http://www.mhoa.com/conf-08.htm

The CRWM president and vice president met with the Cranberry Growers Association Executive Director  Jeff Lafleur and others Monday, October, 27 2008 to discuss their issues relating to muskrats and the damage they can and do inflict. There was a quick tour of a cranberry operation, where muskrat damage was observed.  Jeff explained why their burrowing abilities can be so devastating to cranberry operations.  Also, when touring the cranberry bogs, beaver activity was observed, which was the first time in known history that the growers have experienced beavers in their waterways.  In addition, the Growers Association was very interested in our educational approach relating to furbearer management and the critical role trapping plays - with an emphasis on the substantial science behind the activity.  Both parties anticipate a long, positive relationship that will reach into the future creating benefits for the growers' livelihood, wildlife and the public as a whole.

If you can not view the videos below, you may need to download Windows Media Player from Microsoft

Executive Director - Jeff LaFleur Video (5 meg) click to start

Cranberry Grower Video (4 meg) click to start

9/28/08 - The CRWM set up the "Furbearer Wildlife Conservation"  exhibit on Sunday, next to the MassWildlife exhibit.  Over 100 informational packets where handed out that included the "Destroying the Myth" video, the CRWM booklet on who support trapping and why, and numerous pamphlets and brochures. This was a great success, generating interest and lots of good questions.  The Big MOE (Massachusetts Outdoor Expo) is an outdoor experience where families can learn to fish, shoot, kayak, rock climb, mountain bike, see and touch wildlife, learn about recreation and conservation opportunities in Massachusetts.

07/10/08  Group wants state to alter restrictions on beaver trap use

07/10/08 - Looking for location in the Springfield/Chicopee area.  Check back here within the next two weeks.  See the 1st Meeting Agenda

Press Releases

These are the press releases we've issued over the last year. You may want to search for topics by keyword.

Recent Media Coverage of Committee for Responsible Wildlife Management

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Send mail to berk_222@hotmail.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: November 03, 2008