State Awards Wildlife Management Grants to Cape Towns

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration has awarded $303,521 to municipalities and organizations across the state for projects to improve habitat for native Massachusetts wildlife.

Multiple Cape Cod towns received the grants as well, which are provided through the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MassWildlife) Habitat Management Grant Program. It will fund 12 wildlife habitat improvement projects totaling 307 acres.

“Making smart investments in projects to restore and manage protected lands across the Commonwealth furthers our Administration’s dedication to land conservation,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“With this funding, municipalities and local organizations will be able to significantly improve habitat for rare and endangered species, and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.”

In its fourth year, the Habitat Management Grant Program provides financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to improve and manage habitat for wildlife deemed in greatest conservation need and certain game species.

The projects are also designed to complement ongoing habitat management efforts on state lands and expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation.

The Town of Barnstable was awarded $11,820 to conduct prescribed fire to improve the pitch pine – oak woodland habitat at West Barnstable Conservation Area.

In Edgartown, the Trustees of Reservations has been awarded $25,127 to improve sandplain grasslands on the Katama Plains. The Trustees of Reservations in West Tisbury will receive $21,720 to improve sandplain grassland and frost bottom habitat at Long Point Refuge.

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation will receive $24,681 to manage heathlands on the Head of The Plains properties. The island’s Linda Loring Foundation has also been awarded $35,200 to create and improve grassland habitats by removing non-native tree species.

The Town of Yarmouth has been awarded $23,880 for prescribed burns to restore pitch pine and oak woodlands.

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for these grants to the Towns of Barnstable and Yarmouth,” said State Representative Will Crocker (R-Barnstable).

“I believe it is critical on Cape Cod to manage our woodland habitats for preservation, conservation, and for the enjoyment of generations to come.”   

By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center 

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