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 11, 2010 - CRWM newsletter was released this week. To sign up, please send an email to <newsletter@macrwm.org> 

July 21, 2009 - Bill was reported out of committee favorably.  Once fall session begins, this bill will be debated and voted on

June 19, 2009 - Public testimony heard on HB 736.  Excellent turn out.

June 4, 2009 - Meeting with the Massachusetts Natural Resources, Ag & Environment Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman.  Wildlife professionals from state, federal and international agencies and organizations, along with Massachusetts landowners talked about the current wildlife trapping laws, what's working and what is not.  Potential solutions to current problems were discussed.

April 20, 2009 - This page was added to help the public understand the science behind furbearer wildlife management through a series of "questions" that one might ask if her/she where not familiar with the harvesting of wildlife during a regulated season

April 25, 2008 - This was a regional meeting with representation form PA to Maine, where state trapper's association leaders came to discuss what's going on in their state and the challenges ahead.  Herb Bergquist represented the CRWM and Massachusetts Trappers with an update of the efforts going on in Massachusetts, along with a 1 hour presentation on the approach that is being taken to gain support outside of the trapping and sporting community.  the "Trapping Plays a Critical Role in Wildlife Management" PowerPoint presentation was shown with great feedback from the group.  Connecticut Trappers Association president George Finch talked about the recent Senate Bill to eliminate trapping in the state.  To date, the bill has failed.

April 7, 2009 - Now on Massachusetts General Court website for viewing.  Go [here] to check it out.

March 31, 2009 - Mapper has launch date.  This will allow the public to input their own data point on a map, where conflicts have, or are occurring.

March 5, 2009 - The CRWM provided the "Introduction to Modern Day Furbearer Management & Trapping's Critical Role".  Presentation was given to over 250 Cape Cod Cranberry Grower members and was well received.  Many positive comments for the presentation came afterward.  The CRWM display was also setup, with over 45 Informational Furbearer Management packets being distributed.

February 28, 2009 - CRWM to set up display exhibit, distributing over 200 information furbearer management packets.  Excellent interaction with Cons. Comm. members and overall was a very positive day.

February 19 - 23, 2009  - CRWM had to cancel attendance due to illness... There's always next year!

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 consisted of the current Massachusetts Furbearer Biologist, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service representative (and former Ohio furbearer biologist), a beaver control expert from the Commonwealth with over 40 years of experience and president of the Committee for Responsible Wildlife Management.  Two, one hour concurrent sessions extended beyond the allotted period of time, given the sincere interest on the topic.  Approximately 40 people attended the sessions with discussions ranging from the describing the current law, problems and solutions on the ground and how can people advocate for a positive change.  Attendees were keenly aware that the current laws are not sufficient to handle the issues occurring around the state.  There was discussion on addressing beaver related conflicts that are negatively affecting natural resources, wildlife, property, human health, public safety and budgets.  The panel listened to the attendees and heard what they are experiencing on the ground.  The panel then addressed those issues, based on their expertise to suggest ways to mitigate the conflict within the constraints of the current law.  The permitting process will be described and what tools are currently 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 revolved 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.  There was also discussion of a current 2009 House Bill  called "Safeguarding our Natural Resources" (docket #947).  This bill is expected to be assigned a House Bill number in mid February and sent to the Ag & Natural Resources Joint at that time.

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

October 27, 2008  The CRWM president and vice president met with the Cranberry Growers Association Executive Director  Jeff Lafleur and others 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

[ Home ] [ Mass Forests ] [ 1st Meeting Agenda ] [ Ashfield R & G ] [ Press Release 1 ] [ Press Release 2 ] [ Press Release 3 ] [ Press Release 4 ] [ Press Release 5 ] [ Press Release 6 ]

Send mail to berk_222@hotmail.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: July 07, 2010