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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2003 VOLUME 28, NUMBER 5 www.FriendsoftheBlueHills.org There is nothing more exhilarating than thighs burning taking that final step, up a hill or mountain, past the tree line, and into the aerial landscape. The first view of the Blue Hill and Fowl Meadow landscape inspires a pleasant appreciation for this natural oasis. Many of us are deeply in touch with the personal serenity a walk through the Blue Hills inspires, but often forget about the other role the Reservation plays as a home for a diverse body of natural phenomena. A great variety of plant and animal life thrive in its many habitats, including rare and endangered species, such as the timber rattlesnake, the copperhead, and the marbled salamander. In this edition of the FBH newsletter, we are taking a close look at endangered species, the laws that protect them, the threats they face today, and steps that we all can take to protect this valuable diversity of life. What is an endangered species? An endangered species is a plant or animal that is in danger of becoming extinct in all or part of the area where it occurs. State and federal government agencies list rare species in three categories: “Endangered,” “Threatened,” and “Species of Special Concern.” Endangered species are in immediate danger of becoming extinct. Threatened species are rare, declining in number, and likely to become endangered in the near future. Species of Special Concern are also declining in number and likely to become threatened. In Massachusetts there are approximately 190 species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals and 258 species of native plants that are officially listed as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern. The Blue Hills Reservation is home to a number of these species. Most notably, the unique habitat found within the Ponkapoag Bog supports 17 state listed rare species. Why do species become rare? Species around the world, across the commonwealth, and within the Blue Hills Reservation, are becoming rare and extinct for one or more of the following reasons: Loss of Habitat. The alteration and destruction of habitat available to wildlife and plants is far and above the single most common cause of rarity and extinction in the world and across the commonwealth. Ecosystems naturally change at a gradual pace, causing slight impacts on individual species. When natural events or, as is more often the case, human activity cause changes at a fast pace, there is little or no time for individual species to react and adjust. Many endangered species are dependent on unique habitats for survival or require large, unfragmented landscapes. The loss of unique habitats and large tracts of undeveloped land is putting the future of these species at risk. It is no surprise then, that in Massachusetts, the regions of the state that have the highest number of rare species are also experiencing the highest rates of development. Hunting and Accidental Killing. Unregulated hunting has been the cause of many species declines. Over the last century, the timber rattlesnake was hunted and killed to the point that today it is an endangered species with the Blue Hills Reservation as one of its last refuges. Introduction of Exotic Species. Many of the non-native plants and animals that have been introduced to North America have taken up residence and out-competed native species. For example, purple loosestrife is taking over wetlands in the Fowl Meadow that once held a diversity of native plant life. Toxic Chemicals Introduced into the Environment. Pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals introduced to the environment by humans have caused sickness and death to many wildlife species. “Endangered Species” continued inside... Endangered Species Protection Nose Mussel, Ligumia nasuta – a freshwater mussel ...“Endangered Species” continued from front. Why should we be concerned about rare species? In the preamble to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, Congress stated that endangered plants and animals “are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people.” Endangered species, and all living things, are an important part of the environment we live in and are protected for a variety of reasons, including: Economic Value. As more and more residents choose to enjoy the nature around them, protecting natural, relatively undeveloped places like the Blue Hills is a boost to local economies. Useful Products. Many useful and economically important products are derived from native species, including 40% of the pharmaceutical products used today. Indicators of environmental quality. The decline or loss of species should be interpreted as a warning sign that there is something going wrong in the environment we all share. By preserving and protecting endangered species and their habitat, we are in essence protecting ourselves and the habitat we live in. The Marbled Salamander What is being done to protect rare species? Federal and State Legislation. The U.S. Government and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have both recognized the importance of preserving and protecting rare species through the passage of their respective endangered species acts. These pieces of legislation not only directly protect listed species from being harassed, harmed or killed, but also contain provisions for protecting the habitat that they need to exist. The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), passed in 1991, is an additional tool that protects locally rare species that are part of the state’s natural heritage, despite the fact that they may be common elsewhere in the country. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), part of the Massachusetts Department of Fish And Game, is responsible for protecting the 435 state listed species in Massachusetts by enforcing the MESA. NHESP works to protect rare species in Massachusetts through biological field surveys and research, land protection, education, and restoration. In addition, NHESP reviews over 1,500 projects annually under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and the Wetlands Protection Act. Each project is analyzed for its potential impact on state-protected rare species and staff at NHESP work with developers, land managers, and other state agencies to provide recommendations on the avoidance of listed species and their habitats. It used to be that 42% of the NHESP’s funding was derived from the Commonwealth’s general fund, while the remainder came from voluntary contributions on state income tax forms, and from hunting and fishing license fees. Unfortunately, the NHESP’s funding was another victim of the current budget crisis, and will receive no funding from taxation for fiscal year 2004. That means that it is more important than ever that Massachusetts citizens give their support by specifying a donation on their state income tax form. Contributions can also be made directly to the fund by sending a check payable to Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund to: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, MA Department of Fish And Game, North Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 Protection of Habitat. Since loss of habitat is the main cause of extinction, preservation of habitat is the most effective means of protection. Efforts by conservation organizations, local, state and federal agencies to protect habitat through acquisition are extremely important. In addition, we must safeguard the protected habitat that we already have. Since its creation over 100 years ago, the Blue Hills Reservation has lost acreage, as pieces have been lost to development. At a time when open space is being lost at a rate of 44 acres a day across the Commonwealth, now more than ever we must protect the integrity of the Blue Hills. Land can also be protected through conservation restrictions, where the landowner retains private ownership of the property, but the development rights are given to a conservation organization that is responsible for protecting the property in perpetuity. Other means of protecting habitat include zoning restrictions designed to protect the unique ecological features and scenic integrity of sensitive areas. Habitat Management. We all want to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of our open space areas. Unfortunately, unmanaged use by even the most educated visitors can result in disturbance of the rare plants and animals that live in these places. We should all be sensitive to our surrounding habitat as we enjoy the Blue Hills Reservation. What you can do to help protect endangered species? Support Legislation Designed to Protect Endangered Species. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Endangered Species Act was passed in 1991. This piece of legislation would not have been enacted were it not for the overwhelming support it received from conservation organizations and individual citizens that lobbied and wrote letters to their representatives. Collectively, these efforts make a big difference in the fate of such legislation. Once in place, our laws can be used as a powerful tool with far-reaching positive effects on species and habitat preservation. Respect the Restrictions Placed on Recreational Use in Sensitive Conservation Areas. Land managers must place and enforce restrictions on recreational use in conservation areas to protect the rare and sensitive species. Support Local Conservation Efforts. Many victories in the effort to preserve rare and endangered species and their habitats have been won by the local efforts of private, non-profit organizations. Especially within the highly developed suburbs of Boston, protecting the integrity of our local open space is critical to preserving habitat. Biodiversity. Since everything in nature is interdependent, the loss of even one seemingly insignificant species can have a ripple effect of much greater proportions throughout the ecosystem. How are endangered species threatened within the Blue Hills? The Lantana Land Swap. This Article 97 land transfer authorizes the sale of 3.2 acres of undisturbed Reservation woodlands on High Street in Randolph to the owners of the adjacent Lantana function hall. These beautiful woodlands, which the NHESP has recognized as providing critical habitat to the state threatened marbled salamander, will be converted into a 408-space parking lot! Ponkapoag Pond Irrigation Project. Currently, there are plans to use Ponkapoag Pond as a source of water to irrigate Ponkapoag Golf Course. This project may have an impact on the habitat and wildlife within the pond. The Mini-Fenway Park Project. Like the Lantana Land Swap, this project involved an Article 97 Land transfer that authorizes the lease of 11.44 acres of Blue Hills Reservation land off Riccuiti Drive in Quincy to Mini-Fenway Park, Inc. to construct and operate a scaleddown replica of Fenway Park for youth recreation. The proposed lot includes mapped endangered species habitat. Although FBH opposes the transfer of publicly owned lands to private developers, we recognize the merit of the Mini-Fenway Park proposal. During the past several months the project proponents have made a commendable effort to involve FBH in their planning, and FBH has assisted them in identifying and protecting sensitive areas and resources. FBH does not oppose the Mini-Fenway Park use of this parcel in the Reservation (a large central portion of which was destroyed when Quirk Auto bulldozed out a gravel parking lot) provided that all environmental safeguards are adequate. The Timber Rattlesnake by Tom Palmer Soft, mild October days. Yellow leaves drop, one by one, in the ripening woods. Not long till November winds blow these glories away, and the hills stand out bleak and bare – but for now autumn is gorgeous. The rattlesnakes in the Blue Hills are brown, yellow, and gold, like the woods. Like the fallen leaves, they lie in pockets in the rocks. All summer long they roamed the woods, waiting days on end for a mouse or chipmunk to scoot within reach. Now they gather at certain knobs and ledgy breaks, where the Hills lie cracked and crumbled. Here the winter stores them like honey, deep in the earth. It takes a warm day to see them. The warmth draws them out, as it will again in May. You find the young ones now – delicate, unscarred, no thicker than a finger. They’re slender and smooth, with a cinnamon stripe down their backs and three or four shelly buttons joined to their tails. They won’t shake these toys at you. If your shadow looms too close, they dart down like minnows. So where are their parents? Here also, most likely, but underground. It’s not like springtime, when they sometimes lie out in heaps. Once, sitting at a den, I saw a big rattler come in from the October woods, its head slightly raised, its black thread-like tongue fluttering. It moved calmly and deliberately to the den entrance and slid in headfirst. Is that it? I thought – down in less than a minute, and gone for the year? I didn’t see it again. Snake watching in October can be iffy. Oftentimes a den will appear empty, even in good conditions. Then one becomes prey to dark thoughts; has a snake-bagger been here? There were once rattler dens in nearly every rock-bottomed town in Massachusetts; now all but a handful are gone. Most were emptied by visitors like myself. The habit of communal denning largely doomed New England’s rattlers, once snake-phobic colonists from Europe arrived. They tracked the snakes to their dens, and returned year after year, killing any they found. Eventually the snakes were all gone, and the raids lost their appeal. Hundreds of spots once renowned as haunts of splendid monsters became mere piles of rocks in the woods. Their legend survives, however. Nearly anywhere you go in the Massachusetts, people will tell you they’ve seen rattlesnakes. Don’t believe them; most likely they have seen a milk or water snake imitating a rattler with a tail-shaking display. There are probably fewer than a thousand rattlesnakes left in the state. The ones in the Blue Hills have no relatives any nearer than the Connecticut River valley. It’s an open question, among snake watchers, whether the Blue Hills rattlers have any future. They have nowhere to go; the Reservation is entirely ringed by populous suburbs. Unlike garter snakes or snapping turtles, rattlers can’t find happiness in backyards and golf courses. They need large stretches of roadless woods. That’s a lot to ask nowadays. And so snake watching in the Blue Hills has an anxious, miserly aspect. Sitting at a den, with a rattler or two coiled nearby, you hear the rumble of traffic on 128, a jet screaming toward Logan, the growl of a bulldozer in the distance. You resent all these because of what they portend for the snakes. Maybe you find fewer of them than you used to – that’s no surprise. They are fated, it seems, to make way, to dwindle, to vanish. Since rattlers tend to return every fall to dens they first entered as newborns, it’s possible to see the same ones year after year. Each has distinguishing marks – a scarred snout, maybe, or a peculiar pattern of dorsal blotches. Some are jumpy; others are placid. Certain ones show themselves regularly, while others like to stay in the rocks. It’s a bad sign when old acquaintances don’t show up on schedule. Rattlers can live to thirty or more, but accidents happen. Chances are you won’t learn the details. Around mid-October the cold fronts start to blow through in bunches and conditions for snake watching decline. Sunny afternoons no longer hit seventy; brownish fluff creeps over the goldenrod. But it still pays to keep watch right up till Thanksgiving--sometimes a big, cloudy puff of warm air slides up from the Gulf long enough to send its fingers into the chilly anterooms of the dens. That’s a great time to go looking – the leaves are down, the sky is gray, the crickets have long since been silenced, and yet huge yellow reptiles are lying out on the rocks, lured by the last ghost of summer. Flights of angels, it is said, attend their bites. Snake Watching Local environmental organization located immediately south of Boston seeks part-time (possibly leading to full-time) director with good organizational, writing, speaking, and fundraising skills. Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) is a growing volunteer nonprofit conservation group working to protect and preserve the natural conditions of the 7,000 acre Blue Hills Reservation through public education, environmental monitoring, and advocacy. FBH also runs outdoor activities and events to increase public awareness of the reservation. FBH is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill the position of Director. The Director works closely with the Board of Trustees to set and achieve organizational strategic goals, coordinate board development, financial management, and fundraising. The Director is responsible for motivating and organizing members, volunteers, donors, decision makers, and the public around the priorities of the organization. The Director publishes the bimonthly newsletter and contributes articles to it, maintains the website, does media outreach, and organizes special events, volunteer committees, and special issue campaigns. The Director supervises recruitment and retention of volunteers, members, major donors, and business partnerships. The Director will be responsible for forming close working relationships with state agencies as well as local non-profit and community organizations. The successful candidate will be a dynamic individual with exceptional written and oral communication skills. Experience in communications, public relations, community organizing, development or a related field is highly desirable. Experience writing fundraising materials, grant applications, and managing a membership program is a plus. Should be familiar with media relations, volunteer recruitment, community organizing, and conducting special events. Must enjoy working closely with volunteers, and being part of a hard working and resourceful team. Strong computer skills, particularly desktop and web publishing, are highly desired. Must have own transportation and be able to attend occasional evening meetings and weekend activities. This flexible part-time position is available immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience. More information about The Friends of the Blue Hills can be found on our website: Friendsofthebluehills.org. We are an equal opportunity employer. To apply, send a letter of interest, resume and brief writing sample to: Peter Jeffries, President Friends of the Blue Hills PO Box 416 Milton, MA 02186 estlinbaum@neponset.org JOB POSTING Posted August 27, 2003 After almost two years, I am leaving Friends of the Blue Hills to move to Syracuse, New York with my husband and pursue a career in teaching. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience working with the FBH members and volunteers, organizing hikes and events within the Reservation, and contributing to the newsletter. I have learned a great deal about grassroots community organizing, and have been impressed every day with the amount of commitment and enthusiasm for the Reservation that permeates the entire organization. I feel extremely lucky to have spent as much time as I have within the Blue Hills, and have gained an intense appreciation for this amazing natural resource. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to work with you to protect our local environment. It feels good to leave knowing that a group of dedicated citizens is busy protecting the natural integrity of the Blue Hills. Thank you, and good luck! Sincerely, Maggie Estlinbaum Outreach Coordinator Goodbye from the Outreach Coordinator Update from the NEW Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Urban Parks & Recreation Trailside Museum Receives Funding for another year. This spring Governor Romney vetoed the line item in the state budget that provides funding to the Trailside Museum. At the last minute, the State legislature voted unanimously to override the Governor’s veto, providing Trailside with $219,750 to operate the museum and the Chickatawbut Education Center for another year. A new state agency is formed. Since the last FBH newsletter, the state has created a new agency to replace the MDC. What was formerly the MDC is now the Division of Urban Parks and Recreation within the Department of Conservation and Recreation. A Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation should be hired within a month. This is a new post that oversees three divisions: the former DEM (now the Division of State Parks), the former MDC (now the Division of Urban Parks and Recreation) and the former MDC Division of Watershed Management (now the Division of Water Supply Protection). In turn, the Commissioner will appoint the three Directors to those Divisions. You are cordially invited to the… FBH Annual Meeting Saturday, October 25th at Brookwood Farm 6:30 PM - Social Hour with food and drink 8:00 PM – Annual Meeting 8:30 PM – Coffee and dessert September 13, Saturday DCR Family Fire Safety Day Tour displays of new and antique fire trucks. Check out fire education displays, demonstrations, vendors, games and activities. Meet at Houghton’s Pond main parking lot on Hillside Street in Milton. 11 AM – 4 PM. Sponsored by the DCR and Dept. of Fire Services. Call 617-698-1802 for more information. September 20, Saturday Blue Hill Section Hike. Joint hike with AMC. 7 mi. hike on a variety of trails, some steep, including Skyline Trail with views, 10 AM – 4 PM. Meet at Houghton’s Pond pkg lot. Leader: Steve Olanoff 781-326-6585. September 21, Sunday Blue Hills Mountain Bike Day Explore the Blue Hills on two wheels with DCR Rangers, Blue Hills TrailWatch, and the New England Mountain Bike Association. Visit the expo area to watch bike repair demonstrations, pick up some responsible riding information and free giveaways. Bring your own bike. Helmets are required. Meet at the Houghton’s Pond main parking lot on Hillside Street in Milton. 10 AM – 3 PM. Sponsored by the DCR. Call 617-698-1802 for more information. Calendar of Events Another year has passed, and there is much for us to be proud of and reflect on as we look forward to 2004. Please, join us at Brookwood Farm on October 25 from 6:30 – 9 PM for an evening of food and conversation. Cost: $20 for individuals, $35 per family – payable at the door For information call Maggie at 781-828-1805 October 19, Sunday DCR Buck Hill Autumn Adventure Enjoy a spectacular panorama atop Buck Hill on this moderately strenuous trek. Hikers will be rewarded with a dazzling display of color following a steep ascent. 1 – 3 PM. Meet at the Houghton’s Pond main parking lot on Hillside Street in Milton. Sponsored by the DCR. Call 617-698-1802 for more information. October 11, Saturday Hike and History. Joint all day hike with AMC. Moderately strenuous 8 mi. hike with steep hills on Skyline and other trails. There will be short stops to talk about the history of the area. Pre-registration is required; group size limited. Leader: Corinne Waite 781-331-8472 (7 – 9 PM only.) October 18, Saturday Get the Picture! Enjoy a morning of nature photography with landscape photographer Dermot Conlan (www.dermotconlan.com). After a short slide presentation and discussion of composition and exposure, we will head out into the field and capture nature on film. Bring your 35mm SLR camera, lenses, film (50-200 ASA), a tripod if you have one, and be prepared for fun. Geared for beginner to intermediate level photographers. 7:30 – 11:30 AM. Sponsored by the DCR. Call 617-727-4573 ext. 213 to register. Space is limited. November 2, Sunday DCR Skyline Hike Join DCR Rangers on a rugged 9 mi. hike along Skyline Trail. Explore the peaks and valleys of the surrounding countryside. Wear hiking boots and bring water and lunch. 9 AM (5-7 hours). Sponsored by the DCR. Call 617-698-1802 to register. Space is limited. NOTE: DCR is the new name for the MDC. The Nominating Committee has submitted the following nomiations for election at the Annual Meeting to be held on October 25: Peter Jeffries, President – Steve Olanoff, Vice President – Bob Tampkin, Treasurer – David Morse, Clerk – Winn Burr, Corresponding Secretary – Anne Parker, Trustee at Large – Cameron Beck, Trustee at Large – Bob Romeri, Trustee at Large – Tom Palmer, Trustee at Large Election of FBH Officers at the Annual Meeting Do you have photographs, paintings, or drawings of the Blue Hills Reservation that you would like to share with FBH members at this year’s Annual Meeting, Saturday, October 25? If you would like to submit artwork of the Blue Hills Reservation to be included in the member exhibition, please call 781-828-1805. Do you have artwork of the Blue Hills? Put your email address on the FBH members email list and receive timely updates on Blue Hills issue. Email alerts are a great way to stay informed and to act quickly upon any threat to the Blue Hills Reservation. Interested? To sign up simply fill out the form below and mail it to FBH or email your name as it appears on our membership list to FriendsBlueHills@aol.com. Name Email Please detach and mail to: Friends of the Blue Hills, PO Box 416, Milton, MA 02186 Stay Informed Between Newsletters Looking for information about the Friends of the Blue Hills? - Call for schedule information, membership, or ordering maps at: 781-828-1805 - Visit our website for our membership form and the latest environmental news at: www.FriendsoftheBlueHills.org Newsletter published six times a year Staff: Maggie Estlinbaum Outreach Coordinator Officers of the Friends of the Blue Hills President: Peter Jeffries Canton Vice President: Steve Olanoff Westwood Treasurer: Bob Tamkin Milton Clerk: David Morse Milton Secretary: Win Burr Canton Trustees at Large: Corporate Members Reebok International, Ltd. Analog Devices Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company Business Members Deland, Gibson Insurance Associates National Fire Protection Association Tom Palmer Anne Parker Milton Canton Bob Romeri Quincy Agency Members Brockton Credit Union, Milton Conservation Commission Milton Public Library, YMCA of Greater Boston Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Boston, MA Permit No. 56571 Address Service Requested