04-07-2010, 11:13 AM
As part of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) forest re-certification efforts, a summary of the public comments received and the agency's responses to those comments have been posted on the agency's website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/management/bdi/forest_mgt/response_public_comment.htm. From October 30-December 20, 2009, DFW requested public input on agency proposals for re-certification of individual properties. The Division posted on its website lists of properties and acreages that are: 1) proposed for certification in the near term which are covered by a publicly reviewed forest management plan; 2) proposed for certification at a later date which are not yet covered by a publicly reviewed forest management plan; and 3) proposed to be unsuitable for certification (e.g., non-forested parcels). Several public comments were received, although most comments related to the forest certification process in general, and/or the management of Division lands in general. "We appreciate receiving these comments," said John Scanlon, DFW Forestry Supervisor. "I want to thank each individual and organization for the time they took to prepare and submit certification comments." The Division's response to each public comment received is posted at the aforementioned link.