Code of Massachusetts Regulations
321 CMR - DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
Title 321 CMR 11.00 - Nature Preserves
Section 11.01 - Purpose, Goals, and Dedication
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1) Purpose and Goals. 321 CMR 11.00 is promulgated for the purposes of establishing a system of dedicated nature preserves and for guiding the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife in defining the criteria, scope, protocol and stewardship for the dedication and management of such preserves. Nature preserves are areas containing native natural communities which are as nearly as possible in their natural condition and are representative of significant habitats and ecosystems of the Commonwealth. Nature preserves are intended to serve in perpetuity as representatives of the state's native natural heritage, as habitats for plant and animal species, and as exemplary representatives of the natural communities and ecosystems of Massachusetts. Nature preserves are further intended to provide scientific research and education opportunities for the public to understand, and appreciate the state's natural heritage.
(2) Dedication. Nature preserves are dedicated to the public benefit for scientific research, education, and the preservation of plant and animal species and natural communities of the Commonwealth. Nature preserves dedicated hereunder shall be recognized by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) and its constituent agencies as areas to be monitored and maintained as nearly as possible in their natural condition. Nature preserves shall be used and managed in a manner consistent with the protection and perpetuation of such natural condition without impairment or development.
(3) Policy. Agencies that choose to dedicate land as a nature preserve accept 321 CMR 11.00 applying to the Nature Preserve System will apply to all lands dedicated as nature preserves. Nothing in 321 CMR 11.00 shall be interpreted to require, nor to authorize the Council or the Division to require, a managing agency to dedicate or have dedicated as a nature preserve any area under its jurisdiction.
