A tough new law to protect
endangered species in Massachusetts
will add another layer
of approvals to the building process
in areas designated as
important habitats.
Under the law, state wildlife
officials will identify lands that
are "significant habitat" for animal
and plant species that are
endangered or threatened, as
well as those declared at risk by
the Director of the state Division
of Fisheries and Wildlife.
This list will include species at
risk only in the state, which
means some species abundant
elsewhere but rare in Massachusetts
would be protected.
"The intent is to protect the
species in danger of dying out in
Massachusetts," says Henry
Woolsey, coordinator of the natural
heritage and endangered
species program at the state's
Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife. "And