DOCSLIB.ORG

2012 Transportation Security

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2012 Transportation Security 14 Transportation Security 2012 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN 14 Transportation Security Emergency Planning Activities To date, emergency planning activities in Franklin County have focused on general emergency Transportation security issues and protecting the preparedness and training, and on the coordination transportation system from threats and disruptions between towns and agencies in response to a is an important topic. The attacks on the World disaster. There has been a large emphasis on Trade Center in September 2001 and Hurricane training, improving emergency communications Katrina in September 2005 each demonstrated the infrastructure, and evacuation planning. vulnerability of our transportation system in Two major committees working on emergency different but important ways. These events also planning in Franklin County are the Franklin County highlighted the need for coordinated emergency Regional Emergency Planning Committee and the planning and management to deal with such Western Regional Homeland Security Advisory disasters. It is essential to have emergency Council. management infrastructure systems in place in advance of disasters to best handle emergency Franklin County Regional Emergency response. It is also essential to take steps to protect Planning Committee our transportation infrastructure itself from The Franklin County Regional Emergency Planning potential security threats. Committee (REPC) was established in 2000, at the request of Franklin County towns. The REPC is Transportation security is also a key component of staffed by the FRCOG, and the REPC has a broad the Massachusetts long-range state transportation membership, including public safety officials, health plan, A Framework for Thinking – A Plan for Action professionals, industry executives, local government (2006). One of the eight guiding principles of the workers, and other community members. The initial state plan is that “the transportation system of the focus of the Emergency Planning Committee was to Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be secure, assist all municipalities in the county in meeting with all modes and users protected against external federal and state mandates for emergency threats.” Similarly, transportation security is one of planning. The federal Emergency Planning and the eight planning factors required by SAFETEA-LU Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), passed in to be considered by transportation planning 1986, requires communities to develop emergency organizations during their planning processes. planning under a local Emergency Planning Committee, and to maintain data on hazardous In Franklin County, many of the planning efforts materials. Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 21E) related to the region’s transportation security are and Executive Order 242 also require planning by relatively recent, having begun within the last five communities for emergencies. The focus of the to ten years. There has been some attention paid to REPC has now been expanded to address all areas the need for planning for evacuations in the face of of emergency preparedness in the region. an emergency – such as flooding, a hazardous spill, etc.; however, these planning efforts have been The FRCOG and the REPC sponsor and provide stepped up significantly in recent times. There has workshops for emergency response staff and local also been a new focus on increasing the security of community leaders in the region to meet local and transportation facilities themselves. This chapter state training requirements regarding emergency provides a summary of the transportation security incident management and hazardous materials activities currently occurring within the Franklin handling and spills. The REPC also oversees the County region and makes recommendations for formation of volunteer Community Emergency future transportation security planning. Response Teams (CERTs), and training for the CERT Transportation Security Chapter 14 – Page 1 teams. CERT team members have a wide variety of emergency medical services, public works, general and technical skills. A group of residents corrections, public health, hospitals, emergency that have received the CERT training has formed the management, and public safety communications. Franklin County Community Emergency Response There are also ex-officio members from the Team. A related group is the Franklin County Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a team of volunteers (MEMA), from the EOPS, which oversees the council, with experience and expertise in health care and and from the FRCOG. The FRCOG serves as the related fields. The Franklin County CERT and MRC fiduciary, the financial agent for the council. teams can provide important support to first Funding for the council’s activities comes from the responders during a critical incident, and can also federal Department of Homeland Security’s Office assist with non-emergency projects that improve of State and Local Government Coordination and the health and safety of a community. Both the Preparedness. CERT and MRC programs are part of the federal Citizens Corps initiative, which is funded through The Western Region Homeland Security Advisory the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Council works with the regional planning agencies State and Local Government Coordination and in each region, and a variety of state agencies. The Preparedness. six primary goals of the council, as listed on the council’s web site, are: In December 2008, CERT and MRC provided over • Identify threats and vulnerabilities within 250 volunteer hours of support during a severe ice the region; storm to aid in shelter operations and emergency • Plan regionally to protect critical infrastructure and key assets; communication in the Towns of Heath, Warwick, • Train first responders and local officials; Shelburne, Conway, and Gardner. • Improve interoperability • Gather and share information between In 2009, the REPC secured $83,500 from the communities and agencies; and Western Region Homeland Security Advisory • Conduct multi-jurisdictional exercises for Committee to fund four regional exercises on the large-scale incident management1. following topics: Moore Dam Flooding, Mass Casualty, Hazardous Material Evacuation, and In 2004, the WRHSAC prepared the Western Tactical Communications. Massachusetts Regional Homeland Security Plan. This plan, which is submitted to the Massachusetts Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS) is updated Council annually, and describes the WRHSAC’s proposed The Western Region Homeland Security Advisory investments and projects for each year. The FRCOG Council (WRHSAC) was created in 2004 with the and the other regional planning agencies that are charge of improving the region’s ability to respond part of the WRHSAC, the Berkshire Regional to large-scale emergency incidents or disasters Planning Commission and the Pioneer Valley (WRHSAC web site: www.wrhsac.org). The WRHSAC Planning Commission, have been working to covers the 101 cities and towns in Franklin, develop tools to strengthen the region’s response Berkshire, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties, and to large-scale natural and man-made disasters. is one of five similar councils in Massachusetts, each These tools include the following: a regional mutual one covering a different part of the state. The aid agreement to facilitate the sharing of resources fifteen original members of the WRHSAC were among towns; information on priority critical appointed by former Governor Mitt Romney. infrastructure; and evacuation planning for special Subsequent members are appointed by the needs populations. Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS). WRHSAC’s voting members represent regional transit, fire services, law enforcement, 1 Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council Website. www.wrhsac.org Transportation Security Chapter 14 – Page 2 Since 2009, the WRHSAC has been involved with wanted to receive the vaccine had free and easy the statewide interoperability Executive Committee. access. The WRHSAC coordinated the purchase and expansion of an information sharing system for Improvements to Communications police, fire, and Sheriff’s Departments of Franklin, Infrastructure Hampden, Berkshire, and Hampshire Counties. Over $5 million has been invested into the Franklin Also, improvements were made to County Emergency Communication System the interoperable emergency Over $5 million has been (FCES) which is a model interoperable communication system for police, invested into the public safety radio communication system. fire, and EMS. An emergency Franklin County This eleven-site system replaced one that preparedness planning Emergency was originally constructed in the 1950s. conference was held in each Communication System Nine of the sites host two simulcast western county for agencies (FCES) which is a model channels, one for Fire and one for Police, for providing support to individuals interoperable public countywide communications. Shelburne safety radio requiring additional assistance. Control serves as the regional 911 and communication system. Ongoing development of the emergency dispatch center for Franklin Regional Evacuation and County. The dispatch center, which is Sheltering Plan has occurred, including the located at the Massachusetts State Police B-2 completion of a shelter assessment survey and the barracks in Shelburne, is the largest regional development of Transportation/Evacuation dispatch
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chapter 8 Airports (PDF)
    8 Airports 2016 Regional Transportation Plan 8 Airports There are two public-use airports located in Franklin County. They are the Orange Municipal Airport in Orange and Turners Falls Airport in Montague. A map showing the locations of these airports is located at the end of this chapter. These public-use airports benefit the region in several ways. Primarily, local airports are part of a national air transportation system, which provides intermodal connections and alternatives for fast, efficient transportation of people and goods. The economic benefits of local airports include supporting existing businesses and attracting new businesses by providing convenient access to and from the area. Local airports also provide public safety services, such as emergency medical air transportation. In addition, the popularity of aviation-related recreational activities, such as parachuting, generates tourism activity that brings many visitors to the area. According to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, both the Turners Falls and Orange Municipal Airports are classified as “general aviation” airports. General aviation airports provide facilities for privately owned personal and corporate aircraft, and are also used for a variety of other aviation activities, such as flight instruction, charter services, aerial agricultural spraying, aerial photography, parachuting and similar activities. Both airports are expected to remain general aviation airports in the future, and are not expected to expand into commercial airports with scheduled passenger or freight service. At the same time, neither airport is at capacity, and both airports could accommodate increased business and flight activity. Both airports are viewed as important economic resources for their towns and for the region overall.
    [Show full text]
  • Groton-New London Airport (GON)
    DECEMBER 2017 FINAL Environmental Assessment (EA) & Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for Obstruction Removal Groton-New London Airport (GON) Prepared for: Prepared by: FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) FOR OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL GROTON‐NEW LONDON AIRPORT (GON) FAA AIP NO. 3‐09‐0900‐010‐2014 CAA CONTRACT NO. 2014‐02 CHA CONTRACT NO. 29067 June 2017 Prepared for: Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) Prepared BY: CHA Consulting, Inc. Groton‐New London Airport (GON) Obstruction Analysis ‐Tree Removal FEDERAL FINDING After careful and thorough consideration of the facts contained herein, the undersigned finds that the proposed federal action is consistent with existing national policies and objectives as set forth in Section 101 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other applicable environmental requirements and will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment or otherwise include any condition requiring consultation pursuant to Section 101 (2) (c) of the NEPA. Approved: 6/9/17 Richard Doucette Date Manager, Environmental Programs RECORD OF DECISION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT EVALUATION (EIE) FOR OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL GROTON‐NEW LONDON AIRPORT (GON) FAA AIP NO. 3‐09‐0900‐010‐2014 CAA CONTRACT NO. 2014‐02 CHA CONTRACT NO. 29067 December 2017 Prepared for: Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) Prepared BY: CHA Consulting, Inc. Notice: On November 11, 2017, the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management (OPM) determined that the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) “shall not be construed to be a department, institution or agency of the state”, and that the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) is not applicable to CAA actions. See CT OPM notice included in Appendix B.
    [Show full text]
  • Aeronautics Division Report Presented to the Board on May 24, 2021
    Board Report: Nantucket Airport Project, Turners Falls Airport News, Aviation Education Update, MassAutonomy Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration Task Force (ITF) Kickoff, NASA Selects MassDOT Aeronautics’ Team May 24, 2021 Presented to: Board of Directors Presented by: Aeronautics Division Dr. Jeff DeCarlo Nantucket Memorial Airport Taxiway E Reconstruction Project • The Nantucket Memorial Airport Taxiway E reconstruction project is approximately 50% complete • Taxiway E is the main taxi route for the primary runway • The project is slated for construction in four seasons over a Nantucket Memorial Airport – 2nd Busiest Airport in Massachusetts three-year period which started in the fall of 2020 • When the current phase is completed, it will eliminate the safety concern for back taxiing on the primary runway • The Pavement Condition Index of Taxiway E is 50; 20 points below the standard for pavements in good condition Paving Crew begins placement of Airfield Bituminous Pavement • Project cost is $19.1M. 90% was funded by the FAA Airport Improvement Program and 10% by the FAA CARES Act • The existing pavement design does not support the current mix of aircraft operating at the airport; but the newly installed pavement will be able to sustain the heavier aircraft Overflow Aircraft parked on Runway 15-33 due to ramp congestion during peak tourist season 2 5/24/2021 Turners Falls Municipal Airport Purchases Pioneer Aviation and Additional Properties • In April 2021, using FAA funding, Turners Falls Airport, acquired 10+ acres of aviation
    [Show full text]
  • Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study Update MASSDOT AERONAUTICS DIVISION January 2019
    Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study Update MASSDOT AERONAUTICS DIVISION January 2019 Overview . Massachusetts airports support approximately 199,200 jobs and $24.7 billion in output . Employment and output have grown 23 percent and 49 percent, respectively, since the 2014 study . Aviation helps to facilitate intrastate, national, and international travel and commerce . Aviation is a critical catalyst for local and regional economies . By investing in Massachusetts’ airports, the significant economic contributions identified in this study will continue to expand 2 3/19/2019 Study Approach . Quantified the economic contribution of 39 public-use airports . 10-month study, began April 2018 . Used FAA-approved methodology . Included extensive survey effort . Conducted targeted analyses Airport stories Tax impacts Case studies . Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) . Airport-business synergies 3 3/19/2019 Overall Importance of Aviation in Massachusetts . Helps to sustain, lead, and diversify the Commonwealth’s economy . Contributes to the quality of life for Massachusetts’ businesses, residents, and visitors . Provides connectivity to worldwide markets and destinations . Supports the Commonwealth’s rapidly expanding business community and world-renowned tourist destinations 4 3/19/2019 Massachusetts Study Airports 5 3/19/2019 Total Massachusetts Economic Impacts 6 3/19/2019 Tax Impact of Public-Use Airports in MA $1 Billion TAX REVENUE 7 3/19/2019 Categories of Economic Impact Airport Businesses Government Agencies Capital Improvement
    [Show full text]
  • Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan
    Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan Executive Summary Aviation: Our Vital Link to the World In a world of instantaneous communications Massachusetts’ reliance on aviation will only continue to increase and rapid technological advances, the over time. Specifi cally, Massachusetts occupies center stage aviation industry remains the cornerstone in such rapidly-advancing industries as biotechnology, medicine, of the nation’s transportation system. While robotics, aerospace and others, which periodically emerge from its these advancements have certainly made world-renowned research universities that demand access to our world much smaller and faster, they markets across the globe. cannot replace the need for “face-to-face” However, to maintain that competitive advantage in a global economic personal communications that sustain solid setting, access to convenient and effi cient air travel is essential. While business ties. Aviation is the vital link that commercial airline services are often the most recognizable facet of continues to revolutionize the modern world aviation, it’s the lesser known general aviation segment of the industry by enabling people to make those personal that comprises nearly 97% of the nation’s airports. Many of these connections through business and recre- airports are located in population centers away from commercial ational travel that is conducted ever more airports and provide our businesses and industries with essential quickly, safely, effi ciently and affordably access to the National Airspace System. General Aviation is critical within the United States and throughout to our economy and way of life and provides many valuable public the world. service benefi ts such as, fl ight training, law enforcement, disaster The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has relief, medical evacuation, and search and rescue operations.
    [Show full text]
  • Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study Update EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Massachusetts Airports: a Connection to Economic Growth
    Massachusetts Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study Update EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Massachusetts Airports: A Connection to Economic Growth For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, airports and invested in airport infrastructure to improve and enhance aviation are a significant part of the state’s emerging economic development opportunities. These investments economy. Aviation has helped transform the way people have already seen substantial return in the Commonwealth. and goods move across the globe, sustaining the Bay As an update to the 2011 Massachusetts Statewide Airport State’s rapidly expanding business community and its Economic Impact Study, this 2014 study summarizes the world renowned tourist destinations. It has brought distant significant economic benefit that Massachusetts derives markets together and made a global economy possible. each year from its 39 public-use airports. Sponsored by the Businesses rely on aviation to deliver enhanced products Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics and services to global markets in distant locations that Division, this study is a continuation of an overall planning would otherwise be difficult to reach or inaccessible. At effort initiated by the Aeronautics Division in 2009 with the both the state and regional levels, airports and the links Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan (MSASP). they provide help to drive the economies in those states While the MSASP examined the structure and long-term by generating billions of dollars in economic benefits that development of the statewide airport system as a whole, in turn support thousands of related jobs. the goal of the Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study Update is to show how aviation serves as From 2011 to 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration an economic engine for the Commonwealth, as well as (FAA), Massachusetts Department of Transportation documenting some of the many other benefits that air (MassDOT), and airport sponsors have strategically transportation brings to its host communities.
    [Show full text]
  • Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan
    Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan Executive Summary Aviation: Our Vital Link to the World In a world of instantaneous communications Massachusetts’ reliance on aviation will only continue to increase and rapid technological advances, the over time. Specifi cally, Massachusetts occupies center stage aviation industry remains the cornerstone in such rapidly-advancing industries as biotechnology, medicine, of the nation’s transportation system. While robotics, aerospace and others, which periodically emerge from its these advancements have certainly made world-renowned research universities that demand access to our world much smaller and faster, they markets across the globe. cannot replace the need for “face-to-face” However, to maintain that competitive advantage in a global economic personal communications that sustain solid setting, access to convenient and effi cient air travel is essential. While business ties. Aviation is the vital link that commercial airline services are often the most recognizable facet of continues to revolutionize the modern world aviation, it’s the lesser known general aviation segment of the industry by enabling people to make those personal that comprises nearly 97% of the nation’s airports. Many of these connections through business and recre- airports are located in population centers away from commercial ational travel that is conducted ever more airports and provide our businesses and industries with essential quickly, safely, effi ciently and affordably access to the National Airspace System. General Aviation is critical within the United States and throughout to our economy and way of life and provides many valuable public the world. service benefi ts such as, fl ight training, law enforcement, disaster The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has relief, medical evacuation, and search and rescue operations.
    [Show full text]
  • Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study Update TECHNICAL REPORT
    Massachusetts Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study Update TECHNICAL REPORT MASSACHUSETTS STATEWIDE AIRPORT ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY UPDATE DECEMBER 2014 Prepared for: Prepared by: MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF CDM SMITH INC. TRANSPORTATION AERONAUTICS 8805 Governor’s Hill Drive, Suite 305 DIVISION Cincinnati, Ohio 45249 513-583-9800 With assistance from: AIRPORT SOLUTIONS GROUP, LLC SPOTLIGHT COMMUNICATIONS MASSACHUSETTS STATEWIDE AIRPORT ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY UPDATE TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: STUDY SUMMARY INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 1-1 STUDY BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................... 1-2 STUDY FINDINGS .............................................................................................................. 1-5 SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ 1-8 CHAPTER 2: SOCIOECONOMIC OVERVIEW OF MASSACHUSETTS INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 2-1 POPULATION .................................................................................................................... 2-1 GROSS STATE PRODUCT AND INDUSTRY MIX .................................................................. 2-5 EMPLOYMENT .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • On the Approach Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 2
    January/February 2012 On the Volume 3, Issue 1 Approach Administrator’s Message Greetings from the Massa- Administrator Mollica toured nomic multiplier to determine chusetts Department of the Bridgewater State Univer- the direct and indirect eco- Transportation (MassDOT) sity Flight Training Facility nomic impacts of the public- Aeronautics Division and and even had some flight use airports. I would like to welcome to 2012! time in one of the Univer- sincerely thank the Project The MassDOT Aeronau- sity’s flight simulators. It was Management Team that tics Division is off to an ex- a great event! See page 8 for worked diligently in providing citing start in 2012 following more information. feedback throughout the Christopher Willenborg, Massa- a year that was filled with Also in November, the study process: chusetts Department of Transpor- numerous announcements MassDOT Aeronautics Divi- x Federal Aviation Admini- tation (MassDOT) Aeronautics and accomplishments high- sion formally released the stration – Michelle Ricci Division Administrator. lighting the importance of Statewide Airport Economic and Lisa Lesperance; aviation at our public-use Impact Study for the 39 pub- x MassDOT Aeronautics airports in the Common- lic-use airports throughout Division – Denise Garcia, wealth. the Commonwealth. The Steve Rawding, Katie Inside this issue: On November 15, 2011 at study found that Massachu- Servis, Tom Mahoney, and New Bedford Regional Air- setts public-use airports gen- Lorraine Bohannon; Just Plane Folks 2 - 3 port, Governor Deval L.
    [Show full text]
  • Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan
    Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan Technical Report 2010 MASSACHUSETTS STATEWIDE AIRPORT SYSTEM PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE: AIRPORT SYSTEM VISION, GOALS AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1-1 STUDY OVERVIEW .................................................................................................. 1-1 Study Approach & Process ..................................................................................... 1-3 Project Management Team ................................................................................... 1-5 AVIATION ISSUES .................................................................................................... 1-6 National Issues .................................................................................................... 1-6 Safety .............................................................................................................. 1-7 Land Use ......................................................................................................... 1-7 Capacity .......................................................................................................... 1-7 Funding Needs ................................................................................................. 1-7 Aviation Fuel .................................................................................................... 1-8 Security Regulations .........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORT COMMISSION April 9, 2019 Agenda 1
    NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORT COMMISSION April 9, 2019 Agenda 1. Announcements a. This Meeting is Being Both Audio & Video Recorded 2. Review and Approve: a. Agenda b. 3/12/19 Draft Minutes c. Ratify 3/20/19 Warrant d. Approve 4/10/19 Warrant 3. Public Comment 4. Pending Leases/Contracts as Set Forth on Exhibit 1, which Exhibit is Herein Incorporated by Reference 5. Pending Matters a. 011315-2 General Fund Repayment Proposal and Discussion of In-Kind Services b. 050916-1 Crew Quarters Development c.. 111318-3 Nantucket Memorial Aviation Wall for terminal 6. MassDOT ASMP Grant Award/Grant Assurances a. 040919-1 Runway 6-24 Paint and Pavement Markings- $309,220.75 b. 040919-2 Apron Concrete Repairs- $807,500 7. Manager’s Report Public Safety Facility a. Project Updates b. RFP/Bid Status st c. Operations Update 1 Floor Meeting Room d. Statistics 4 Fairgrounds Road e. Personnel Report 8. Commissioner’s Comments 5:00 PM 9. Public Comment 10. Executive Session – G.L. c.30A, §21 (a) a. Review ES minutes of 5/28/13, 9/10/13, 1/14/14, 2/25/14, 3/11/14, 3/25/14, 6/24/14, 4/14/15, 5/12/15, 8/11/15, 9/8/15, 12/8/15, 2/9/16, 9/13/16, 12/13/16, 1/10/17, 5/11/17, 6/13/17, 7/11/17, 8/8/17, 9/12/17, 10/10/17, 11/14/17, 12/12/17, 1/9/18, 2/13/18, 3/16/18, 4/10/18, 5/8/18, 6/12/18, 6/29/18, 7/10/18, 8/14/18, 9/11/18, 11/13/18, 12/11/18, 1/14/19, 2/12/19 for possible release; and 3/12/19 for review and possible release.
    [Show full text]
  • An Action Plan for the Conservation of State-Listed Obligate Grassland Birds in Massachusetts
    An Action Plan for the Conservation of State-listed Obligate Grassland Birds in Massachusetts Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) Photo by: Chris Buelow, NHESP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this report is to present a state-wide action plan for two grassland-obligate bird species listed pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA): Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) and Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). The MESA-listed Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) is included in this plan to a lesser degree but is in need of its own specific action plan. The intention of this plan is to pool the knowledge, resources and management ability of grassland stakeholders in the Commonwealth to initially assess and prioritize conservation needs of these species in the State, and then use these resources to effectively realize specific targeted conservation goals. Although the initial focus of this report is on three MESA-listed species, the greater goal is to eventually develop plans for all grassland-obligate bird species in the State. In Massachusetts, grassland birds in general and State-listed species in particular have been increasingly confined to a small number of sites, many of which are airports, landfills, and military installations. Notwithstanding the regulatory protections afforded to State-listed species, the long-term prospects for grassland birds at such sites are unclear as airport managers seek to expand/maintain runway safety, and branch out into non-aeronautical uses. Similarly, at military sites, even when habitat needs are taken into account, military uses take precedence over habitat concerns. Recently, a push for solar panel ground installations is putting pressure on grassland bird habitat at a variety of sites including landfills and airfields.
    [Show full text]