Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Assabet River NWR ·Great Meadows NWR ·Mashpee NWR ·Massasoit NWR ·Monomoy NWR · Nantucket NWR ·Nomans Land Island NWR ˙Oxbow NWR

73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury, MA 01776 PH: 978/443-4661 Fax: 978/443-2898

January 11, 2006 Michael Dixon x 34

For Immediate Release

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Invites Public to Explore New Trails Opened on South Side of Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

Here’s a great thought for the New Year. Visit your local National Wildlife Refuge! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) invites the public to rediscover Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) by exploring 2.77 miles of new trails recently opened on the south side of Hudson Road in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

From American Beaver to Masked Shrew, from Red Fox to Red-shouldered Hawk, this refuge is an inspiring place for all who wish to cultivate a deeper connection with wildlife and the natural world we share. “It’s a great place for solace or an exuberant winter time adventure,” said Visitor Services Manager, Michael Dixon.

This land, centered in a developed area, had been protected by the Army for 58 years, before being transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the fall of 2000. That protection has allowed the maturation of extensive, structurally diverse wetland habitats, whose ecological integrity is enhanced by its surrounding upland forests and grasslands. The refuge provides significant habitat for migrating and resident wildlife. Along with providing habitat to numerous species considered threatened or endangered by the state of Massachusetts, the refuge also includes several rare wetland types and a number of vernal pools, which are considered to be habitats of special concern. Habitats such as these are an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. You can help conserve these special places by staying on designated trails.

Under Army administration, the area was not open to general public use. Because of this, public access has always been a high priority for local community members. In January of 2005 the Service completed a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Assabet River NWR. This plan presents management goals, objectives, and strategies that we believe will best achieve our vision for the refuge, contribute to the National Wildlife Refuge System Mission, and serve the American public. A strategy was developed to open portions of the refuge in phases, in order to accomplish the goal of building a public that understands, appreciates, and supports refuge goals for wildlife. Opening these new trails fulfills another promise and exemplifies our commitment to the local and extended community we serve. “We especially want to recognize and thank the Friends of Assabet River for their constant assistance in preparing this and other parts of the refuge for public access,” said Refuge Manager, Debra Kimbrell-Anderson.

The refuge first opened to public access in March of 2005, followed by an official Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 23, 2005. New segments of the trail system were made available to the public on each occasion. Today, numerous opportunities exist for walking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing at Assabet River NWR, providing challenges, stimulation, and perhaps some comfort for those suffering from cabin fever.

You may be thinking to yourself, “I’ve been there and done that.” Yet, how many people realize they are missing out on one of the truly great pleasures of life by “not re-visiting” their local national wildlife refuge. Your first visit to Assabet River NWR may be charming, but the second, third, and fourth could very well be the experience of a lifetime.

Parking is available at the main refuge entrance off Hudson Road in Sudbury. To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, first stop by the kiosk to pick up a revised trail map or review the large updated area map which shows the location of new trails and intersections. Next, access the new south side trails by safely crossing Hudson Road. Walk past the metal gate, travel through a short portion of the Sudbury / Marlborough State Forest, and look for the refuge entrance sign.

Driving Directions:

• From the east, head west on Hudson Road, turn north (right) into the parking lot of the Sudbury, Marlborough State Forest in Sudbury.
• From the west, head east on Hudson Road passing the Massachusetts State Fire Academy, turn north into the State Forest parking lot.

Assabet River NWR is one of eight refuges within the eastern Massachusetts NWR Complex. The refuge management and administrative office is located at the Complex Headquarters at 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury, Massachusetts, 01776. For more information about future management and wildlife dependent recreation, contact the refuge manager at (978)-443-4661 or go to the refuge web site at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/assabetriver.

Send comments or questions to FW5RW_EMNWR@fws.gov, or contact us at:

Michael Dixon, Visitor Services Manager

Eastern Massachusetts NWR Complex

PH: (978)-443-4661 x 34

Michael_Dixon@fws.gov