Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge 75th Anniversary Oral History Panel Transcript

Interviewees:  Ed Moses, refuge manager from 1966-1969 and 1988-1997; Sharon Marino, biologist and refuge manager from 2000 – 2003; Dave Brownlie, refuge manager from 2010-2014; Matt Hillman, refuge manager from 2015 – 2020. Bud Oliveira, manager from 1997-2002, provided answers in writing (see addendum 1). Mike Brady, refuge manager from 2004-2009, submitted remembrances (see addendum 2).

Brief Summary of Interview: The interviewer, Libby Herland, asked former refuge managers Ed Moses, Sharon Marino and Dave Brownlie, and current manager Matt Hillman to discuss what the Monomoy NWR was like when they worked there, what their major activities and accomplishments were, what the most significant issues were, and to highlight some of the memorable staff. Monomoy has always been an important refuge for birds, beginning with capturing and banding American eiders in the late 60’s. Efforts to protect the avian diversity of Monomoy in the late 1990’s through present day have focused on habitat management and active wildlife management including predator control, to protect common terns, roseate terns, and piping plovers. Protection of horseshoe crabs resulted in a lawsuit that upheld the Service’s decision to prohibit horseshoe crab harvesting. Research conducted in the early 2000’s proved how valuable the refuge is to red knots and other migrating shorebirds. Northeastern beach tiger beetles were introduced on the refuge and will now serve as a source population for translocation to other protected coastal habitats. Gray seals are now abundant on the refuge as part of the North Atlantic population. The establishment of the Monomoy Wilderness Area is discussed, along with controversies associated with cabin removal. Completion of the comprehensive conservation plan, a more than 10-year effort, is described. Staffing and infrastructure improvements, working with partners, volunteers and the Friends of Monomoy are also highlighted.