NFC Announces New Massachusetts Chapter

NFC is pleased and very excited to announce the formation of a Massachusetts chapter. Founded in Maine, this is the first expansion of NFC since soon after launching when we added the New Hampshire and Vermont chapters.

Since the inception of NFC, Massachusetts has been second only to Maine in regard to memberships, private donations, and schwag sales. That it outpaced all other states speaks to the fact that many Massachusetts residents own property or recreate in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Massachusetts has a very strong and active conservation community that goes well beyond fish. And when fish are the focus, it goes well beyond gamefish. This community includes state government agencies as well as numerous municipal governments and private non-profit organizations.

With anadromous herring runs in places like the Mystic and Shawsheen Rivers, a burgeoning sea-run brook trout conservation movement, and a growing appreciation for small stream wild native brook trout, the opportunities for NFC in Massachusetts are endless.

At eight strong, the Massachusetts Board is made up of academics, government employees, community organizers, scientists, and those who simply want to preserve wild native fish. This diverse group will set the direction for the chapter and be our local presence and boots on the ground.

Equally important is our Advisory Council. They will provide expert opinion, as well as help in regard to strategy, contacts, etc. The Massachusetts Advisory Council includes representatives from Massachusetts TU, Rhode Island TU, Sea Run Brook Trout Coalition, as well as a hydrologist from University of Massachusetts.

In addition, NFC founders Ted Williams and Bob Mallard, the former of whom lives in Massachusetts and the later of whom lived in Massachusetts and just over the border in New Hampshire for forty years, will be actively involved as Massachusetts Advisory Council members.

Massachusetts NFC will start by introducing themselves to MassWildlife and the various conservation and sporting organizations around the state to discuss what NFC is and what we hope to do. Projects will come to fruition based on need, interest, and ability to deliver.

Special thanks to Massachusetts Chair Bob Dalton for all his hard work to make this happen. And thanks to the rest of the group for their patience and willingness to be part of it.