Banded Common Tern takes flight @ Monomoy

Refuge Manager, Michael Brady gave a presentation on Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge to the Chatham's Men's Club on February 8.  The Chatham Men's Club was established in 1959 and has over 130 members, although only 93 were present for the presentation.  The presentation was an opportunity to frankly discuss the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and other controversial issues in which members wanted some clarification.

Topics of discussion ranged from the Avian Diversity Program and general biology, to controversial issues such as the shifting boundaries and agency jurisdictions, the increase in the grey seal population and their impacts to commercial fish stocks, the potential of ORV use on lands adjacent (but attached to the refuge), and the issue of commercial clamming within a designated Wilderness boundary.

It was a good opportunity to discuss the CCP with the general public, as well as discuss the mission of the Service and the refuge purpose with such a diverse group of local people.