Conservation Alert – Andrews Point Public Access in Jeopardy
The ongoing lawsuit by an abutter to eliminate public access to the rocky, coastal portion of a property at 18 Longbranch Ave at Andrew’s Point in Rockport is a conservation issue of considerable interest to the BBC. Birders frequently use this access point to seawatch.
The lawsuit continues even though the property’s deed clearly states that the public shall have trail access in perpetuity. Last year, BBC Conservation Chairperson John Nelson submitted documents and testimony from the birding community proving a history of public access at this location.
On Friday, February 13th, the abutter’s lawyers, the Attorney General’s office, and Rockport town attorney met to negotiate a settlement. Any agreement limiting access is not in the best interest of the public and should not be accepted by the state.
A compromise here could lead other property owners along the Atlantic Path to make similar demands. We could see effects on public access to the Atlantic Path, elsewhere along Rockport’s coastline, and at other locations in the Commonwealth.
The settlement conference is closed to the public, and all parties have signed an agreement not to disclose the proceedings. If a settlement is reached, the Rockport Select Board must vote to accept it. Their decision will occur in a closed session, with little to no direct public input.
We recommend that concerned members email the Attorney General’s office. Rockport residents and property owners may also want to contact the Select Board and the town administrator. Email addresses are listed below.
Please take action tonight to protect the rights the public has enjoyed for so long, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come.
Contact Information:
Attorney General’s Office: https://www.mass.gov/contact-the-attorney-generals-office
Assistant Attorney Generals Representing the Commonwealth
Kendra.Kinscherf@mass.gov
Joel.Quick@mass.gov
Rockport Town Administrator Mitchell Vieira: TA@rockportma.gov
Rockport Select Board: https://www.rockportma.gov/350/Select-Board
Background Information
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture – All Welcome
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture - All Welcome Please join us on April 24 for our Annual Members Meeting. The evening begins with a social hour at 6:30. The program starts at 7:30
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We Need Your Help - Open Board & Volunteer Positions The BBC holds its annual board elections at the Annual meeting of the club planned for April 24. in April. We are looking for members
March 24 Webinar with Tiffany Kersten – Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders
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April 28 Webinar – Wood-Warblers of New England
April 28 Webinar with Bill Gette - Wood-Warblers of New England Please join the BBC on the evening of April 28 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a members-only webinar with Bill Gette entitled Wood-Warblers of
May 5 Webinar – Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides
May 5 Webinar Open to All with Heather Packard, Mass Audubon - Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides Please join the BBC on the evening of Tuesday, May 5 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a webinar with
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April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture – All Welcome
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture - All Welcome Please join us on April 24 for our Annual Members Meeting. The evening begins with a social hour at 6:30. The program starts at 7:30
We Need Your Help – Open Board & Volunteer Positions
We Need Your Help - Open Board & Volunteer Positions The BBC holds its annual board elections at the Annual meeting of the club planned for April 24. in April. We are looking for members
March 24 Webinar with Tiffany Kersten – Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders
March 24 Webinar with Tiffany Kersten - Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders Please join the BBC on the evening of March 24 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a members only webinar with Tiffany Kersten,
April 28 Webinar – Wood-Warblers of New England
April 28 Webinar with Bill Gette - Wood-Warblers of New England Please join the BBC on the evening of April 28 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a members-only webinar with Bill Gette entitled Wood-Warblers of
May 5 Webinar – Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides
May 5 Webinar Open to All with Heather Packard, Mass Audubon - Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides Please join the BBC on the evening of Tuesday, May 5 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a webinar with
Conservation Alert – 2026 Horseshoe Crab Quotas
Conservation Alert - 2026 Horseshoe Crab Quotas - UPDATE Red knots feeding amongst spawning horseshoe crabs. The public comment period has been extended to March 6 and a second public hearing will take place on
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture – All Welcome
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture - All Welcome Please join us on April 24 for our Annual Members Meeting. The evening begins with a social hour at 6:30. The program starts at 7:30
We Need Your Help – Open Board & Volunteer Positions
We Need Your Help - Open Board & Volunteer Positions The BBC holds its annual board elections at the Annual meeting of the club planned for April 24. in April. We are looking for members
March 24 Webinar with Tiffany Kersten – Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders
March 24 Webinar with Tiffany Kersten - Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders Please join the BBC on the evening of March 24 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a members only webinar with Tiffany Kersten,
April 28 Webinar – Wood-Warblers of New England
April 28 Webinar with Bill Gette - Wood-Warblers of New England Please join the BBC on the evening of April 28 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a members-only webinar with Bill Gette entitled Wood-Warblers of
May 5 Webinar – Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides
May 5 Webinar Open to All with Heather Packard, Mass Audubon - Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides Please join the BBC on the evening of Tuesday, May 5 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a webinar with
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News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Parker River NWR
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Woodcock Walk at Rock Meadow Conservation Area, Belmont (time updated)
Belmont - Rock Meadow 300 Mill St, Belmont, MA, United StatesJoin us at sunset to (hopefully) hear and see the mating sky dance of the American Woodcock. Activity typically begins around 7:15 p.m. and lasts for about an hour. Call the trip leader if there's rain or snow cover. We will walk ~1/2 mile along paths to the best woodcock view area. Be prepared for
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RESCHEDULED Pine Hill Road Grasslands (rescheduled to Saturday March 28)
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Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United StatesA two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with leader the night before trip.
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Brook Farm Historic Site
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