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
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eBird Tip – How to use eBird When Traveling
Thanks to Bob Ross for the following article, which started out as a MassBird listserv post: The eBird Alerts are an indispensable tool when traveling to a new city or region to go birding. I
NEW! Young Adult Birding series
Young Adult Birding series specifically for birders in their 20's and 30's! Our first meeting will be held at Millennium Park on Sunday, March 2nd at 8:00 AM. We will walk about 2 miles around
Applications Available for Bill Drummond Young Birder Scholarship
The BBC is pleased to announce that we will again offer two Bill Drummond Young Birder’s Scholarships to nurture interest in bird study and conservation among young birders. The 2025 scholarships will cover the full
2024 Year in Review!
Photo credit: Manomet Photo credit Jennifer Thornton Thanks to our inspired volunteer Board, committee members, and field trip leaders, the Brookline Bird Club enjoyed impressive successes during 2024. Our volunteer trip leaders and enthusiastic participants
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state. We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8
Avian Influenza Spreading in Massachusetts
Avian influenza is an increasing public health concern and is spreading across Massachusetts. In the past few days we have heard reports of waterfowl die offs in Cambridge, Amherst, Plymouth and Brockton. If you see
eBird Tip – How to use eBird When Traveling
Thanks to Bob Ross for the following article, which started out as a MassBird listserv post: The eBird Alerts are an indispensable tool when traveling to a new city or region to go birding. I
NEW! Young Adult Birding series
Young Adult Birding series specifically for birders in their 20's and 30's! Our first meeting will be held at Millennium Park on Sunday, March 2nd at 8:00 AM. We will walk about 2 miles around
Applications Available for Bill Drummond Young Birder Scholarship
The BBC is pleased to announce that we will again offer two Bill Drummond Young Birder’s Scholarships to nurture interest in bird study and conservation among young birders. The 2025 scholarships will cover the full
2024 Year in Review!
Photo credit: Manomet Photo credit Jennifer Thornton Thanks to our inspired volunteer Board, committee members, and field trip leaders, the Brookline Bird Club enjoyed impressive successes during 2024. Our volunteer trip leaders and enthusiastic participants
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state. We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8
Avian Influenza Spreading in Massachusetts
Avian influenza is an increasing public health concern and is spreading across Massachusetts. In the past few days we have heard reports of waterfowl die offs in Cambridge, Amherst, Plymouth and Brockton. If you see
eBird Tip – How to use eBird When Traveling
Thanks to Bob Ross for the following article, which started out as a MassBird listserv post: The eBird Alerts are an indispensable tool when traveling to a new city or region to go birding. I
NEW! Young Adult Birding series
Young Adult Birding series specifically for birders in their 20's and 30's! Our first meeting will be held at Millennium Park on Sunday, March 2nd at 8:00 AM. We will walk about 2 miles around
Applications Available for Bill Drummond Young Birder Scholarship
The BBC is pleased to announce that we will again offer two Bill Drummond Young Birder’s Scholarships to nurture interest in bird study and conservation among young birders. The 2025 scholarships will cover the full
2024 Year in Review!
Photo credit: Manomet Photo credit Jennifer Thornton Thanks to our inspired volunteer Board, committee members, and field trip leaders, the Brookline Bird Club enjoyed impressive successes during 2024. Our volunteer trip leaders and enthusiastic participants
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state. We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Charles River Esplanade
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Shorebirds & More at Parker River NWR
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