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
BBC Global Big Day Count – Follow Up
BBC Global Big Day Count Follow Up On May 10 the BBC sponsored a club-wide Global Big Day Count. While the weather was tough that day with off and on rain, raw wind, and cool
Sign Up for the September Overnight Pelagic!
Overnight Pelagic Trip from Hyannis, MA to Hydrographer Canyon area Our new September 2025 pelagic trip is now open for registration! Our August trips were canceled by Hurricane Erin and so we are giving it
Kids Walk at Great Meadows in Concord
Kids Walk at Great Meadows in Concord Trip leader Kathy Dia and special guest Dr. Bryan Windmiller, from Zoo New England, led a bird and turtle walk at the Great Meadows NWR impoundments in Concord.
And the Winner Is…
And the Winner Is... Congratulations to Kate McHugh, who has won the Migration Madness Membership Drive! Kate will receive their choice of a pair of binoculars or two tickets for one of our summer water
Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier
Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier Everybody enjoys watching birds during the daytime, but what do they do at night, when they seem to
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now Find contact information for your senators and representative. The following is from a letter from author Scott Weidensaul received on May 22: As some of you may be
BBC Global Big Day Count – Follow Up
BBC Global Big Day Count Follow Up On May 10 the BBC sponsored a club-wide Global Big Day Count. While the weather was tough that day with off and on rain, raw wind, and cool
Sign Up for the September Overnight Pelagic!
Overnight Pelagic Trip from Hyannis, MA to Hydrographer Canyon area Our new September 2025 pelagic trip is now open for registration! Our August trips were canceled by Hurricane Erin and so we are giving it
Kids Walk at Great Meadows in Concord
Kids Walk at Great Meadows in Concord Trip leader Kathy Dia and special guest Dr. Bryan Windmiller, from Zoo New England, led a bird and turtle walk at the Great Meadows NWR impoundments in Concord.
And the Winner Is…
And the Winner Is... Congratulations to Kate McHugh, who has won the Migration Madness Membership Drive! Kate will receive their choice of a pair of binoculars or two tickets for one of our summer water
Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier
Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier Everybody enjoys watching birds during the daytime, but what do they do at night, when they seem to
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now Find contact information for your senators and representative. The following is from a letter from author Scott Weidensaul received on May 22: As some of you may be
BBC Global Big Day Count – Follow Up
BBC Global Big Day Count Follow Up On May 10 the BBC sponsored a club-wide Global Big Day Count. While the weather was tough that day with off and on rain, raw wind, and cool
Sign Up for the September Overnight Pelagic!
Overnight Pelagic Trip from Hyannis, MA to Hydrographer Canyon area Our new September 2025 pelagic trip is now open for registration! Our August trips were canceled by Hurricane Erin and so we are giving it
Kids Walk at Great Meadows in Concord
Kids Walk at Great Meadows in Concord Trip leader Kathy Dia and special guest Dr. Bryan Windmiller, from Zoo New England, led a bird and turtle walk at the Great Meadows NWR impoundments in Concord.
And the Winner Is…
And the Winner Is... Congratulations to Kate McHugh, who has won the Migration Madness Membership Drive! Kate will receive their choice of a pair of binoculars or two tickets for one of our summer water
Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier
Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier Everybody enjoys watching birds during the daytime, but what do they do at night, when they seem to
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now Find contact information for your senators and representative. The following is from a letter from author Scott Weidensaul received on May 22: As some of you may be
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
-
-
Great Meadows NWR, Concord
Concord - Great Meadows Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, United StatesWe will walk easy trails looking for shorebirds, ducks, wading birds, rails, and nesting songbirds. This is also a great time to look for butterflies and other interesting insects. Note that entrance fee or pass is required. Loaner binoculars available; please email trip leader to reserve a pair! If the weather doens't look good, contact the
-
Arnold Arboretum, Bussey Hill & Peter’s Hill (Early Birders Series)
Arnold Arboretum - South St Gate 395 South St, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Arnold Arboretum! Located in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Boston, Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre public preserve home to an extensive collection of flora from across the globe. As we navigate through the park’s hills and gardens, expect to see summer songbird residents. We have no
-
Charles River Esplanade
Boston - Charles River Esplanade - Centennial Fountain at River's Edge Boston, MA, United StatesCome join for a relaxing guided bird walk along the Charles River Esplanade, open to birders of all experience levels! We will be walking for about 1 mile and identifying birds on land and water along the way. Meet on the path by the river near the Centennial Fountain. From Back Bay, cross the Dartmouth
-
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation (Winthrop side)
Winthrop - Belle Isle March and Marine Ecology Park Banks Street, Winthrop, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and fall migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are (generally) flat and easy to walk. A water bottle, water proof clothing including a hat, sunblock &
-
Shorebirds & More at Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will be looking for Shorebirds and other Refuge specialties. We will drive and walk to various places on the Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restroom available.