A00870-605323.pdf

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division Proposal No. 605323-136790

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DOCUMENT A00870

Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife

No Take off Letter

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division

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September 05, 2025

Stephanie Barton

10 Park Plaza

Boston, MASSACHUSETTS 02116

RE: Project Location: Leicester Road over The French River; 42.18909, -71.89798

Project Description: 605323-OXFORD- BRIDGE REPLACEMENT, O-06-030, (ST 56) LEICESTER ROAD

OVER THE FRENCH RIVER

DEP Wetlands File No.: -

NHESP File No.: 25-19781

Heritage Hub Form ID: RC-95579

Dear Applicant:

The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (the

“Division”) received the MESA Project Review Checklist and supporting documentation for review pursuant to the

Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MGL. c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00) (MESA).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project, as currently proposed, includes the superstructure replacement of the Route 56 (Leicester Street)

Bridge over the French River in Oxford, MA as well as the reconstruction of 505 feet of Leicester Street as shown on the Project Plan. No work below the Mean Annual High Water line of French River is proposed.

MASSACHUSETTS ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (MESA)

The MESA is administered by the Division and prohibits the Take of state-listed species, which includes actions that

“in reference to animals, means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, hound, kill, trap, capture, collect, process, disrupt the nesting, breeding, feeding or migratory activity or attempt to engage in any such conduct, or to assist such conduct, and in reference to plants, means to collect, pick, kill, transplant, cut or process or attempt to engage or to assist in any such conduct. Disruption of nesting, breeding, feeding or migratory activity may result from, but is not limited to, the modification, degradation or destruction of habitat of state-listed wildlife species”

(321 CMR 10.02). The purpose of the Division’s review under the MESA regulations is to determine whether a Take of state-listed species will result from the proposed project.

Based on a review of the information that was provided and the information that is currently contained in our database, the Division has determined that this Project will not result in a prohibited Take of state-listed rare species. This determination is a final decision of the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife pursuant to 321 CMR 10.18.

Any changes to the proposed project or any additional work beyond that shown on the site plans may require an additional filing with the Division pursuant to the MESA. This project may be subject to further review if no

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RC-95579NHESP No. Page 2 of 2September 05, 2025 Issued physical work is commenced within five years from the date of issuance of this determination, or if there is a change to the project. The Division understands that no in-water work is presently proposed. Should revisions to the project occur requiring work in water, the proponents should contact the Division for additional consultation.

The authorization for work is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact Tim McGuire Endangered Species Review Biologist, at timothy.mcguire2@mass.gov, (508) 389-6366.

Sincerely, Jesse Leddick

Assistant Director cc: David Paulson, Massachusetts DOT

Julia Hoogeboom, MASS DOT

Stephanie Barton

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