History of Wildlife Refuge Proposal

While it was clear that the Annex contained some of the most unusual and extensive wildlife habitat, it was uncertain what would happen to the more than 2,400 acres of land after Devens closed. Upon hearing of the proposal to transfer jurisdiction of a portion of the Fort Devens South Post to the Oxbow Wildlife Refuge, FOCUS contacted Congressman Chester Atkins to request that the Annex also be considered for inclusion in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's inventory.

Congressman Atkins asked FOCUS to garner the support of the four towns' Selectmen and local community groups for a survey of the Annex by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the Annex's suitability as a refuge. Maynard, Stow, and Hudson Selectmen indicated their support for the survey. The Organization for the Assabet River and the Lake Boon Association also extended their support for the survey. Congressman Atkins contacted U.S. Fish and Wildlife and asked that they include the Annex in their survey.

In the summer of 1992 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service submitted a report detailing the significant wildlife habitat contained within the Annex and indicated that the Annex land was cited in two Congressional mandates for protection. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced their intention to request a transfer of jurisdiction of approximately 1,650 acres of the Annex upon its release from DOD. This acreage represents approximately 4/5 of the northern portion of the Annex.

1995 Update