Is the renovation of abandoned cranberry bogs subject to the Act?
The Rivers Protection Act exempts the renovation of abandoned cranberry bogs from the Wetlands Protection Act and all other state laws. However, the Rivers Protection Act directs MassDEP to develop a permitting process and regulations for this activity that is separate from the Wetlands Protection Act but which will protect the eight interests of the Wetlands Protection Act. The Rivers Protection Act also states that the renovation of abandoned cranberry bogs shall not adversely impact the habitat of endangered or threatened species defined by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program; be located within a defined Zone II aquifer; be located within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC); or contain a navigable stream as defined in the Chapter 91 waterways regulations.
