BEAT Webinar on Campaign to End Non-Native Fish Stocking

07:39AM / Thursday, February 26, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) announces the launch of its campaign "Stop Non-Native Fish Stocking," a public education and advocacy effort urging the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to end the routine stocking of non-native fish in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.

The campaign highlights the ecological consequences of current stocking practices and aligns with state commitments to biodiversity and climate resilience.

According to a press release:

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) spends millions of dollars to raise and stock waterways with non-native fish for recreational fishing. According to state information, stocked fish are generally unable to survive long-term, resulting in extremely high mortality rates shortly after stocking and potentially contributing to excess nutrients. Other independent research shows that stocking non-native fish disrupts aquatic ecosystems and negatively impacts native species. These outcomes run counter to the Massachusetts Biodiversity Mandate, which directs state agencies to protect native species and biodiversity across the Commonwealth. By advocating for an end to non-native stocking, BEAT seeks to modernize fisheries management in a way that prioritizes ecosystem health and public accountability.

BEAT will host a free public webinar on March 3, 2026, titled "The Harmful Practice of Fish Stocking in Massachusetts and What You Can Do to Help," to provide ecological context, review key findings, and offer space for discussion and questions, while also supporting informed public engagement around fisheries management decisions and providing practical guidance on how to push for policy change, including how to effectively contact MassWildlife and state officials.

Registration is Required. RSVP at https://www.thebeatnews.org/BeatTeam/event/stop-fish-stocking-webinar/

This campaign is part of BEAT's broader mission to protect the natural systems that sustain wildlife and communities in the Berkshires and beyond. BEAT's work integrates science, advocacy, and community engagement to address emerging environmental challenges and ensure that public resources support resilient, biodiverse ecosystems.

Registration details for the March 3 webinar and additional campaign resources are available at: https://www.thebeatnews.org/BeatTeam/stop-stocking/

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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