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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Lanesborough Planners Look to Clarify Signage Bylaws

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:18AM / Thursday, February 26, 2026

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Planning Board looks to reword the town's sign bylaws after a recent contentious tussle over a business sign because of the way the bylaw could be interpreted.

Chair Courtney Dondi addressed the room beforehand, asking the attendees in the room to stay respectful.

"I know that our town is experiencing some tension around certain bylaw discussions, change, uncertainty, and complex zoning language can understandably cause frustration. This board does not create conflict. We manage processes," she said. "One of our responsibilities is to ensure that existing and proposed bylaws are revered, be reviewed thoughtfully, legally and transparently, which all take time.

"We serve the entire town, not one group over another. Tonight, we will follow our agenda and maintain order so that every voice has the opportunity to be heard."

Planner Joe Trybus later expanded on her comments to explain the board doesn't make the rules.

"People always think it's the town and I just want to make clear to everybody that we do not make rules, we do not do anything like that," he said. "You come in, you have a suggestion, we talk about it. If this board agrees on doing something like that, we will write a bylaw to bring to the annual town meeting so everybody in this town can vote on it."

Inspired Creations owner Paula Messana said during public comment how she was told to take down a flutter flag because it was not allowed by the town bylaw.

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