‘Tye Commanioealth of Massachusetts MASSACHUSETTS SENATE Sexavon Enic P. essen colt ben Fn Reap Hop Vie Ca Franca Secs Tet: (617) 72233 eguonic Dror Bene Pecos an (47) 72210 “eansracaion eoaananarec tase Arse oe ere ave Feenas Aras Secretary Matthew Beaton Executive Office of Energy and Environmental ATaies 100 Cambridge Stet, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 Dear Secretary Beaton, ‘We are writing 1 you wit serious concems about the Commonseaih’s plan o place venomous Timber Rattlesnakes on Quabbin Reserve's Moutt Zin Island [As you are no doubt aware, the Quabbin Reservoir is a poputr recreational and tourist destination in Wesiem Massachusets. Consequenily, thre area significant number of unanswered questions regarding, ‘he risks this plan will pose to the pubic. including the ratlesmakes® ability to leave the contained ars and the potential threat they pose to hikers, fishermen, sportsmen and others wiliing this precious natural resource, in addition to ncarby residents. According fo the Executive Office of Eneray and Environmerial AMirs (EOEEA), “As a venomous snake, the Timber Ratlesnake certainly has the potential to be dangerous.” Moreover, EOEEA has sated, “Because the Timber Ratlesnake is venomous. people express understandable concems for thei safe and the safety of family members and pets.” {is our hope tat any ation on the plan wo ntoduce Timber Ratlesnakes tothe Quabbin Reservoir will be frozen pending an oversight hearing by the Legislature's Joint Committe on Envronmer Resources and Agriculture on May 10,2016 “Thank you for your timely consideration ofthis mater. eek acer Firs Hampden & Hampi District Seventh Hampden Disires BOBaa I Todd V Smlh Senator Anne NGobi Representative Todd M. Smola Worcester. Hampden, Hampshire & Middlesex First Hampden District Dist CC: Governor Charles Baker ‘Commissioner Leo Roy, Department of Conservation and Recreation Director Jack Buckley, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife