Spring prescribed fire season on Wildlife Management Areas

This spring, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will conduct prescribed fire activities within portions of the Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Montague and the Leyden WMA in Leyden to restore a mosaic of pitch pine and oak barrens, woodland, and grassland at Montague Plains WMA and ridgetop blueberry heath at Leyden WMA. Many rare and common wildlife and plants benefit from this periodic fire management. These prescribed fire activities also decrease hazardous fuel loads within the pine barrens and reduce the risk of extreme wildfires at Montague Plains WMA.

The exact date, time, and location of the prescribed burns will depend on weather and fuel conditions, as well as natural resource and safety objectives. Prescribed fires will be conducted by a specially trained crew skilled in fire management operations with safety emphasized in all phases.

MassWildlife works in close collaboration with fire management partners including MassDCR Bureau of Forestry and Fire Control and local fire departments including the Montague Center Fire Department, Turners Falls Fire Department, and Leyden Fire Department to execute prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted throughout the year, but the busiest season is generally in the spring. Precautions will be taken to limit smoke and ensure that the prescribed fire remains within the designated boundaries. The public is asked to avoid posted burn areas and temporary trail closures within the WMA on the day of each burn.

For more information related to prescribed fire and habitat management activities on these properties, please contact:

Joseph Rogers, MassWildlife Ct Valley District Manager, joseph.e.rogers@mass.gov

Entrup, MassWildlife Fire Ecologist and Prescribed Burn Boss, alex.entrup@mass.gov

Caren Caljouw, MassWildlife Prescribed Fire Manager, caren.caljouw@mass.gov

David Bull named vice president and medical director at Baystate Health

SPRINGFIELD—David Bull, MD has been named vice president and medical director of Baystate Health’s heart and vascular program. His appointment becomes effective at the end of August.

Most recently, Bull served as chief att the University of Arizona’ Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Bull attended medical school and completed a surgical residency at the University of California San Francisco and the University of Arizona. He completed fellowships in vascular surgery at the University of Arizona and in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

He served as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah for seven years and spent three years as the executive director of several integrated practice units within the cardiovascular service line there. He then became the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Professor of Surgery at the University of Arizona.

Academically inclined throughout his career, Bull has served on several national scientific and clinical committees and has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers in medical literature. He has performed extramurally funded translational research and holds more than one dozen patents related to cellular- and gene-based therapy.

Bull specializes in aortic surgery, valvular heart disease, heart and lung transplantation, and cardiothoracic critical care.

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts bingo fundraiser

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) will hold a Purse & Power Tool Bingo fundraiser on Friday, June 2, from 6-9 p.m. at the Enfield Knights of Columbus on 371 Washington Road. Event participants will enjoy 10 rounds of bingo, each with the opportunity to win a designer handbag or a power tool. Registration fees will support JAWM programs and events for youth throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties.

“In addition to our popular annual events, we are always looking for unique and engaging ways to fundraise, and this event promises to be tremendous fun,” said JAWM President Jennifer A. Connolly. “It’s also a great way to increase the community’s awareness about Junior Achievement and how our programs help inspire and prepare young people to succeed in our global economy. We are grateful to 2 Moms on a Mission for organizing this special night.”

Guests are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy, and there will be a cash bar. Registration is $40 per person, which includes 10 bingo cards and a dauber. Raffle tickets and extra cards will also be available for purchase.

Admission must be purchased in advance through paypal.me/2MomsOnAMission or via Venmo @Two-MomsOnA-Mission. Please include the date of the event when purchasing tickets.

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