Bill > H912

This bill seeks to establish coordinated management guidelines for public forest lands in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Creation of a "Forest Reserves Scientific Advisory Council" to oversee the designation and management of forest reserves and provide recommendations to the state. 2. Requirement for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to establish coordinated management guidelines for public forest lands and private sustainable forestry practices, including public input and legislative oversight. 3. Designation of all state-owned forest lands as "parks" or "reserves" with restrictions on commercial activities, leasing, and timber removal, except for limited circumstances. 4. Expanded authority and duties for the Bureau of Forestry, including responsibility for shade tree management, insect/pest control, and restrictions on pesticide use. 5. Clarification of the state's policy to preserve forest lands for conservation, recreation, air/water quality, and carbon sequestration purposes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H912