Bill > S557

This bill aims to establish old growth forest reserves in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to conduct an inventory of state-owned forests to identify old growth forest stands, which are defined as areas of contiguous forest that show no significant human disturbance, have a significant component of older trees, are at least 5 acres in size, and have the capacity for self-perpetuation. The Secretary is then authorized to designate these old growth forest areas, along with buffer areas, as "old growth forest reserves." The bill prohibits certain activities within the reserves, such as new commercial, industrial, or recreational development, and active timber management practices, with some exceptions. The bill also requires the Secretary to develop management plans for the reserves, establish a research and education program, and report on the progress of the initiative.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S557