Bill > H856

This bill proposes to establish old growth forest reserves in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs will conduct an inventory of forests on state-owned land to identify old growth forest stands and designate them as "old growth forest reserves," which will include the old growth forest and a buffer area to protect it. 2. The Secretary will develop management and protection plans for the designated old growth forest reserves, including allowing continued fishing and hunting unless prohibited, and authorizing the continuation of existing uses that do not significantly impact the forest resources. 3. The bill prohibits certain activities within the old growth forest reserves, such as new commercial, industrial, or recreational development, and active timber management practices, with some exceptions for emergencies or threats to the forest's integrity. 4. The Secretary is required to establish a research and education program to monitor the status of forests within the reserves and promote understanding of old growth forests. 5. The Secretary must report to the legislature within one year on the inventory, regulations, and progress in designating and managing the old growth forest reserves.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H856