Bill > S553

This bill establishes a comprehensive Municipal Reforestation Program designed to expand and preserve urban tree canopy across Massachusetts municipalities. The legislation creates an Urban Forest Advisory Council composed of experts from various fields including forestry, ecology, energy efficiency, and climate resilience, who will provide technical guidance and develop scientific guidelines for tree planting. Participating municipalities will be required to develop detailed reforestation plans within three years, prioritizing tree planting in areas with low tree canopy cover, environmental justice neighborhoods, and locations with high pollution levels. The program aims to achieve multiple objectives, including removing carbon dioxide emissions, improving public health, enhancing climate resilience, promoting community development, and supporting biodiversity by prioritizing native tree species. The bill establishes a funding formula that considers factors like road mileage, population, employment, and existing tree canopy when distributing resources to municipalities. A new Municipal Reforestation Trust Fund will be created to support the program, with funding sources including state appropriations, public and private grants, and investment income. Municipalities will receive annual funding, be required to report on their progress, and update their plans every five years, with the ultimate goal of expanding tree canopy coverage and creating more sustainable, resilient urban environments.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S553