Bill > S549

This bill introduces several key provisions to enhance the protection and management of natural and working lands in Massachusetts. It defines new terms like "Nature Services" (the ecological and economic benefits provided by ecosystems) and "Reforestation" (replanting trees in areas depleted by various disturbances). The bill establishes a municipal opt-in "natural and working lands friendly communities" program that provides incentives and support for local governments to adopt policies protecting natural landscapes, such as tree retention ordinances, agricultural land preservation, and stormwater management strategies. State agencies will be required to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the loss of natural and working lands, with restrictions on permanently converting these lands when alternatives exist. The bill also mandates that the environmental policy act office develop review thresholds for projects involving land conversion, create methodologies for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions related to land clearing, and seek public input on these proposed guidelines. Municipalities can qualify for the program by implementing various environmental protection measures, with the potential to receive technical and financial assistance, higher tax reimbursements, and preferential treatment in grant applications. The overall goal is to promote ecological preservation, carbon sequestration, strategic reforestation, and equitable access to nature services across the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S549