Bill > H952

This bill proposes significant changes to watershed forest protection in Massachusetts by establishing a new framework for managing watershed lands. The legislation creates two key land designations: Parks and Reserves, with distinct management approaches for each. Parks will allow for some modified environments and managed vegetation, focusing on recreation and maintenance, while Reserves will be more strictly protected areas designed to preserve natural ecosystems with minimal human interference. The bill establishes a new Reserves Scientific Advisory Council composed of eight experts from various environmental and scientific organizations who will oversee the designation and management of Reserves, provide biennial reports to the governor, and advise on ecological preservation. The legislation also prohibits most commercial infrastructure development on watershed lands, with limited exceptions for public facility-related solar installations and communication hardware replacements. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the protection of forest lands for multiple purposes including water conservation, wildlife habitat preservation, recreation, air and water quality improvement, and carbon sequestration. The overall goal is to ensure long-term environmental protection, ecosystem resilience, and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H952