Bill > H5216

This bill mandates that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) conduct a formal, five-year review of its sustainable forestry practices and the operations of its Division of Forest and Parks. This review will assess how well current practices protect natural resources, improve transparency and public involvement in land designation, and recommend any necessary changes to laws governing public and private forest land management. It also requires the DCR to explore increasing forest reserves, particularly old-growth forests, consider making nature preserves permanent, and improve accountability within the division, potentially by formalizing advisory committees. Furthermore, the bill directs the DCR to identify ways to use forests for climate change mitigation, such as through nature-based solutions and carbon sequestration, and to assess the department's readiness to manage climate change impacts on forests. During this review period, public and private forests under the DCR's control cannot be leased, sold, exchanged, or have timber removed or destroyed, except in emergencies, and only essential commercial activities are permitted until the DCR submits its findings to legislative committees. The DCR must also hold at least four public hearings and accept written testimony to gather public input, with a draft report due by May 1, 2027, followed by a public comment period, and a final report submitted by June 30, 2027.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5216