Environment (Forestry)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2202: An Act relative to watershed forest protection

This bill designates all Commonwealth watershed lands as either "Parks" (for recreation with strict resource protection) or "Reserves" (for minimal human interference to protect ecosystems). It establishes a Reserves Scientific Advisory Council of eight scientific experts to oversee Reserve management and provide biennial reports to the governor. The bill requires the commissioner to develop public-input watershed management plans every five years, focusing on forest protection, climate resilience, carbon storage, and water quality. These plans must align with the new land classifications and prohibit selling or removing natural resources except for specific management needs like erosion control or public safety. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts manages its watershed systems, including the Quabbin Reservoir area.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDesignates watershed lands as protected 'Parks' and 'Reserves' with strict ecosystem protection, requires scientific oversight, and mandates climate-resilient forest management plans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 652: An Act relative to the Douglas State Forest Maintenance Trust Fund

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 592) of Ryan C. Fattman and Joseph D. McKenna for legislation relative to the Douglas State Forest Maintenance Trust Fund. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes trust fund for Douglas State Forest maintenance, directly supporting conservation of natural resources under Environment committee.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 30, 2025

S 553: An Act establishing the Municipal Reforestation Program

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 553) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Joanne M. Comerford, Steven Owens, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the municipal reforestation program. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes municipal reforestation program under Environment committee, directly advancing conservation and climate mitigation through tree planting initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 764: An Act establishing the Municipal Reforestation Program

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 553) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Joanne M. Comerford, Steven Owens, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish the municipal reforestation program. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes municipal reforestation program under Environment and Natural Resources, directly conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems through tree planting initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 693: An Act creating the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest Trust Fund

This bill creates the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest Trust Fund to support recreational, educational, and conservation activities within Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. The fund will collect revenue from permits, licenses, and agreements related to forest use - instead of directing these fees to the state’s general budget - and use them for facility construction and maintenance. It specifically requires that fees generated by forest activities be dedicated to this trust fund for infrastructure improvements. The fund cannot be depleted through spending, ensuring dedicated resources for the forest’s upkeep. This directly affects the forest’s operations and users who pay associated fees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects forest-related fees to a dedicated trust fund for forest maintenance instead of general budget, promoting fiscal responsibility and targeted funding for conservation programs.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates dedicated fund for forest conservation, recreational, and educational activities within Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, directly advancing environmental protection through resource allocation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 952: An Act relative to watershed forest protection

By Representative Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 952) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile and others relative to watershed forest protection. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects watershed forests under Environment and Natural Resources, conserving natural resources and maintaining ecosystem health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2706: An Act authorizing the establishment of old growth forest reserves

This bill establishes a process for protecting old growth forests on state-owned land by creating designated "old growth forest reserves." It defines old growth forests as large (at least 5 acres), undisturbed areas with trees over 50% of their species' lifespan, requiring surrounding buffer zones to shield them from human activity. The law prohibits new development, timber harvesting, and physical-impact recreation within reserves, while allowing existing uses and scientific research. Designation requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to review proposals, hold public hearings, and consider ecological and community values before approval.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates protected reserves banning development/timber harvesting to conserve old growth forests, directly advancing environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2778: An Act relative to prohibiting public utility and ratepayer funding of clearcutting forests and woodlands

HD 2778 prohibits public utility and ratepayer funding for large solar projects (500kW or larger) that would clearcut forests or woodlands. It specifically blocks funding for such projects located in priority wildlife habitats, critical environmental areas, or forest land as defined by state law. Exceptions apply to projects on brownfields, landfills, or previously developed land, and building-mounted solar installations. This bill directly affects solar developers planning large-scale projects in sensitive natural areas, changing how utility funding rules apply to these sites.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRestricts public utility and ratepayer funding for specific projects, limiting government spending on large solar developments in environmentally sensitive areas.85% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBlocks funding for large solar projects requiring forest clearcutting, restricting renewable energy development in sensitive areas while allowing exceptions for brownfields and building-mounted solar.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits funding for large solar projects requiring forest clearcutting in protected areas, directly conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife habitats.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Utility Regulation Forestry Wildlife

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2377: An Act investing in natural and working lands

This bill establishes definitions for "Nature Services" (including clean air, water, recreation, and carbon storage) and "Reforestation," and amends land protection laws to prioritize "natural and working lands." It creates a voluntary municipal program requiring communities to adopt specific land protections - like zoning ordinances for conservation, tree canopy rules, and agricultural planning - to qualify as "natural and working lands friendly communities." State agencies must avoid converting protected lands, prioritize conservation in projects, and coordinate with the environmental office. The program aims to protect land for climate resilience, biodiversity, and equitable access to nature benefits, particularly in environmental justice communities, using state, federal, and private funds.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill defines 'Nature Services' (clean air/water, carbon storage), prioritizes land protection, creates mandatory conservation requirements for municipalities, and requires state agencies to avoid land conversion.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Parks & Recreation

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 903: An Act authorizing the establishment of old growth forest reserves

By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 903) of Natalie M. Blais and Mindy Domb for legislation to establish old growth forest reserves in the Commonwealth. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes protected reserves for old growth forests, directly conserving biodiversity and carbon sinks per Environment and Natural Resources classification.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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