Environment (Wildlife) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6040: An Act relating to the transfer of interest in land in West Brookfield

This bill amends a 2022 law to formally transfer specific land and easement interests in West Brookfield to the Department of Fish and Game. The property in question is located at 652 West Main Street and was acquired for conservation, habitat protection, and public recreation purposes. By updating the legal description, the legislation ensures the state agency holds clear title to the land, which is currently recorded with the Worcester district registry of deeds. The change applies directly to the department and the specific parcel of land identified in the text.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 680: An Act relative to forest protection

This bill creates a "Forest Reserves Scientific Advisory Council" to guide Massachusetts' Forest Reserve program. The Council, made up of 8 members including ecologists, wildlife experts, and public conservation advocates, advises the state on forest management policies, reviews potential reserve acquisitions, and submits biennial reports on reserve conditions. It also requires the Department of Conservation and Recreation to develop public-input-informed management plans for all forest reserves, including guidelines for protecting natural resources and balancing recreation. These plans must be publicly reviewed and submitted to state officials, ensuring transparency in how public forests are managed.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2015: An Act relative to wildlife rehabilitators

HD 2015 requires trained wildlife rehabilitators in Massachusetts to work under a written agreement with a veterinarian. This agreement must detail specific procedures, services, responsibilities, and limitations, and must be approved by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The bill directly affects licensed rehabilitators who care for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. It formalizes a new administrative requirement for oversight, updating existing law to ensure rehabilitators operate under veterinary guidance.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2888: An Act reimburse George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund

This bill requires the state to annually reimburse the George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund from the general fund for revenue lost due to discounted or free hunting and fishing licenses. It directly affects the fund, which manages conservation and wildlife programs, by ensuring it receives compensation for reduced license sales. The key provision mandates this reimbursement through an amendment to existing law, specifying the source (general fund) and trigger (lost revenue from discounted/free licenses). This creates a concrete, ongoing financial mechanism to offset the fund's revenue shortfalls.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 202: An Act creating the commercial fisheries offshore wind mitigation fund

This bill creates the Commercial Fisheries Offshore Wind Mitigation Fund to support Massachusetts' commercial fishing industry. The fund finances projects that develop new fisheries, enhance existing ones, introduce efficient technologies, and modernize infrastructure to boost competitiveness, reduce carbon footprints, and improve operational efficiency. It will be financed through state appropriations, federal/private grants, and other designated sources, and managed by the Commissioner of Fish and Game with input from a fisheries commission. Unspent funds carry over annually, and the Commissioner must report yearly to the legislature on fund activities and expenditures.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wind Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1569: An Act relative to the Department of Fish and Game

This bill creates two new divisions within the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game: the Division of Fishing and Boating Access (Section 11B) and the Division of Ecological Restoration (Section 11BB). The Fishing Access division manages public facilities like boat ramps, fishing piers, and parking areas for recreational use, while the Ecological Restoration division focuses on restoring rivers, wetlands, and watersheds, including climate adaptation projects. Both divisions operate under appointed directors and can provide technical services, manage projects, and enter agreements with public and private entities. The bill directly affects recreational users, public land managers, and environmental restoration efforts across the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Public Lands Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2695: An Act to protect and preserve the northern right whale and other resident endangered whale and sea turtle species

HD 2695 requires Massachusetts' Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) to annually review how recreational and commercial fishing licenses, vessel activities, and coastal development impact endangered whales and sea turtles under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), starting in 2026 for five years. It mandates NHESP to publish annual reports on whale sightings and human-caused injuries, and to evaluate designating Cape Cod Bay as protected habitat for Northern Right Whales. The bill also creates a new "Sustainable Fishing" license program for crab and lobster harvesters using gear that prevents bycatch, initially issuing 25 licenses in 2027 with annual increases of 25 for four years. Finally, it sets the economic value of a Northern Right Whale at $2 million for legal purposes, treating injury or death as equivalent economic loss to the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 783: An Act requiring nonlead ammunition when taking wildlife

This bill requires hunters in Massachusetts to use ammunition containing less than 1% lead when taking birds or mammals. It mandates the wildlife director to annually certify compliant ammunition (including federally approved nontoxic options) and notify hunters via the agency website. Violations carry fines of $100-$250 or up to 30 days in jail, with exceptions for government officials acting in official duties. The law directly affects all recreational hunters taking birds or mammals in the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2410: An Act relative to critical wildlife habitat management

This bill establishes a dedicated fund within Massachusetts' wildlife budget, financed by $7.50 wildlands conservation stamps sold to hunters, anglers, and trappers, plus a portion of license fees. The funds must be used exclusively to purchase land for wildlife habitat protection and management, with $2.50 per stamp directly funding habitat work. It requires all recreational users (except exempt groups like free-licensed residents) to buy this stamp to hunt, fish, or trap on state-managed lands, replacing previous requirements. The bill also sets rules for funding allocation, land acquisition procedures, and exemptions for certain license holders.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 837: An Act supporting climate progress through sustainably developed offshore wind

This bill establishes an advisory council of wildlife experts and tribal representatives to guide offshore wind development in Massachusetts, focusing on protecting species like North Atlantic right whales and coastal habitats. It creates new support programs for communities hosting offshore wind projects, giving them priority access to state funding for infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The bill also mandates a special commission to study the offshore wind supply chain, workforce needs, and economic opportunities, requiring recommendations on equity and environmental justice. Additionally, it amends existing laws to strengthen wildlife monitoring requirements and expand incentives for communities hosting clean energy facilities.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind Coastal & Flood Protection Environmental Justice Wildlife Property Development

All environment bills