The Massachusetts Chapter works to pass important environmental bills and the state and local level. To get involved in our legislative program, please contact legislate@sierraclubmass.org.

Establish Old Growth Forest Reserve (S)
Formal Title: An Act Authorizing the Establishment of Old Growth Forest Reserves.
Sponsor: Rep. Kulik
Contact:
New/Refile: Refile of H797
Bill Text: http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/185/ht00pdf/ht00797.pdf
In Massachusetts, there are only a few small areas of forests that have escaped the clearcutting of the past. These Old Growth Forests, which are unique habitats, have been catalogued, and the next step is that they need to be protected by placing them in a forest reserve.

Additional Information: 

Old growth forests are parcels of land that have been left largely undisturbed by European settlers and their descendants. In Massachusetts they contain trees that are hundreds of years old, some of which are 100 to 150 feet high.

Old growth forests are a link to the grandeur of the natural world. They are among the most biologically diverse landscape. And they are very rare. Even though these exemplary gems of nature are found on state lands, the old growth stands lack statutory protection necessary to withstand inconsistent state agency management policies. For example, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation recently permitted the destruction of 12 acres of mature woodlands for a snowboard park beside the rare and biologically rich old-growth forest at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation - contrary to the agency's resource management plan for the forest.

The Old Growth Forest Bill (formerly H. 797) would require the Secretary of Environmental Affairs to inventory forests on state lands, identify old growth forest reserves thereon, and develop plans for the management and protection of the reserves. 

Additional information - click here

Please note: Bill text is based on pre-filing information provided by State legislative personel. In some cases, bills as filed may differ slightly.