Key points:
H. 897, sponsored by Representative Susannah Whipps, would protect all state conservation land as parks or reserves where forest ecosystems are guided primarily by natural processes. This bill would:
• fight climate change by reducing carbon loss — as occurs with current logging activities — and by maximizing carbon sequestration;
• preserve 11% of the state’s land base and 20% of forested lands, including large contiguous landscape blocks that are needed to maintain native biodiversity, offering safe havens for wildlife and humans alike;
• enhance public benefits such as clean air and water, recreational opportunities, and economic diversification.
This bill allows management flexibility to address public health, safety and other concerns. It would not require increased funding to implement.
Find your legislators here:https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
JOINT COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE
Senate Members
Anne M. Gobi, Chair (617) 722-1540 anne.gobi@masenate.gov
Walter F. Timilty, Vice Chair (617) 722-1643 Walter.Timilty@masenate.gov
Michael F. Rush (617) 722-1348 Mike.Rush@masenate.gov
Edward J. Kennedy (617) 722-1630 edward.kennedy@masenate.gov
James B. Eldridge (617) 722-1120 James.Eldridge@masenate.gov
Ryan C. Fattman (617) 722-1420 Ryan.Fattman@masenate.gov
House Members
Smitty Pignatelli, Chair (617) 722-2210 rep.smitty@mahouse.gov
Daniel Cahill, Vice Chair (617) 722-2460 Daniel.Cahill@mahouse.gov
Colleen M. Garry (617) 722-2380 Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov
James Arciero (617) 722-2012 James.Arciero@mahouse.gov
Carmine Lawrence Gentile (617) 722-2810 carmine.gentile@mahouse.gov
Daniel R. Carey (617) 722-2060 daniel.carey@mahouse.gov
Michelle L. Ciccolo (617) 722-2210 michelle.ciccolo@mahouse.gov
Richard M. Haggerty (617) 722-2090 richard.haggerty@mahouse.gov
David Allen Robertson (617) 722-2210 david.robertson@mahouse.gov
James M. Kelcourse (617) 722-2130 james.kelcourse@mahouse.gov
Norman J. Orrall (617) 722-2090 norman.orrall@mahouse.gov
Thank you for helping to protect our public land and ushering in 21st century policies that reflect our 21st century concerns.
More information at https://www.savemassforests.com/