SENATE, No. 477

By Mr. Brewer, a petition (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 477) of Stephen M. Brewer for legislation relative to a special commission to study
innovative methods for funding the conservation of forested wildlands and woodlands in the Commonwealth. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

RESOLVE relative to a special commission to study innovative methods for funding the conservation of forested wildlands and woodlands in the Commonwealth

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  There shall be a special commission to study innovative methods for funding the conservation of forested wildlands and woodlands owned and managed by public and non-profit organizations, and by private individuals and organizations in the Commonwealth. The commission shall investigate the feasibility of using a range of innovative forest conservation finance methods, including but not limited to: a) local and state ballot measures; b) tax incentives; c) philanthropic initiatives; d) emerging ecosystem service markets; e) enhanced forest-based economies; f) limited development opportunities; and g) the use of settlement funds from legal proceedings.  The commission shall furthermore devise a set of specific recommendations for actions that can be taken by the state legislature and the agencies of the state government to facilitate the use of such innovative forest conservation finance methods in the commonwealth.  The commission shall hold a series of at least 6 public meetings as part of its review. The commission shall make a progress report to the clerks of the Senate and House no later than December 31, 2007, and shall make a final report on findings and any proposed legislation to the clerks of the Senate and the House no later than December 31, 2008. A copy of such reports shall also be submitted, by said dates, with the Secretary of Administration and Finance, who shall take steps necessary to implement the final recommendations of the commission.

SECTION 2. The special commission shall consist of 15 members.  3 members shall be appointed by the Governor, including: the chair of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs or his designee; the chair of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) or his designee; and the State Forester or his designee.  12 members shall be jointly appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House, including: 3 members of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture; 3 representatives of private sector organizations engaged in forest conservation; 3 members of the non-profit organizations that address land and forest conservation issues; and 3 representatives of academic institutions that study and address forest conservation issues.