State Forestry Laws, Forms, and Instructions

The FCPA protects the benefits of forests through a permitting process. Applicable to timber harvesting on both public and private forestland, the FCPA regulates any commercial timber cutting of wood products greater than 25 thousand board feet or 50 cords on any parcel of land at any one time.

Forest Cutting Practices Regulation

Forest Management Plans are an important component within an overall Forest Stewardship program. Consult with DCR or a Licensed Forester to determine if you need a plan for your specific needs.

Forest Stewardship Plans and FSC Green Certification are voluntary programs that builds upon the basic forest management plan of the Chapter 61 program.

Additional information regarding the FSC certification

Massachusetts current use programs (Ch. 61, Ch. 61A, and Ch. 61B) were created to give preferential tax treatment to those landowners who maintain their property as open space for the purposes of timber production, agriculture or recreation.

The purpose of 302 CMR 15.00 is to clarify the procedure for classification of forest land in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (A former version of this regulation, 302 CMR 15.00, was found at 304 CMR 8.00.)

Click this link for a full description of statute for classification and taxation of forest lands and forest products MA General Law Chapter 61

The DCR Bird Habitat Assessment Program provides funding assistance to landowners to work with a qualified licensed professional forester or other qualified professional to evaluate existing and potential habitat for a selection of birds. It must be combined with a new or updated Forest Stewardship Plan.

Sample plan for Woodland Enhancement

Bird habitat assessment directions