An Act authorizing the establishment of old growth forest reserves

This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to identify and designate specific state-owned forests as "old growth forest reserves." To qualify, these areas must be at least five acres, contain a majority of older trees relative to their species' maximum lifespan, and show no significant human disturbance. The legislation requires the secretary to conduct an inventory of state forests, hold public hearings, and consult with local officials before establishing these reserves, which must include adjacent buffer zones to protect the forests from human activity and natural disturbances. Once designated, the reserves allow for continued fishing and hunting unless regulations prohibit it, while also considering ecological, cultural, and economic values in the decision-making process.