WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 3172

An Act designating the Marion Stoddart riverwalk

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Cronin and 1 co-sponsor

Designates the Nashua River oxbow trail in Groton as the Marion Stoddart Riverwalk, with DCR markers to honor her conservation work and educate visitors.

Referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 3172

Summary of Senate Docket No. 3172: An Act designating the Marion Stoddart riverwalk

Overview

  • Bill number and title: Senate Docket No. 3172, “An Act designating the Marion Stoddart riverwalk”
  • Introduced: September 4, 2025 (Filed on 9/3/2025)
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently (subject to Joint Rule 12)
  • Primary sponsors: John J. Cronin and Margaret R. Scarsdale (Pepperell, MA)

What the bill would do

  • Designates an existing accessible trail as the Marion Stoddart Riverwalk.
  • The designated trail runs along the Oxbow of the Nashua River within the J. Harry Rich State Forest in the Town of Groton.
  • The designation honors Marion Stoddart for:
    • Restoring the Nashua River
    • Spearheading the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act
    • Founding the Nashua River Watershed Association
    • Inspiring conservation education and community involvement in protecting the river and surrounding ecosystems
  • The designation is administrative and commemorative in nature, recognizing contributions to conservation and watershed stewardship.

Key provisions

  • The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is authorized to erect suitable markers bearing the designation.
  • Markers must be erected in compliance with the standards of the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Location and designation details

  • Location: Accessible trail along the Oxbow of the Nashua River, within the J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton, Massachusetts.
  • Designation name: Marion Stoddart Riverwalk.

Beneficiaries and affected entities

  • Primary active agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), responsible for erecting markers and enforcing designation standards.
  • Local impact: Town of Groton and visitors/users of the Nashua River trail, who will encounter the official designation and markers.
  • Commemorative purpose: Highlights the historical and environmental contributions of Marion Stoddart and promotes ongoing conservation awareness.

Procedural and timing details

  • Legislative path: Referred to the Rules Committee of the two branches (concurrent), with subject matter pursuant to Joint Rule 12.
  • Effective date: Not specified in the bill text; typically becomes effective upon passage and approval (subject to standard statutory processes).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Cultural and educational value: Enhances recognition of local conservation leadership and may bolster educational and recreational use of the Nashua River corridor.
  • Tourism and stewardship: May encourage visitation to the trail and Groton’s natural resources and reinforce watershed protection messages.
  • Funding and maintenance: The bill delegates marker erection to the DCR; no specific funding or construction timeline is stated beyond the designation and marker installation requirement.

This summary provides an objective overview of SD 3172, focusing on purpose, provisions, affected parties, and implementation considerations. If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar designation statutes or provide a timeline of expected legislative milestones.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.