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H 1048

An Act relative to increased protection of wildlife management areas

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 24 co-sponsors

Summary of H 1048: An Act relative to increased protection of wildlife management areas OverviewThis bill, titled "An Act relative to increased protection of wildlife management ar

Accompanied a new draft, see H5216
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Bill Summary · H 1048

Summary of H 1048: An Act relative to increased protection of wildlife management areas

Overview

This bill, titled "An Act relative to increased protection of wildlife management areas", aims to strengthen the regulations and enforcement governing state-designated wildlife management areas (WMAs). The primary goal is to enhance the conservation and responsible use of these ecologically important public lands.

Key Provisions

  • Expanded Prohibited Activities: The bill expands the list of prohibited activities within WMAs, including:
    • Commercial logging or timber harvesting (with limited exceptions)
    • Hunting, trapping, or fishing without proper licensing
    • Unauthorized motor vehicle use
    • Dumping of waste or other polluting materials
  • Increased Penalties: The bill increases fines and potential jail time for violations of WMA regulations, up to $10,000 and 1 year in jail for serious offenses.
  • Enforcement Mechanisms: The bill grants additional enforcement powers to state wildlife and environmental police, including the ability to issue citations and revoke hunting/fishing licenses.
  • Habitat Management Requirements: The bill mandates that the state wildlife agency develop and implement science-based habitat management plans for each WMA, to be updated every 5 years.

Affected Stakeholders

  • State wildlife and environmental agencies responsible for managing and protecting WMAs
  • Hunters, anglers, hikers, and other recreational users of WMAs
  • Commercial logging and resource extraction companies
  • Environmental and conservation advocacy groups

Timeline and Procedure

This bill was introduced in the state legislature on February 27, 2025. A public hearing has been scheduled for October 21, 2025, where stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide testimony and feedback. If the bill passes the legislature, it will then go to the governor for signature into law.

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

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