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SD 527

An Act relative to Stony Brook Reservation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Rush

DCR must study restoration, maintenance, improvements, and expansion of Stony Brook Reservation and file a 90-day report to key legislative committees.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 527

Summary of Bill SD 527: An Act relative to Stony Brook Reservation

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a mandatory study by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) focused on restoring, maintaining, and expanding Stony Brook Reservation.
  • Aims to enhance recreational facilities, maintain and rehabilitate current state-owned land, and identify long-term opportunities to maximize public use of the reservation.

Key provisions

  • Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the DCR shall study and make recommendations for:
    • Restoration and maintenance of Stony Brook Reservation, located in Boston and Dedham.
    • Improvements to recreational facilities.
    • Maintenance and rehabilitation of current state-owned land within the reservation.
    • Long-term expansion and rehabilitation to maximize public use.
  • The DCR’s study and recommendations must consider both current needs and future opportunities for the reservation.
  • The requested report must be filed with:
    • Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture
    • House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means
  • Filing deadline: 90 days after the passage of the act.

Affected parties and impact

  • Primary agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
  • Beneficiaries: The general public and local communities (Boston and Dedham) who use or are served by the Stony Brook Reservation’s recreational facilities and natural resources.
  • Nature of impact: Non-funding mandate at this stage (a planning study and recommendations). Any subsequent implementation would depend on future legislation and appropriations.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Bill status: House concurred (indicative of House agreement with the bill’s language or version as transmitted from the Senate).
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions noted:
    • Referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on 2025-02-27.
    • House concurred on 2025-02-27.
  • Timing requirement: The report must be filed within 90 days after enactment/passage of the act.

Background

  • This measure references a similar matter previously filed as Senate No. 573 in the 2023-2024 session, indicating ongoing interest in state action regarding Stony Brook Reservation.

Summary note

  • SD 527 is a study-oriented bill directing the DCR to assess current conditions, identify improvements and expansion opportunities, and provide a comprehensive report within 90 days of passage to key legislative committees. It establishes a framework for future capital planning and public-use enhancements for Stony Brook Reservation without immediate appropriation or construction mandates.

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

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