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SD 652

An Act relative to the Douglas State Forest Maintenance Trust Fund

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Fattman and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill establishing a dedicated trust fund to finance Douglas State Forest maintenance operations using revenues from forest activities rather than annual appropriations.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 652

Legislative bill overview

SD 652 establishes a dedicated trust fund for the maintenance and management of Douglas State Forest in Massachusetts. The bill creates a financial mechanism to ensure consistent, long-term funding for forest operations, preservation, and upkeep rather than relying on annual appropriations.

Why is this important

State forests generate revenue through timber sales, recreational permits, and other uses, but maintenance funding can be unpredictable when dependent on annual budget cycles. A dedicated trust fund would allow Douglas State Forest to plan and execute necessary infrastructure repairs, trail maintenance, forest health management, and operational costs more reliably and efficiently.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue allocation – Questions about whether revenue generated by the forest should be reinvested locally or contribute to general state finances
  • Trust fund autonomy – Concerns about whether earmarked funds reduce legislative oversight and flexibility in budget priorities
  • Scope precedent – Debate over whether similar trust funds should be created for other state forests, potentially fragmenting forest management policy

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

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