Mass. governor launches statewide forestry initiative

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a new initiative Wednesday to ensure state forests are managed to meet climate goals.

The governor said the “Forests as Climate Solutions” initiative will expand existing state programs, invest in forest conservation, enhance a network of forest reserves, and develop forest management guidelines based on the latest climate science.

The initiative aims to set new guidelines for state lands as well as provide incentives for private landowners to maximize the climate benefits of forests.

The governor added that the project will also convene a forest reserves group and implement the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Resilient Lands Initiative to reach conservation goals.

“Massachusetts has long led the nation in environmental and climate action,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “We’re continuing our leadership with this new initiative that will play an essential role in the stewardship and conservation of our natural resources.”

The initiative is part of Massachusetts’ requirement to achieve net-zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.