WBUR Cites MassWoods Data in Coverage of MA Plan to Reserve 10% of Forest Land

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Massachusetts plans to designate 10% of its forested land, spanning all ownership types, as reserves to enhance climate benefits. This will include new land acquisitions. 

One year after the launch of the "Forests as Climate Solutions" initiative, which focuses on conservation investment, updated state land guidelines, and landowner incentives, Governor Healey's administration recently unveiled a comprehensive work plan. This plan outlines a detailed timeline for implementing the Climate Forestry Committee's recommendations to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. WBUR recently covered this planning work, citing data from the MassWoods project, which is tied to UMass Extension’s Forest Conservation Program.

"Massachusetts has about 3.1 million acres of forest, covering more than 60% of the state's land area, according to the MassWoods project at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The state owns 10% of that forestland while about 79% is privately owned, UMass said."

— Colin A. Young, WBUR

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