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Tree‑canopy advocates urge larger municipal reforestation investment and safeguards
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Summary
Urban-forestry groups told the committee the bill's $30 million for tree planting is a start but urged expanding the allocation to $100 million and adding program language to prioritize municipalities, native species and maintenance funding.
Speakers representing the Massachusetts Community Trees Coalition and allied organizations urged the committee to increase municipal reforestation funding and to attach program rules guaranteeing municipal access, stewardship support, and prioritization for environmental‑justice communities.
Steven Nutter of Green Cambridge and Marilyn Ray Smith (Gas Transition Allies / Emerald Necklace Conservancy advisor) called for investments in local nurseries and workforce training so planted trees survive and create local jobs. They argued that planting alone is insufficient without maintenance funding and municipal planning; one witness asked that amendments require communities to adopt urban‑forest master plans or resilience policies to qualify for grants.
Melissa Brown (Trees as a Public Good Network) urged amending the bill language so municipal reforestation funds are not diverted to private capital projects and recommended codified priority criteria for municipalities, tribes and small towns that lack urban‑forestry staff.
The witnesses noted a proposed municipal reforestation bill (S.553/H.1013) that would require opt‑in municipal eligibility and recommended incorporating its language into the bond bill to ensure fiscal responsibility and measurable outcomes.
