HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 536        FILED ON: 1/13/2017

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 460

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Elizabeth A. Poirier

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying resolve:

Resolve to protect and preserve family camping in Massachusetts.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 536        FILED ON: 1/13/2017

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 460

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 737 OF 2015-2016.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninetieth General Court
(2017-2018)

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Resolve to protect and preserve family camping in Massachusetts.

Resolved, Whereas, the land and waters within the Commonwealth have distinct natural, architectural, archeological, recreational, economic, agricultural and other values;

Whereas, the obligation to protect the many valuable resources of the Commonwealth is shared by local, regional, state and national governments, civic organization, businesses and the general public;

Whereas, such resources can only be protected by effective planning designed to bring about the coordination and cooperation among the various levels of government, the private sector, and the general public concerning land use decisions and planning for responsible and sustainable development in a manner that protects both the environment and the economic well-being of the Commonwealth;

Whereas;  tourism is an integral component of the Commonwealth’s economy and family camping is a significant segment of the tourism market bringing families from all over the country as well as from other nations;

Whereas, the family camping experience is endangered as a result of unnecessary and over restricted regulations by the DEP.

It is hereby resolved, in order to protect and preserve the very popular camping experience in the Commonwealth, the Department of Environmental Protection, shall in a reasonable time period revise and rewrite regulations to protect and preserve the camping industry.  New regulations will “grandfather” existing parks if the campground is not failing to protect public health, safety or environment pursuant to 310 CMR 15.  New regulations will revise restricted septic flow. Volume discharge will be adjusted for seasonal use campgrounds.  Regulations will also be adjusted to reasonable terms on grey water, land size and approved environmentally friendly additives.

The Department of Environmental Protection will in the next 30 days, meet with MACO (Massachusetts Association of Campground Owners) officers to review and rewrite 310 CMR 15 assuring protection to public health, safety and the environment.