Major laws in Massachusetts that affect the practice of forestry:
Chapter 61: The Forest Land Tax Law provides substantial tax incentive for private forest landowners who commit to a ten-year management plan, among other requirements. For detailed information about Chapter 61 Programs go to the  MassWoods Forest Conservation Program.
Chapter 132: The Massachusetts Forest Cutting Practices Act legislates the sustainable maintenance of forest resources, including timber, water, wildlife, and recreation, during timber harvesting activities.  The law and its regulations specify what operations are regulated and the appropriate management practices for protecting all forest resources. Masswoods Forest Conservation Program also has information on this section.
Forester Licensing is specified in sections 47-50 of Chapter 132, and requires that no person shall hold himself/herself out as a forester and practice forestry without first acquiring a Forester license in Massachusetts.  Regulations for this law are being promulgated in 1999. To download the final version of these regulations in PDF Format, click here. To find more complete information go to this MassWoods page.
The Slash Law provides specific requirements for the treatment of slash generated by forest harvesting activities.  These requirements are aimed at reducing the risk of fire and the aesthetic impact associated with untreated slash.
This site also contains updates on New Laws and Regulatory Changes that may affect forestry in Massachusetts.  This area includes a Silviculture Assessment from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority - Source Water Assessment Program (MWRA/SWAP), and recently filed legislation to establish new old growth preserves in Massachusetts.