Massachusetts § 79 - Taking or acquisition of lands for reservations
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 79 — Taking or acquisition of lands for reservations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 79. Taking or acquisition of lands for reservations
Section 79. For the purposes set forth in section thirty-three, the commissioner, acting so far as may be in consultation with the proper local boards, on behalf of the commonwealth, may take in fee or otherwise, by purchase, gift, devise, or eminent domain under chapter seventy-nine, lands and rights in land for reservations within the urban parks district, or take bonds for the conveyance thereof; and may take by eminent domain under said chapter, or acquire by agreement or otherwise, the right forever, or for such period of time as the commissioner deems expedient, to plant, care for, maintain or remove trees, shrubs and growth of any kind within certain spaces regulated by the division along or near rivers and ponds within said district; and may take or impose by eminent domain under said chapter, or acquire the benefit of, by agreement or otherwise, such restrictions upon such regulated spaces as it deems expedient; provided, that no private property shall be taken or restrictions imposed by eminent domain hereunder without the concurrence of a majority of the stewardship council and of the board of park commissioners, if any, of the town where said property is situated.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 79
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 79 cover?
Section 79 ("Taking or acquisition of lands for reservations") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 79?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 79" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 79 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.