Massachusetts General Laws Part III. Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases (Ch. 211-262) Ch. 252, § 3

The board may investigate the question of utilizing wet lands, including meadows, swamps, marshes, beaches and other low lands, and may ascertain what lands, if any, may advantageously be drained for agricultural or industrial uses, the protection of the public health, the utilization of deposits therein, or for other purposes. It may publish and disseminate facts of general interest ascertained in the conduct of any such investigation, and may make and publish surveys of tracts of land in need of drainage, showing their situation, areas and outlets, the best methods and the cost of draining them, the uses to which they are best adapted, and such other details as it deems advisable. It shall make an annual report.