We need adequate funding to protect the parks and forests that make Massachusetts a great place to live.
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Massachusetts’ character comes from the state’s classic New England landscape—from the sweeping hills of the Berkshires to the little patch of woods down the road, from the Emerald Necklace surrounding Boston to the pine forests and sandy beaches of Cape Cod. This winter and spring, Environment Massachusetts worked with the Legislative Parks Caucus to restore the needed funding to protect our state’s unique and defining landscape.
The forests and parks that protect wildlife, filter drinking water, provide recreational opportunities and a serve as a respite from harried and hurried city life are deteriorating quickly. Years of under-funding, mismanagement and neglect have taken their toll.
We’re working to put an end to the chronic under-funding of one of our most valuable resources. Environment Massachusetts has been working to get an additional $10 million in the state budget for next year. The money would go to funding parks and forests, rangers, maintenance, clean-up and more. Gov. Patrick pledged to deliver these additional resources during his campaign, but failed to do so when he released his budget in February.
On the last day of budget debates, the House added nearly $10 million dollars to funding for forests, parks and beaches. As of press time, we’re working with Sen. Edward Augustus (Worcester) to pass this funding through the Senate.
Our success is thanks to the thousands of Environment Massachusetts members who signed petitions encouraging the Legislature to reinstate funding. Members and concerned citizens across the state have also contacted their elected officials about the importance of our public forests, parks and beaches.
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