“While turning our forests and parks
around will take long term investment and stewardship, the House Committee on
Ways and Means missed a critical first step today,” said Jen Baker from
Environment Massachusetts, the new home of MASSPIRG’s environmental work. “We
cannot continue starving these public treasures. Continued under-funding
means fewer rangers, more environmental damage, more trash on the trails, more
closed parks, fewer educational programs and less recreational opportunities.”
The House budget recommendation comes after
a majority of Legislators voiced their support in a letter to the Chairs of
Ways and Means for an increase of $10 million in the DCR budget. Rep. Mike Rush, D-Boston, and Sen. Edward
Augustus, D-Worcester circulated the letter, which was signed by 86
Representatives and 23 Senators. The letter, delivered to the Ways and
Means chairs in late March, invokes Massachusetts legacy of environmental
leadership and highlights the toll that chronic under-funding has taken on our
state forests, parks and beaches as well as on our legacy as a leader.
During the gubernatorial campaign, Governor
Patrick pledged to include an additional $10 million for our state forests and
parks. He failed to include these resources when he released his budget
in February. Rep. Rush, Sen. Augustus, Environment Massachusetts, the
Conservation and Recreation Campaign and others are working to ensure that
these additional resources are delivered in the Legislature’s budget.
"Nothing challenging and worthwhile
has ever been accomplished by taking no for an answer; we will continue our
efforts in the legislature to strive to create a world class park system
for the people of this state," said Rep. Mike Rush.
“We look forward to working with Rep.
Rush and the majority of Representatives who support increased funding to
deliver these much needed additional resources,” said Tom Philbin, Director of
the Conservation and Recreation Campaign.
The Massachusetts state forests and parks
system, the sixth largest in the country supports dozens of rare species,
natural communities and old growth and champion tree sites. Massachusetts parks and open space also
contribute significantly to the quality of life and economic prosperity of the
Commonwealth as recreational havens, outdoor classrooms, tourist attractions
and magnets for new businesses and new employees.
The House of Representatives is expected to debate
the House Budget on Monday, April 23.
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