The Massachusetts House of
Representatives today passed a budget that includes an additional $9.6 million
for the Department of Conservation and Recreation, over the previous year’s
level.
“It’s clear that we need to reinvest in
our parks and forests, and it’s good that the House has recognized that,” said
Jen Baker with Environment Massachusetts, the new home of MASSPIRG’s
environmental work. “Today the House stood
up for Revere Beach,
Middlesex Fells, Nickerson State Park, Balance
Rock State
Park, Walden Pond and other
great places across the Commonwealth.
This additional funding means more rangers, cleaner and safer parks, more
public access, more educational programs and more recreational opportunities ”
The increase in funding 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, circulated the
letter, which was signed by 86 Representatives. The letter, delivered to
the Ways and Means committee 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.
“We applaud Speaker DiMasi, Chairman
DeLeo, Chairman Smizik and Representative Rush for standing up for our forests,
parks and beaches. Thanks to their
leadership, we are taking a crucial first step in turning these ecological,
economic and recreational treasures around.”
The Massachusetts state forests and parks
system, the ninth 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 budget now moves on to the Senate.
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