Expanding Nature for All in MA!

The MA Chapter is a part of a larger coalition to support the bill H901 / S597. 

Massachusetts has set ambitious goals to tackle climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the lack of equitable access to nature. However, without a dedicated, permanent fund for land protection, state programs lack the consistent resources needed to take action at the required scale. By creating the “Nature for All” fund and funding it with existing sales taxes on sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses, over $100 million per year can be dedicated to land conservation, significantly boosting our chances of achieving these critical objectives.

Key elements of this bill include:

• Creating a “Nature for All” Fund dedicated to conserving and improving natural and working lands. This includes:
  • Creating and improving parks and outdoor recreation access
  • Conservation to protect water quality
  • Conservation to advance biodiversity, climate, resilience, and environmental justice goals
  • Restoring and providing access to lands of cultural significance to indigenous people
• The Fund will receive revenue from the existing sales taxes on sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses. It may also receive donations or issue bonds with legislative approval
• A 15-member board including representatives from government and members of the public will oversee spending from the fund.