Organizations from across Massachusetts are coming together to advocate for a dedicated funding source, the Protect Water and Nature Fund, to conserve land, create parks and trails, and advance climate resilience, stormwater management with more vegetation and soils, less heat islands, and environmental justice. The Protect Water and Nature fund would be supported by the existing sales tax on sporting goods, not a new tax, and would generate an estimated $100 million annually for conservation without raising taxes. The fund requires passage of supporting legislation and a ballot initiative to become a reality. It will promote environmental justice by addressing inequities in access to clean water and pollution, support the conservation and restoration of lands with Indigenous cultural importance, include memberships held by underserved communities on the Oversight Board, and target underserved areas for investment. The Protect Water and Nature bill aims to promote fair access to climate resilience by conserving and restoring natural landscapes with more vegetation and deeper soils. This helps buffer against flooding and storms and allows more water to soak into the ground, replenishing groundwater. When more water is stored underground, deep-rooted trees can transpire longer to cool the climate. Because water is a limited resource, more water in the ground means less water vapor, a greenhouse gas that holds heat energy, in the atmosphere. Water should be valued and conserved when available to help us through drier periods. The bill would permanently protect wetlands and forests that naturally filter pollutants and reduce runoff into lakes, rivers, and streams. Specific projects might include pocket forests using the Miyawaki method and rain gardens to remove stormwater pollution from water bodies, helping to ensure clean drinking water and healthy aquatic ecosystems. The fund will provide long-term funding over ten times the state's current annual land and water conservation budget, financed by a part of the existing sales tax on sporting goods. If legislators do not act, a broad coalition of groups is also pursuing the Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative as a ballot measure in November 2026. With the passage of the Protect Water and Nature legislation, new conservation areas will be established, invasive species will be managed more effectively, and funding will support local restoration projects. If you like walking, recreating, or sporting in the wilds of Massachusetts, it's going to get better with more nature and less extreme weather. With the passage of the Protect Water and Nature legislation, new conservation areas will be established, invasive species will be managed more effectively, and funding will support local restoration projects. Microclimates and local water cycles will improve as we let Nature do what it does best: photosynthesize to increase biomass and build soil, and transpire to release water vapor that cools when it evaporates and warms when it condenses to form the morning dew. Meanwhile, there'll be more wildlife in our backyards, neighborhoods, and local parks. There'll be many benefits for all with the passage of the Protect Water and Nature legislation. Steady on, Rob Express Donate: If you've stored your info with ActBlue Express, we'll process your contribution to Global Warming Solutions IE-PAC instantly:
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