October 14, 2020
It's time to show our appreciation for our natural resources.
The State normal budget process was disrupted (along with everything else) due to the pandemic, however, the legislature is still considering funding for FY2021, and their proposals may be just around the corner.
State environmental programs took a huge economic hit in FY2009 and have yet to recover. In light of declining revenues during the Covid-19 crisis, it’s critical that we let our legislators know how important these programs are.
Our natural resources are critical for our communities.
Protecting and restoring natural resources makes our communities more resilient to climate change, which poses a significant public health and safety threat due to the impacts of extreme weather, flooding, high heat, and drought.
As we continue to rely on our natural resources for safe recreational opportunities, we must make sure that our legislative leaders know how important investment in environmental programs continues to be.
Please call, email, or send a letter to your state legislator and ask them to:
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Maintain the Governor’s proposed funding of $33,646,687 for the Department of Environmental Protection Administration (line item 2200-0100).
DEP is often our first line of defense against every day threats to human health and the environment. Adequate staff and resources are essential for climate change planning, safe management of toxics (including PFAS), enforcing environmental laws, hazardous waste cleanup, and preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. -
Maintain the Governor’s proposed funding of $1,524,408 for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Watershed Management Office (line item 2800-0101).
This office conducts and helps fund critical research on water resources throughout the Commonwealth. It is responsible for protecting our precious water resources by providing scientific information, policy guidance, technical assistance, and resource management. It also works to protect and restore DCR’s 300 lakes and 51 freshwater swimming beaches, enhancing both the ecological integrity and recreational opportunities of these resources. The services provided by this office are essential to maintaining strong science-based policies to safeguard our rivers, lakes, and water supplies. -
Maintain the Governor’s proposed funding of $47,635,283 for the Department of Conservation and Recreation State Parks and Recreation (line item 2810-0100).
According to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) COVID-19 Community Mobility Report, DCR parks saw an average of 99% increase in traffic across the state, with a 300% increase in some counties. In an otherwise difficult year, parks, trails, and amenities have been a bright spot for communities, and a critical source of refuge and wellness for Massachusetts residents and visitors. -
Maintain the Governor’s proposed funding of $2,032,048 for the Department of Fish & Game, Division of Ecological Restoration (item 2300-0101).
DER oversees dam removals, culvert replacements, streamflow restoration, saltmarsh restoration, and urban river revitalization across Massachusetts. These facilitate the movement of fish, wildlife, and water. For every $1 million spent, the average DER project generates a 75% return on investment and creates or maintains 12.5 full-time-equivalent jobs. Moreover, helping towns improve infrastructure with larger, safer structures and configurations, DER increases resilience to increased precipitation and more intense storms due to climate change.
(Please feel free to cut and paste the information above in your correspondence to legislators.)
Your personal story matters.
The environment matters to you. Please contact your state legislator today and tell them that a safe and healthy environment is a priority.