The Trustees and a coalition of organizations across the Commonwealth are championing a Nature for All fund, without raising taxes.
Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead the way on climate change, conserving nature, protecting wildlife, and creating more access to special places for everyone: not only to reach our climate goals, but to create a safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Protect the Places We Love: Vote Yes on the Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative!
Everyone in Massachusetts, no matter where we live, deserves clean drinking water and access to nature. This year, we have an important opportunity to protect our rivers, lakes, forests, farms, and other natural areas across the Commonwealth.
The Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative will dedicate funds from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods directly to land and water conservation—without raising taxes.
Nothing is more important than having clean drinking water. Conserving our forests and natural areas reduces harmful runoff into our lakes, rivers, and streams, directly protecting the water that flows from our taps and wells. This initiative will safeguard critical drinking water sources throughout Massachusetts and reduce pollution in our waterways and oceans.
Conserve Our Forests, Farms, and Natural Areas
Our family farms, wetlands, and forests are what make Massachusetts so beautiful. Unfortunately, a lack of funding means we aren’t protecting these spaces the way we should be. This initiative establishes a dedicated Nature for All Fund, securing as much as $100 million each year to support local land conservation, restore wildlife habitat, and build new urban parks and community gardens.
No New Taxes
This measure does not raise taxes or create a new tax. It simply ensures that the standard sales tax we already pay on sporting goods (like camping gear, golf clubs, and RVs) is legally dedicated to protecting our water and land. Other states like Virginia, Georgia, and Texas already do this successfully—now it’s our turn.
The Benefits for Our Communities
For Kids & Families: In the digital age, providing children with safe, accessible spaces to run, play, and experience nature is essential for their physical and mental health. For Public Health: Spending time in nature has been shown to improve brain function, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. For Our Economy: Every dollar invested in New England land conservation returns between $4 and $11 in economic value by supporting outdoor tourism, local agriculture, and natural flood control.
The Time to Act is Now
We are losing vital wetlands, working farms, and clean water sources every single year. With federal funding constantly under threat and climate change impacting our local watersheds, we cannot afford to wait. The longer we delay, the more expensive it will be to protect these irreplaceable natural resources.
Learn more about the Nature for MA Coalition, a group of nearly 90 organizations, representing environmental advocacy, land conservation, community benefit and environmental justice, water protection, indigenous access, outdoor recreation, and industry.
