(Hint: We Can’t Do It Alone)
The benefits of nature for people and wildlife are unmistakable. From keeping our drinking water clean to providing safe habitat for wildlife to creating more resilient landscapes in the face of a changing climate, it is imperative we safeguard our natural world for generations to come. Yet we lose thousands of acres of carbon-rich, priority habitat each year to development and degradation, and we lack a statewide funding mechanism to keep up.
Mass Audubon, as part of the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition, is advocating for a dedicated statewide funding stream for nature. A Nature for All Fund would leverage $100 million each year allocated from the existing sales tax on sporting goods to conserve land and water, support the outdoor recreation economy, and keep us on the path to net zero emissions—all without raising taxes.
We’ve been pushing the legislature on this issue, but the Coalition is also working on a Plan B: taking it to the statewide ballot in 2026.
Charting the Path Forward
In 2022, Massachusetts established a goal of permanently protecting at least 30% of the state’s land and waters by 2030 (30x30) and at least 40% by 2050 (40x50). To get there, that means doubling the current pace of land protection.
To better understand the magnitude of the task at hand, Mass Audubon produced Funding Nature’s Future: A Pathway to 30x30 in Massachusetts, a report identifying key recommendations to reach the state’s ambitious goals. In it, an issue became clear: The state lacks sufficient funding to reach these essential targets.
Big Goals, Baby Steps
Over the last decade, the state has invested about $25 million per year in land protection. Additional public funding comes through the Community Preservation Act (CPA), through which cities and towns can add a property tax surcharge and use it to acquire and protect open space, preserve historic buildings and landscapes, and create and maintain affordable housing.
Local funds can lift up many community projects through CPA, and Mass Audubon’s 30x30 Catalyst Fund is also fueling progress toward 30x30. But, according to the report, reaching 30x30 requires at least $350 million annually from now until 2030. We can’t get there without the state stepping up.
Coming Together Through Nature for Massachusetts
A dedicated state fund for nature has proved successful in other states including Maryland, Minnesota, and Texas. In fact, Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that hasn’t established such a fund.
Knowing there is power in numbers, Mass Audubon joined with other leaders in the conservation space to form the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition.
The Coalition brings together more than 50 organizations from across the state, representing environmental advocacy, land conservation, community benefit and environmental justice, water protection, indigenous access, outdoor recreation, and industry.
Taking the Cause to Beacon Hill and Beyond
The Coalition supports legislation (H.901/S.2571 formerly S.597) titled An Act Providing Nature for All, filed by Representative Natalie Blais, Representative Sam Montaño, and Senator Paul Feeney. The bill proposes directing $100 million annually toward land conservation.
Along with acquiring, restoring, and improving natural areas for parks and trails, conservation organizations could apply for grants from the fund to protect forests, farms, wildlife habitats, and water resources, and to advance environmental justice, ensuring equitable access to nature for all communities.
Seeing this initiative come to fruition takes teamwork not only from the partnerships but from volunteers, residents, and nature advocates. And we can’t do it without your support.
Take Action
Here’s how you can make an impact, whether you have five minutes or five hours.
Talk to Your Legislator
Let your local lawmakers know how important it is to pass this bill for the sake of the future of Massachusetts
Send them a note urging them to support this bill from our Action Center.
Support the Ballot Measure
In August 2025, the ballot process began with a review by the attorney general’s office. Now we need to collect and submit signatures from more than 75,000 registered voters from across the state by November 19. Mass Audubon is mobilizing across the Commonwealth through a signature collection campaign. Support our natural landscapes for generations to come and contribute your signature at one of our wildlife sanctuaries or through other signature drives across the state.
Become a Volunteer Advocate
Take your support to the next level and become a champion for nature. Our Climate and Nature Champion program volunteers are grassroots advocates across the Commonwealth who speak with one voice on the most pressing environmental issues of our time, including rescuing raptors from rodenticides, advocating for responsible solar energy, and pushing for legislative change, including the Nature for All bill.
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