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Earth Night

A Common Vision for Massachusetts Forests and Parks

The citizens of Massachusetts take pride in the spectacular natural and historical resources that make the Commonwealth a special place to live and visit. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is responsible for the stewardship of over 100 forests, parks, and reservations from the summit of Mount Greylock, to the old growth forest of Wachusett Mountain, to the coastal plain of Myles Standish State Forest. This Massachusetts State Forests and Parks system supports dozens of rare species and critical natural communities, protects valuable water supplies and attracts more than 13 million visitors annually.

Protected land in Massachusetts is at a premium. Every year, Massachusetts loses over 16,000 acres of open space to residential and commercial development. This development destroys and fragments existing habitat and threatens the long-term conservation of Massachusetts' native species and natural communities. As private development continues at an alarming rate, public lands are becoming increasingly valuable for plant and wildlife habitat, recreation, education, research and spiritual renewal. Competing demands on our Forests and Parks are growing and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the ecological resources and quality recreational opportunities remain for future generations.

Recent efforts on the part of DEM to promote commercial uses and intensive recreation in our Forests and Parks have raised serious concerns throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, visitor services, routine maintenance and acquisitions to the Forests and Parks system have suffered for years due to lack of funding and inadequate staffing. This neglect leads directly to resource degradation and poses potential public health and safety liabilities. The impacts of these trends are compounded by increasing overall use of our parks. There is a growing sense that our Forests and Parks are losing ground despite the fact that they are more important than ever to our environmental health and quality of life in Massachusetts.

The undersigned organizations have come together to serve as a voice for Massachusetts' Forests and Parks. We believe it is time the Commonwealth renews its commitment to our precious public lands.

We call upon the Governor, Legislature, and key agencies to pledge to:

• Make protection of our unique natural and cultural resources the primary objective of acquisition and management and to provide for recreation that is compatible with that overriding conservation goal;
• Deliver the staffing and funding resources necessary for responsible stewardship, including both ongoing maintenance and diligent enforcement of environmental laws;
• Provide meaningful opportunities for citizens to participate in setting priorities and management goals for our Forests and Parks.

For more information, contact us.