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Conservation groups urge more funding after federal grants rescinded; Nature for Mass coalition proposes new revenue
Summary
Advocates from The Nature Conservancy, Mass Audubon and regional partnerships urged greater state investment in natural and working lands after recent federal grant withdrawals and described programs to scale private and public conservation. Witnesses said rescinded federal Regional Conservation Partnership Program grants reduce implementation
Representatives from The Nature Conservancy, Mass Audubon and the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership told the committee the Commonwealth needs to expand public funding and policies to accelerate permanent protection and restoration.
The nut graf: Witnesses described projects and funding shortfalls: The Nature Conservancy highlighted voluntary programs such as the Family Forest Carbon Program and septic‑system pilots; Mass Audubon pointed to technical analysis it released showing conservation and restoration as cost‑effective climate strategies but said the state must substantially increase annual investment. Rae Ettinger of the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership urged sustained funding and stronger public‑private partnerships, noting recent rescissions of federal grants have reduced near‑term implementation capacity.
Speakers warned of federal funding uncertainty. EEA staff and witnesses said a U.S. Department of Agriculture Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) award previously expected by the Commonwealth was rescinded; testimony referenced a previous USDA award figure in the low tens of millions that was withdrawn. Witnesses said the Land and Water Conservation Fund annual apportionment is expected to continue but that federal funds alone are unpredictable.
Advocates pressed the committee to consider bills that would create new, dedicated revenue for conservation. Sam Anderson of Mass Audubon noted a Nature for Mass coalition proposal that would dedicate $100,000,000 in recurring general revenue to natural and working lands; Rae Ettinger said Mass Audubon’s report estimates the state needs about $350,000,000 annually to meet a 30x30 target. Advocates also reiterated support for a conservation land tax credit and other incentives designed to leverage private funds.
Ending: Witnesses asked the legislature to consider sustained, dedicated funding and to work with state agencies to ensure federal grants can be matched and implemented when available. Several witnesses offered to provide follow‑up materials to the committee.
