Updates

On Wednesday April 15, 2026, the State Senate will vote on the “Mass Ready Act” environmental bond bill. Right now we have an opportunity to add provisions to improve the Ch. 61 Right of First Refusal process, and achieve much-needed expansion of the Conservation Land Tax Credit.

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In this period of uncertainty regarding federal funding, there are some resources to help federal grantees with steps they can take to protect themselves.

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Seeking a leader with strong vision and drive to build and sustain this well-respected state-wide organization. A strong grasp of the land conservation field, especially in Massachusetts, is essential, as is experience and success with fundraising. Looking for a person with a natural ability to engage people and treat diverse stakeholders with collegiality and respect. Application review starts in mid-January.

On July 4th, Governor Healey approved a $60.9 billion operating budget for the fiscal year that began July 1st. The final budget reflects $130 million in vetoes from the version the Legislature sent her on June 30th. Reflecting growing concern about looming federal budget cuts, the final budget is more than $1 billion lower than the version the Governor herself filed in January. As a further indication of concerns over fiscal uncertainty, the Governor said she would extend...

Massachusetts has a historic opportunity to invest in clean water, forests, farms, and outdoor spaces across the state—without raising taxes.

Join the Nature For Massachusetts Coalition on Thursday October 9, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, for a webinar introducing the Nature for Massachusetts campaign.

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Last month, the House passed its version of a reconciliation bill, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill
Act” on a partisan 215-214 vote. The legislation addresses the president’s top priorities of extending
expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; providing more funding for defense and border security;
and expediting the siting of energy infrastructure....

In the face of federal challenges, preserving state investment in critical environmental programs is essential. On April 28th, the House will begin debate on its version of the FY26 State Operating Budget. Please contact your State Representative by April 28 to request co-sponsorship of six important amendments...

Join the Nature for MA Coalition for a campaign launch event at the Massachusetts State House on May 8th! This event will include a speaking program with our lead sponsors on An Act Providing Nature for All (H.901/S.597) and coalition members, and an opportunity to directly advocate to legislators afterward with the coalition.
Thursday, May 8th / 1:30pm, with Lobby Day starting around 2:45pm with the coalition and advocates / Massachusetts State House, Room 428

Congressman Jim McGovern's keynote presentation is now online, which he presented to over 500 people from Massachusetts land trusts, conservation partners, students, and friends of conservation at the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on March 21.

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This award recognizes the Harwich Conservation Trust’s Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve in Harwich Port. This multiyear restoration project was undertaken in partnership with the Town of Harwich Community Preservation Committee, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The project successfully restored retired cranberry bogs to improve public access to the land and enhance nearly a mile of stream and over 44 acres of adjacent wetland habitat. The restoration included the addition of ponds, a salt marsh, and native plant species.

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