Press Release: Land and Water Conservation Supporters Report Major Contributions to Advance ‘Protect Water and Nature’ Ballot Initiative

For Immediate Release January 20, 2026 

Contact: Andrew Farnitano, 925-917-1354, andrew@acfstrategies.com 

Land and Water Conservation Supporters Report Major Contributions to Advance ‘Protect Water and Nature’ Ballot Initiative 

In 2025, More than a Dozen Organizations Financially Backed Ballot Initiative to Establish Dedicated Fund for Land and Water Conservation in Massachusetts With Cash or In-Kind Support 

BOSTON —The campaign behind the Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative today reported nearly $220,000 in in-kind support from more than a dozen organizations toward the ballot campaign in 2025, demonstrating a broad show of support for the land and water conservation measure that was recently certified to advance toward the 2026 statewide ballot. 

In a campaign finance report filed today, the Vote Yes for Water and Nature ballot committee reported a total of $1.6 million in cash and in-kind contributions toward the ballot campaign last year, a significant investment of resources from the conservation community to advance the question. 

“It speaks volumes about the unifying power of nature and the intrinsic benefits it provides us all that tens of thousands of Massachusetts’ voters signed papers to create a permanent funding source to conserve nature and protect clean water on the 2026 statewide ballot,” said David O’Neill, President & CEO of Mass Audubon. “We got there because people care about and want to protect nature and that inspired hundreds of volunteers and teams of organizations to band together across the Commonwealth to collect thousands of signatures.” 

The Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative would dedicate funds from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to protecting and conserving water and nature. The initiative would generate approximately $100 million each year to support the conservation and restoration of water and natural areas in Massachusetts, and to create more outdoor recreational spaces like trails and parks that everyone can enjoy — without raising taxes. The ballot campaign is supported by more than 60 environmental, conservation, and community organizations throughout Massachusetts, including the state’s leading nonprofit land and water conservation groups as well as dozens of local groups from every corner of the state.

“This level of support shows how deeply people across Massachusetts value clean water, protected land, and access to the outdoors,” said Jodi Valenta, Associate Vice President, and Massachusetts State Director of Trust for Public Land. “States across the country have shown that dedicating existing sales tax revenue to protect nature is a smart, effective approach, and the Protect Water and Nature initiative is about ensuring every community has the parks, trails, and natural spaces they need to thrive for generations to come.” 

The full list of organizations reporting in-kind support of the campaign: Appalachian Mountain Club, Association To Preserve Cape Cod, Charles River Conservancy, Charles River Watershed Association, Conservation Law Foundation, Ipswich River Watershed Association, Kestrel Land Trust, Mass Audubon, Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Mystic River Watershed Association, New England Mountain Bike Association, The Trustees of Reservations, and Trust For Public Land. 

“The Appalachian Mountain Club is thrilled to have been part of the campaign working to drive needed investment in conservation and outdoor recreation across all corners of Massachusetts,” said Nicole Zussman, president and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club. “This initiative will help ensure the places we love to hike, paddle, and explore are protected and maintained for generations.” 

“The Protect Water and Nature Initiative is powered by contributions from organizations and people across the Commonwealth who are stepping up to protect what makes Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and play,” said Conservation Law Foundation President Brad Campbell. “This support shows a clear and growing public demand for greater investment in clean water, local parks, and the iconic landscapes that sustain wildlife, recreation, and local economies. Voters understand that dedicating existing sales tax revenue to these priorities is not only long overdue, but essential to building healthier, more resilient communities for future generations in a rapidly warming climate.” 

“This report highlights not only the financial support for the campaign, but the contribution of time, talent, and expertise across the many groups that support it.” said Katie Theoharides, president and CEO of The Trustees. 

“Support for clean, healthy rivers came shining through as we talked to people about the Protect Water and Nature Initiative,” said Dave McGlinchey, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance. “One of the best things you can do for a river is to protect the land around it, and we are proud to help generate enthusiasm for this much needed funding stream that will help wildlife and communities that all depend on clean, flowing water.” 

The campaign reported spending approximately $948,000 in 2025, including for paid signature collectors, campaign consultants, and printing expenses. Using a combination of paid signature gatherers and volunteers, the campaign collected more than 100,000 signatures from registered voters this fall to advance the ballot initiative toward the 2026 ballot, far more than the required

74,574. Signatures for the ballot initiative came from voters in 332 of the state’s 351 cities and towns—everywhere from large cities like Worcester and New Bedford to smaller communities like Williamstown, Salisbury, and Orleans. 

About the Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative 

The Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative would create a dedicated Nature for All Fund with approximately $100 million each year to support the conservation and restoration of water and land in Massachusetts, and to support the creation and improvement of parks, trails, greenspaces, and other outdoor recreation spaces. The Nature for All Fund would be funded by the state’s existing sales tax on sporting goods like golf clubs, RVs, and camping gear — not by creating a new tax. The law would also establish a public oversight board that would approve all expenditures from the fund. 

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The Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative campaign is led by Nature for Massachusetts, a large and diverse coalition of environmental, conservation, and community organizations that seek to create a dedicated, annual revenue stream to conserve water, land, urban greenspace, outdoor recreation access, and wildlife in Massachusetts. For more information, visit natureforma.org.