Eagle Tribune: Green groups push for land conservation fund

BOSTON — The state would be required to set aside $100 million in taxpayer money for land and water conservation under a proposal set for the November ballot.

Backers of the “Protect Water and Nature” statewide referendum launched their campaign this week in support of a proposal would divert a portion of sales tax from sporting goods and camping gear into a “Nature for All Fund” used to conserve or restore land to protect drinking water, rivers and farms.

The proposal, which will appear as Question 6 on the Nov. 3 ballot, calls for allocating $100 million for the fund, but future allocations could depend on the state Legislature.

“The need is urgent and the moment to act is now,” said Katie Theoharides, president and CEO of The Trustees of Reservations, one of dozens of groups in the coalition. “Nature helps clean our waters, reduce the impacts of flooding, cool our neighborhoods, and improve physical and mental health through its restorative powers.”