Greenfield Recorder: Conservationists push for fund for land, water protection

November 1, 2025 - If state legislators fail to pass legislation reallocating sales tax revenue on sporting goods to support protecting and conserving water and nature, a coalition of conservation agencies is prepared to bring the proposal to voters next November.

Nature for Massachusetts, a coalition of more than 50 conservation trusts and nature protection organizations, is collecting signatures for a Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative. If passed, the initiative would reallocate $100 million in existing state funds from the state sales tax on sporting goods to create a Nature for All Fund, which could be used to support the conservation and restoration of water and natural areas in Massachusetts, and to create more outdoor recreational spaces like trails and state parks.