By DOUG PIZZI
Executive Director
Mass Parks for All
BOSTON — In a significant move for public recreation and environmental preservation, the state Legislature yesterday approved its House-Senate Conference Committee report, which included a 3.4 percent increase for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Parks and Recreation Operations account (line 2810-0100). This boost in funding reflects an ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the state’s rich tapestry of parks, forests, beaches, historic parkways, trails, and other recreational, cultural, historic, and environmental assets.
Mass Parks for All (MPA) is grateful to all of you who contacted your legislators during the budget process and to the 41 organizations that signed the letter we sent to the Conference Committee. We also thank the legislators in both chambers who supported our parks throughout the process, and more recently, the Conference Committee for approving the Senate’s figure for the account. The final figure was derived in part by a $500,000 floor amendment submitted for MPA by Sen. Jamie Eldridge, who spoke eloquently for the measure on the Senate floor on its way to unanimous approval.
The budget will now go to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for consideration. We are asking the Administration to give final approval to the Legislature’s figure.
The increase provides a tangible boost to DCR’s operating budget because it is above the state’s calendar year inflation rate of 3.0 percent. The Operations Account is particularly critical as it funds a significant portion of the day-to-day costs of maintaining parks, trails, and other recreational spaces.
The increase will allow DCR to enhance upkeep of trails, picnic areas, and other public recreation facilities that will improve visitor experiences. It will also serve to protect biodiversity, especially of rare species, manage invasive species, and preserve natural habitats.
Public lands have become increasingly vital, especially as people continue to rely on outdoor spaces for recreation and community connection following the challenges of the pandemic. DCR manages more than 450,000 acres of state parks, forests, beaches, and trails. These facilities serve millions of visitors annually while powering our $16 billion annual outdoor recreation economy, now the fastest growing in the nation. But maintaining these spaces requires consistent and adequate funding, a challenge exacerbated by climate change and rising operational costs.
The Legislature’s decision to grant this increase in uncertain fiscal times is a recognition of the state’s willingness to meet these challenges. It underscores the value of investing in public spaces that contribute to our quality of life as well as the state’s environmental and economic health. Long-term investment and strategic planning will be necessary to ensure that Massachusetts’ recreational facilities and natural resources continue to thrive for generations to come.
It was not that long ago that the Special Legislative Commission on DCR found Massachusetts, for its size, had the dubious distinction of being last in the nation in public tax dollars per capita spent on public open space. The Legislature’s decision to increase DCR’s operating account above inflation is a victory we should take pride in and be grateful for. It is a reminder that even incremental changes can have a positive impact on community wellbeing and environmental stewardship. For Massachusetts residents and visitors, the future of enjoying well-maintained, adequately staffed state parks just got a little brighter.