NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Contact your Legislators and Urge them to Increase DCR Funding

Massachusetts Forests and Parks will continue to suffer unless funding for the DCR is increased. The next State budget is being written now. We need to act.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s forest and parks system sees over 30 million visitors every year. These visitors enjoy thousands of miles of trails, camp and picnic grounds, beaches and skating rinks. Unfortunately, due to the State’s economy the DCR’s budget has decreased to below subsistence level. Since Fiscal Year 2009 funding has decreased by nearly 30%. Over 170 staff positions have been eliminated. The results are massive decreases in park supervision, resource protection, trailwork and public safety.

On an inflation adjusted basis DCR funding is nearly $6 million below the lowest appropriation in the last 25 years and $158 million below the agency’s high water mark. Massachusetts spends less than half the national average per citizen on Forests and Parks.

Seven State facilities were unstaffed due to these budgeting constraints and many more are only staffed for part of the year. Unless additional funding is appropriated more facilities will be closed next year and many more jobs will be cut. This will result in a marked reduction in the DCR’s ability to maintain trails and closed or shorter seasons at many campgrounds and popular beaches. You will see the results of these cuts every time you visit a State Forest or Park.

We must do something to change this. NEMBA is asking Massachusetts residents to contact their state legislators and the Governor. Let them know that these cuts negatively affect the quality of life here in Massachusetts and urge them to increase funding for the DCR.

Go here to locate your elected representatives. Tell them how DCR budget cuts have negatively effected the outdoor experienced of you and your family. Ask them to increase funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Send them an email today. Better yet, call them phone calls have much more weight.

The Good News:

The DCR is requesting supplemental language and funding that would combine its retained revenue accounts and allow the DCR to retain 80% of its retained revenue up to a maximum of $13.5 million dollars. The remainder would go to the general Fund. If the legislature agrees to this it could potentially allow for up to $4.5 million increased in funding.

Contact your legislators and ask them to support the amendment to increase the DCR’s Revenue Ceiling. SECTION 7 (A) Section 2 of chapter 68 of the acts of 2011.