Regional Conservation Groups Endorse Question 6 to Fund Water and Land Protection

NORTHAMPTON — More than a dozen conservation groups, land trusts, and community organizations across Western Massachusetts are backing Question 6, a statewide ballot initiative that would create a dedicated funding source for land and water conservation without raising taxes.

The ballot measure would establish a Nature for All Fund by redirecting existing state sales tax revenue from sporting goods toward protecting water, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation spaces. According to proponents, the fund could provide up to $100 million annually for conservation and restoration projects across Massachusetts.

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council, led by President Jenny Hansell, cited the importance of protecting forests, farms, and rivers in the Berkshires as central to regional economic vitality and community character.

The Connecticut River Conservancy, through River Steward Nina Gordon-Kirsch, emphasized that the fund would provide reliable long-term support for conservation and restoration projects at a time when other funding sources are declining. Kestrel Land Trust Executive Director Kristin DeBoer noted that the measure would allow protection of local places including the Mount Holyoke Range, Mount Tom, and the Robert Frost Trail, as well as neighborhood streams like the Fort River and Mill River.

Berkshire Environmental Action Team Stewardship Director Chelsey Simmons highlighted the fund's potential to protect forests, wetlands, and coldwater streams that support diverse wildlife and plant communities. Mount Grace Land Trust Executive Director Emma Ellsworth added that protecting land in the Quabbin watershed would improve drinking water quality for Greater Boston residents while creating outdoor recreation opportunities that attract tourism to local communities.

Western Massachusetts organizations endorsing the measure include the Amherst Democratic Town Committee, Athol Bird and Nature Club, Connecticut River Watershed Partnership, Deerfield River Watershed Association, Franklin Land Trust, Hilltown Land Trust, Lenox Garden Club, Native Land Conservancy, Norcross Wildlife Foundation, and Shaker Ridge Trails.

The initiative is part of a broader coalition of more than 125 organizations that includes Mass Audubon, The Trustees, Appalachian Mountain Club, Conservation Law Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy. Endorsers also include current and former elected officials such as Governor Maura Healey, former Governor Deval Patrick, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa.

Question 6 would allocate 0.16% of the state's $63.4 billion annual budget by dedicating existing sales tax revenue on sporting goods such as camping gear, golf clubs, and fishing equipment. The measure would also establish a public oversight board to approve expenditures and enforce annual reporting requirements. The YES on 6 campaign recently began airing advertisements on television and digital channels across the state.