BOSTON, MA––The importance of outdoor recreation cannot be overstated––thriving, accessible parks, rivers, forests, and trails create healthier communities, sustain local economies, bolster climate resilience, and foster deep care and concern for the environment.
Many communities in Massachusetts enjoy a wealth of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities, yet stark disparities exist in access to outdoor recreation––underserved and Environmental Justice communities see fewer investments in parks, trails, and open spaces. Research shows that lowest-income neighborhoods have half as much protected land compared to highest-income neighborhoods and communities of color have less than 60% as much protected land.
The Outdoor Recreation Act (H.757, S.488), or An Act to create the Massachusetts outdoor recreation fund, sponsored by Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough) and Representative Natalie Blais (D-Sunderland), will create a statewide dedicated fund to ensure the success of the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation and provide grants for outdoor recreational purposes, with priority given to projects that benefit underserved and Environmental Justice populations across the Commonwealth.
“In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we are blessed to have vast and vibrant opportunities for outdoor recreation. From the Charles River in Boston to the sprawling hills of the Berkshires, these natural treasures provide many benefits to our communities such as improving quality of life, enhancing mental and physical health, creating new jobs, fueling local economies, boosting local tourism and sustaining land conservation. We should be investing in outdoor recreation equitably across the Commonwealth so that all residents can benefit from our beautiful outdoors and the tremendous benefits that come with being outside. Thank you to Representative Natalie Blais for filing this legislation in the House, Charles River Watershed Association, and the Trustees of Reservations for their staunch advocacy in addressing discrepancies in access to outdoor recreation,” said Senator Paul Feeney.
“Outdoor recreation builds awareness about the environment around us, strengthens local economies, and improves health outcomes. There is much more that the Commonwealth can do to incentivize the growth of this industry and I am grateful to the Healey Administration for recently naming the very first director of Office of Outdoor Recreation,” said Representative Natalie Blais. “The leadership of the many organizations who have partnered with Senator Feeney and me to introduce this legislation has been extraordinary and I am thankful for their efforts.”
Massachusetts ranks #50 nationally—dead last––in per capita spending on parks and recreation. Yet, outdoor recreation plays a significant role in the overall economy of Massachusetts, adding $9.5 billion to the state’s GDP and directly supporting 93,000 jobs, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Utilizing existing sales tax revenue from the sale of sporting goods, which according to analysis from Trust for Public Land will generate an estimated $55 million annually, the Outdoor Recreation Act establishes an Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund to create new grant opportunities for cities, towns, state agencies, community development corporations, regional planning agencies, and non-profit organizations. Grant funds will be used to create and improve parks, trails, athletic fields, and more––prioritizing investments in Environmental Justice and underserved communities.
“The Trustees strongly supports the Outdoor Recreation Act,” said Katie Theoharides, president and CEO of The Trustees of Reservations. “With more than 120 special places, including over 29,000 acres all around the state, we are dedicated to getting more people outdoors, providing equitable access, and building climate resilience across the Commonwealth.”
“Everyone deserves access to vibrant parks, trails, and forests in the Charles River watershed and beyond,” said Jen Ryan, Deputy Director of Advocacy for Charles River Watershed Association. “New inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities will have innumerable benefits for community wellness, quality of life, and physical and mental health, as well as create new jobs, sustain local economies, and boost tourism.”
“Creating new greenspaces and restoring ecosystems goes hand-in-hand with Commonwealth’s climate and biodiversity goals,” said CRWA Associate Attorney Zeus Smith, “These natural climate solutions will remove an additional 1-2 million metric tons of CO2 per year by 2030, bolster our ability to absorb floods, reduce urban heat, and more to make our communities more liveable in a changed climate.”
The Trustees of Reservations and Charles River Watershed Association will join with partner advocates to urge the Joint Committee of Environment and Natural Resources to support this critical legislation at the hearing on October 11th at 1 PM at the Massachusetts State House.
Additional support for this critical legislation comes from Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, Appalachian Mountain Club, Adventure East, Piers Park Sailing Center, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Audubon, Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition, Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Massachusetts Environmental Education Society, Elevate Youth, Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, Neponset River Watershed Association, Friends of the Malden River, Mystic River Watershed Association, Littleton Conservation Trust, Big City Mountaineers, Friends of the Palmer River, and Great Boston Trout Unlimited.
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