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Educate Yourself |
It pays to be kind to Mother Nature
"Common Cents for the Common Wealth" is more than just a slogan. There are practical, measurable benefits associated with responsible environmental management, which is why the Conservation and Recreation Campaign regards smart spending on the management of Massachusetts parks and public lands as an investment, not just an expense. The return on appropriate investments in these assets can be a boon to all Massachusetts residents.
Economic Impact
All 50 states are competing to attract and retain financially viable employers and knowledge workers. Because Massachusetts is one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S., it has to offer extraordinary amenities including recreational assets such as parks, beaches, and clean rivers in order to maintain and grow its base of businesses and taxpayers. According to the Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University, "Firms choose to locate in cities and towns based on their ability to deliver important services and the reputation of the quality of life in the community. We must invest in . . . education, public safety, culture and recreation, and infrastructure in order to attract and retain jobs and people."
Tourism is the third largest industry in Massachusetts, and state-owned conservation and recreation lands attract more than 20 million visitors each year, creating jobs and increasing tax revenues. We have documented the positive economic impact of enhancements such as snowmobile and bicycle trails. The New Jersey state park and forest system, which is smaller than the Massachusetts system and has fewer visitors, has been estimated to contribute $1.2 billion per year to the New Jersey economy.
Public Health
In a nation with an obesity crisis and a health care system that emphasizes prevention, opportunities for exercise are indispensable. Parks encourage physical fitness and offer stress relief, particularly in urban areas. Public lands provide healthy activities for people of all ages including hiking, swimming, jogging, rock-climbing, and the simple pleasure of sitting on a bench in a well-maintained park environment. Conservation lands also mitigate the harmful effects of pollution and climate change.
Smart Growth
Conservation and recreation lands are a critical component of the "green infrastructure" that planners now regard as essential to any geographic area. Biological diversity and a properly functioning natural environment contribute to clean air, clean waterways, erosion control, storm water management, and the stability of the wood products industry.
Community
Parks inspire much of a community's social interaction, and they play host to a variety of community-building activities. They can even become a source of civic pride or redefine the image of a neighborhood. The ultimate result is safer, more socially engaged communities.
Education
Public lands provide excellent hands-on classrooms where children and people of all ages can engage in experiential, interdisciplinary learning. |
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CRC Advocacy Tool |
The CRC is working to make the Commonwealth the best state in which to live, work and raise a family. To that end, we are introducing the "7 Steps to a better Massachusetts" program to help call attention to the plight of the State Parks as well as let your legislators know you are holding them accountable. Your interest and assistance in this program will make the difference. By filling out the user account form, you are signing up to help organize your town or neighborhood.
"7 Steps to a better Massachusetts” is a simple step by step program to familiarize yourself with grassroots democratic organizing, and helps us by compiling useful information about your area.
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The Pledge |
Our "Parks Pledge" supported by the Forest and Parks Partnership, which includes the Appalachian Mountain Club, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Mass Audubon, Mass Chapter of the Sierra Club, and MASSPIRG. The pledge is designed to create awareness of the condition of our park system and to gain broad support from organizations. Help us achieve our goal to ensure Massachusetts will have safe, clean and accessible parks and be the #1 funded park system by e-mailing frank@environmentmassachusetts.org with your organizations name!
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