Dear Friend:

Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Frank Gorke of the Conservation and Recreation Campaign. We’re the statewide organization working on behalf of our park system by building a statewide coalition to improve the funding picture for our parks and open spaces here in Massachusetts. The Campaign is chaired by Kathy Abbott, whom many of you undoubtedly know well. I enclose a brief case statement about the Campaign.

The success of these efforts will depend in large part on the energy and knowledge of people like you – the “on the ground” advocates for our parks and open spaces. You’re closest to the real conditions and the users of our parks. Your insights are invaluable to building the case for better funding: your energy and support are critical as we build a broad coalition for the Conservation and Recreation Campaign.

As you know, Massachusetts state park system has suffered from years of budget cuts, with consequences to the health of our parks and the visitor experience. But we need details and that’s why I’ve enclosed a simple “On the Ground” Survey for you to complete and return to us.

The Survey is straightforward. It includes questions about your organization, your park, and your perspective and ideas about these important issues. Please feel free to add whatever additional comments you like.

“A picture is worth a 1000 words. . .” - Finally, if you have photographs (JPEGs preferred) of current conditions in your park or forest that we might use in the Campaign, that would be very useful.

Also, stories about the park and/or your activities that you find compelling are also very welcome.

We need your support – in unity there is strength. So, we hope you’ll sign on to the Conservation and Recreation Campaign to ensure a brighter future for your park (and all the parks) here in beautiful Massachusetts. It’s easy and quick: just go to http://www.conservationandrecreationcampaign.org/friend_survey.php and fill out our simple form. Please do it today: the political season has already begun.

We look forward to receiving your Survey response. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at frank@environmentmassachusetts.org. Thank you very much for your time and support!

Sincerely yours,

Frank Gorke