For immediate release:

The letter below was received from the Massachusetts Audubon Society. 

Contact:   
E. Heidi Ricci
Senior Environmental Policy Specialist
Mass Audubon
208 South Great Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
781-259-2172
hricci@massaudubon.org                     

Dear Forests and Parks Supporters:

As you probably know, last year the legislature combined the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) into a new Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Within DCR there is a Division of State Parks, a Division of Urban Parks, and a Division of Water Supply Protection.

Four years ago, the combined budget for the MDC and DEM was $106.8 million. This year, the House proposed a budget for DCR of only $67.2 million. Whatever the new efficiencies hoped for from the merger of the two agencies, this 37% cut is simply too harsh, and will inhibit the new DCR Commissioner's ability to develop a world-class park system.

The Forests and Parks Partnership (Appalachian Mountain Club, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Mass Audubon, MASSPIRG, and Sierra Club; see www.forestsandparks.org) is working in support of amendments to the House budget that would maintain funding for DCR at the FY04 level.

Our forests, parks, pools, beaches, rinks, and watershed management areas need your help in this effort!

The Senate budget will be announced by May 10th. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR AND ASK THAT THEY SUPPORT A MINIMUM DCR BUDGET OF $80 MILLION, the amount necessary to maintain DCR’s operations at the current level. Calls to Representatives are also needed. The House will probably finalize its budget this week.

(If you don't know who your senator or representative is go to www.mass.gov/legis)

About Our Forests and Parks:

The new DCR is responsible for managing 450,000 acres of state forests, parks, and watershed lands, with thousands of miles of trails as well as hundreds of recreation facilities including campgrounds, swimming beaches, rinks, pools, and playgrounds. DCR must ensure park safety, provide programs and manage a vast array of natural and cultural resources. Budgets have been inadequate for decades, with deferred maintenance accumulating to unacceptable levels.

Further cuts will decimate the ability to provide even minimal levels of service and management.

Our parks are used by a broad range of residents, many of whom have no other place to turn for their recreational needs. They also are vital to the state’s tourism economy. Without adequate support for our parks, certain facilities will not open, others will have shortened hours of operation or open later in the season due to lack of staff, and a wide array of programs for children will be cut.