Protect Water and Nature Initiative
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Putting nature on the ballot in Massachusetts
As part of the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition, we are advocating for the state to dedicate $100 million annually to conserve land and water, improve outdoor recreation, and build climate resiliency.
To bring this to Massachusetts voters for approval, we need volunteers to help collect signatures.
About the Nature for All Fund
While the Coalition is collecting signatures for a ballot question a simultaneous legislative effort is underway that would make the ballot question moot. An Act Providing Nature for All (Bill S.2571) would create a permanent “Nature for All Fund” for the purposes of acquisition, restoration or improvement of nature to create parks and trails; protect forests, farms, wildlife habitat, and water resources; and advance climate resiliency and environmental justice goals.
By setting aside just a portion of the revenue already generated from the existing sales tax on sporting goods, we would be able to dedicate more than $100 million every year to the Fund.
Get Involved!
In case the legislature does not pass the bill in this session, the Coalition is also seeking to place this question on the statewide ballot in the 2026 election.
APCC is proud to be part of this movement, and we need Cape voters and others in the state who care about supporting nature in their communities to help make this happen
There are two ways you can help.
Contact Your Legislator
Let them know you support (Bill S.2571) .
Help With the Ballot Measure
It takes a lot of work to put a question like this in front of voters, and the process has already begun. The Coalition needs to collect signatures from nearly 75,000 registered voters by November 19 in order to put the question on the ballot and to pressure the Legislature to act. We are looking for volunteers who can help!
Volunteers can collect signatures by staffing high-traffic locations like community events, grocery stores, your local transfer station, libraries, and farmers’ markets.
You don’t need to know a lot about this issue, and you don’t need to have canvassing experience. By signing up to volunteer, you’ll receive all the materials, training, and the support you’ll need.
About the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition
Nature for Massachusetts Coalition is a group of over 50 organizations representing environmental advocacy, land conservation, community benefit and environmental justice, water protection, indigenous access, outdoor recreation, and industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the money coming from?
This is revenue from the already existing sales tax on sporting goods in Massachusetts. Currently, the revenue goes into a general fund which the Legislature allocates to different things every year. Using money from the general fund does not take money away from any specific place. A citizen oversight board would establish rules for expenditures from this fund.
Does this exist anywhere else?
Other states including Virginia, Georgia, and Texas have already dedicated the revenue from their state’s sporting goods sales tax to conservation, providing them with hundreds of millions of dollars annually to preserve, restore, and improve their land, water, forests, parks, greenspace, and outdoor recreation.
Is this a tax increase?
No, this is not a tax increase or a new sales tax. This simply sets aside existing revenue for conservation.
What is 30x30?
30×30 is a worldwide effort by over 190 countries to protect 30% of the planet’s oceans, lands, and fresh waters by 2030. This goal is part of a larger effort to bring the negative effects of a changing climate under control by 2050. Massachusetts needs to do its part to meet this crucial goal by either passing the Nature for All bill or the Protect Water & Nature Initiative.
What is an “Initiative” Ballot Measure?
An initiative ballot measure is a proposed change in the law that is brought forward by supporters that will be voted on directly during a statewide election.
What is the process to get to the statewide ballot?
Filing and Attorney General Review: First, a petition was submitted with the Attorney General which was then reviewed by the Attorney General for legal sufficiency and approved. From there, it was sent to the Secretary of State who created the form for signature collection.
Signatures Collection: Starting in September through mid-November 2025, advocates are gathering voter signatures on the forms created by the Secretary of State. Approximately 125,000 signatures need to be gathered collectively by all coalition organizations to ensure that enough signatures can be certified by town clerks as registered voters and approved by the Secretary of State.
Signature Certification: By mid-November these signature forms are submitted to town clerks to be certified as registered voters.
Signature Submission: The first Wednesday in December, about 74,574 certified signatures will be delivered to the Secretary of State.
Legislative Review: In January 2026, the ballot measure petition gets submitted to the legislature, who has the option to enact it, or propose a legislative substitute. If not enacted by the first Wednesday in May, a second round of approximately 12,429 certified signatures is required by mid-July 2026. Once the second signature threshold is met, the measure qualifies for the next statewide general election ballot.
Why do advocates propose a ballot measure?
The strategic reasons for a ballot measure include pursuing all available pathways to success. If a measure is popular with voters, the ballot is an option in the event a legislative campaign falls short. The ballot process also starts a public conversation and can help build a movement around the issue, and signal to legislators and other policymakers that there is support for an issue.