The environment for this year's state legislative sessions is one of the most difficult we've encountered, with continuing budget deficits and a number of newly elected legislators and governors determined to scale back government. But the results at the polls last November show that voters care deeply about protecting the land and water where they live. We will be drawing on that support to renew landmark state conservation programs, working with state partners to organize grassroots advocates and educate new legislators about the importance of conservation to their state's economy. To learn more about our legislative campaigns around the country, visit www.ConservationCampaign.org.
In the last two years, funding for the Florida Forever land conservation program has dropped precipitously -- from $300 million annually to $0 in 2009 and $15 million in 2010. The Florida Forever Coalition has launched an effort to restore funding for the program that has protected more than 2.4 million acres of open space and supported nearly every aspect of the state's economy.
Governor Christine Gregoire's budget has zero funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. For 21 years, this nationally recognized program has invested in outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat projects around the state, helping to make the state a top-ranked place to live and do business. We are working to restore $100 million to the program together with the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, which is launching this year's advocacy with a lobby day on February 10.
New legislators elected on a platform of cutting taxes and fees may seek to reduce funding or even eliminate the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the state's land conservation and historic preservation grant program. Together with state conservation organizations, we are gearing up for an intensive lobbying and grassroots campaign to protect LCHIP.
Ferrari Farm, Dunstable, MA, protected with the help of CPA funds. Photo by Jerry and Marcy Monkman
Taking the Massachusetts CPA bill to the finish line
Advocates are moving full steam ahead to pass legislation to strengthen the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act, after making significant progress last year. The bill is scheduled to be filed again by its lead sponsors, Senator Cynthia Stone Creem and Representative Stephen Kulik, and the Community Preservation Coalition has already begun reaching out to new legislators.
The CPA allows cities and towns to raise funds for open space conservation, outdoor recreation, affordable housing and historic preservation -- needs that are frequently neglected but so important for preserving a community's character and quality of life. It's a highly popular program that has been adopted by 147 communities -- 43 percent of the state's municipalities -- since it began in 2000. But the annual state distribution to communities that adopt the CPA by approving a small property tax surcharge has dropped from 100 percent of locally raised funds to 27 percent. An Act to Sustain Community Preservation would raise the minimum annual guaranteed match to 75 percent, and make other changes to broaden participation.
