None The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts Press Releases Search All Press Releases Kerry Crisley 617-227-7017, ext.316, kcrisley@tnc.org

After Six Years, Massachusetts Restores Funding for Endangered Species

BOSTON, MA — July 3, 2008 — The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has more reason to celebrate its 30th anniversary; an effort led by Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, was successful in restoring funding to the state program responsible for protecting our state’s rare animals and plants.

After receiving strong and consistent operating funds each year, Heritage was removed from the state’s budget in 2003. Since then, the Program has pieced together scarce funding through state bonds, federal grants, and voluntary contributions from state income tax forms. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Brewer, the state is stepping up to the plate and restoring critical funds for the protection of endangered animals and plants.

The biological data collected, analyzed and distributed by the Heritage Program details the abundance and needs of the rare native plant and animal species found on the Massachusetts landscape. In addition, staff members at Heritage identify the sites that provide the best opportunities for preserving and restoring these species. This data in turn guides the work of government agencies, land use planners, conservation commissions, and environmental organizations across the state.

“This funding could not come at a more critical time,” said Senator Stephen Brewer. “While the Natural Heritage Program has managed to operate during these past several years without a consistent funding source, it literally is in jeopardy of extinction. Senate President Murray and Chairman Panagiotakos have recognized the importance of this vital program and I look forward to working with them to preserve this item in the final FY09 budget.”

"We’re delighted that the state has restored funds to Massachusetts' endangered species program, which this year is celebrating 30 years of protecting our rarest natural treasures" said Laura Johnson, President of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. "The proposed funds will help ensure that the animals and plants in Massachusetts that are most threatened and at risk, such as Piping Plovers along our beaches and Bald Eagles along our rivers, continue to call Massachusetts home."

“NAIOP Massachusetts applauds the Legislature for restoring funding for this important program,” said David I. Begelfer, CEO. “The Natural Heritage Program will now be better equipped to respond to development needs in a timely manner while ensuring a regulatory program that fairly balances legitimate natural resource issues with constitutionally protected property and due process rights.”

“Government agencies, local communities and nonprofit conservation organizations use Heritage data to focus on managing and protecting the state’s most significant natural resources,” said Loring Schwarz, Acting Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Massachusetts Chapter. “This restored funding will help the Commonwealth make informed decisions on smart growth and smart conservation.”

While growth is necessary to meet the economic, housing and transportation needs of residents, careful land and water use planning is vital to maintain a healthy landscape for all. This landscape includes safe drinking water, clean rivers, working farms, intact and productive forests, scenic vistas, and endangered species and wildlife habitat.

At the heart of these conservation and planning efforts is the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. The expert staff at Heritage collect, analyze and disseminate the scientific data that directs land and water conservation efforts across the state.

About Heritage

Biological Data: Heritage collects, manages and distributes critical information on rare species and their habitats. This data is published in BioMap and Living Waters, nationally-recognized planning tools used widely to protect biodiversity here at home.

Species and Habitat Management: Heritage restores populations of rare species, manages invasive plants and animals and advises many state agencies on land protection and restoration projects necessary to preserve our natural resources.
 

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.

Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 33,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 200,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon's mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women's fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of 45 wildlife sanctuaries welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our conservation, education, and advocacy work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.

NAIOP Massachusetts is a leading voice for commercial real estate and represents the interests of companies involved with the development, ownership, management, and financing of commercial properties.  NAIOP’s membership consists of over 1400 members who own or manage more than 145 million square feet of office, research & development, industrial and retail space in the Commonwealth.