The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is conducting a ten-year review focused on how our state parks and forests are managed and the public is invited to comment! To prepare for these DCR listening sessions we are offering an online event. We will be providing background grounded in the science, from experts in their fields, to help us better understand both the issues and how to frame our comments to DCR. Presenters include Michael Kellett, Executive Director of RESTORE: The North Woods, climate scientist Dr. Bill Moomaw, and biologist Bill Stubblefield, Ph.D. The presentations will be followed by Q & A.
Sponsored by Save Massachusetts Forests, RESTORE: The North Woods
& Climate Action Now
Scroll down for details about the DCR listening sessions and other actions you can take.
Photo: Rene Theberge
Action alert from Save Massachusetts Forests & RESTORE: The North Woods
Save Massachusetts Forests from logging on public land
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) regularly cuts trees for logging on public lands. Check out their plans for 2022 here. Many of you have supported bills to stop this practice (H.912 and H.1002). While we are disappointed that the legislature did not take action on them, we now can speak directly to DCR during their 10 year review of how our state parks and forests are managed.
Let’s call on DCR to protect public land, including the watersheds, by designating them as either “parks” or "reserves" where land management is similar to our National Parks.
Photo: Rene Theberge
Please sign and share our online sign-on letter to DCR
We, the undersigned, call for state-owned lands administered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, including all woodlands, reserves, watersheds, and undeveloped parklands, to be designated and permanently protected as Carbon and Biodiversity Reserves. These Reserves would protect intact ecosystems, which are influenced primarily by natural processes, with only minimal human interference. Limited management activities would be allowed if proven to be necessary to protect public safety, endangered species, or the environment.
Action alert! Eversource proposes massive tree cutting along transmission power lines!
Eversource wants to cut all trees within 100 feet of transmission power lines running from the Northfield Substation, through the towns of Erving, Wendell, Montague, Leverett, Shutesbury, Pelham, Belchertown, Amherst and Granby, to the Ludlow Substation in Ludlow, crossing two Environmental Justice communities: Wendell and Amherst.
Eversource has filed with MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office) in order to move forward with its plan to cut over 370 acres of trees along the transmission power line corridor.
Take action by sending a comment to MEPA! Go HEREfor an action guide which will give you all the info you need. Please share with family and friends.
The deadline for comments has been extended to September 23
Climate Action Now is a people powered, grassroots Western Mass organization dedicated to building a powerful, unstoppable climate movement. We work in our communities and in collaboration with diverse partners across the region to educate, advocate, and mobilize for climate justice. Climate Action Now is affiliated with 350.org.
Check outour website and join us at our monthly gatherings (4th Mondays of every month except December) to see how you can get involved in our many projects and campaigns. The Climate Action Now Steering Committee includes a representative from each working group and campaign. Climate Action Now warmly welcomes newcomers.
Let's work together to create an inclusive climate justice movement!
Please send feedback, comments, and suggestions to: Susan ThebergeNewsletter Editor
