By Andy Falender
Everyone in Massachusetts — no matter where we live — deserves clean drinking water and access to nature. This year, Massachusetts has an important opportunity to protect our rivers, lakes, forests, farms, and wildlife habitats by voting YES on Question 6 in the upcoming election.
Question 6, the Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative, would dedicate funds from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to protecting and conserving water and nature.
That means as much as $100 million each year to protect clean drinking water; reduce pollution in rivers, lakes, and the ocean; conserve forests, family farms, and natural wildlife habitats; prevent flooding and storm damage; and create and improve parks, trails, and greenspaces for public use. Question 6 also creates a dedicated Nature for All Fund and requires strict public oversight and annual reporting so we can see exactly how every dollar is spent.
Nothing is more important than having clean drinking water and access to nature. By conserving natural areas, forests, and wildlife habitats, Question 6 will help reduce runoff in our lakes, rivers, and streams — protecting the quality of our drinking water and natural habitats for future generations. That’s why a wide coalition of 95+ organizations, including the state’s leading nonprofit land and water conservation groups, and many from underserved neighborhoods, are supporting a YES on Question 6 on the 2026 statewide ballot.
It’s time to permanently protect the places we love — clean drinking water, healthy forests and wildlife habitats, more trails and parks, and access to the outdoors and nature for everyone in Massachusetts. Vote YES on 6.
Falender lives on Page Road.
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