Funding will help protect farmlands, forests and wetlands to combat climate change and enhance resilience

Boston - The Healey-Driscoll Administration is celebrating more than $45 million awarded to Massachusetts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accelerate land conservation efforts across the state. The funding is provided through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to further support resilience while tackling climate change. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) was awarded $20.8 million for a proposal titled “Massachusetts’ Resilient Lands Conservation Partnership”. Additionally, Mass Audubon received $25 million for their Building Resilience in the Connecticut River Watershed project. 

To date, Massachusetts has secured $2.3 billion in federal climate funding since Governor Maura Healey took office.

"We’ve seized every climate funding opportunity, and it’s paying off big time,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By prioritizing land conservation, we’re protecting our environment while boosting local economies through sustainable farming and improved recreation. These efforts will make our communities stronger and healthier, while also ensuring that nature is accessible to all."

“Winning federal funding for land conservation is a victory for our environment and our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding safeguards our air and water, strengthens our economy through sustainable tourism and creates jobs. It’s about preserving the beauty of our landscape while creating a brighter future for generations to come.”

“I am proud to have fought for the boost of funding to USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program through the historic Inflation Reduction Act,” said Senator Ed Markey. “Thanks to the work of the Healey-Driscoll administration, these federal dollars are coming home to the Commonwealth to protect farmland and critical habitat in Massachusetts to the tune of $45 million. By investing in our underserved farmers, this funding will not only benefit the environment and climate resiliency, but also advance the fight for environmental justice.”

EEA’s Division of Conservation Services (DCS) will work with partner organizations through the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition to use the funding to protect the state’s farmlands, forests and wetlands for the long term. The Coalition, which is co-convened by EEA and Mass Audubon, focuses on environmental justice while addressing climate change and building resilience. Massachusetts plans to accelerate land conservation by expanding partnerships between state agencies, land trusts, and municipalities. The funded conservation work will introduce new easements that extend beyond traditional USDA options, aiming to help underserved farmers facing challenges. Through these easements, Massachusetts expects protected land to support environmental goals and capture and store carbon while improving climate change adaptation and habitat protection.

“Our environmental mission is clear - we must preserve our farms and forests, sustain a vibrant local food system, and create accessible outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy nature,” said Energy & Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This federal funding highlights the critical role of land conservation in combating climate change and addressing the environmental challenges we face from habitat loss to pollution. We are committed to ensuring that these efforts promote equity, ensuring every community benefits from access to green spaces and sustainable resources. We have an incredible team dedicated to making this vision a reality, working tirelessly to foster a more sustainable, equitable, and connected community.”

“This exciting award is a key example of how our whole-of-government pursuit for federal funds is helping us protect our environment and advance our climate goals,” said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “Thank you to President Biden, Vice-President Harris, Secretary Vilsack, and all of our terrific federal partners for this award.”

Mass Audubon’s Building Resilience in the Connecticut River Watershed project is focused on protecting over 10,000 acres of essential forest, riparian, and wetland habitats through conservation restrictions along the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. The initiative also aims to restore at least 100 acres of vital riparian and wetland ecosystems through targeted land management activities. This work will help ensure the permanent storage of carbon, prevent emissions from forest conversion, and enhance climate resilience for the diverse ecosystems within the Northeast Forests and Waters Critical Conservation Area.

“Public-private partnerships generated by this historic grant represent the future of land conservation and the level of collaboration that’s required to protect nature and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change,” said Mass Audubon President & CEO David O’Neill. “These funds will allow us to work with partners, including Secretary Tepper and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and private landowners to purchase conservation easements that simultaneously support landowner needs, protect wildlife habitat, and address climate change.”