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CRWA position paper: Stewardship Council Must Act on its Legislated Authority

CRWA position paper: Abbott Firing Will Hurt Parks and Recreation Across Massachusetts

State Representative Anne Paulsen's testimony from the DCR hearing

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DCR in Crisis homepage

How to Take Action

Write a letter to your legislators and the Governor, using the advocacy tools above, expressing your disappointment with the dismissal of Kathy Abbott and your desire for more funding for environmental programs in the state.

Find your state legislators here

Parks Agency in Crisis? 

Stewardship Council Must Act on its Legislated Authority

With Commissioner Abbott and her Chief of Staff unceremoniously fired last week, and allegations of mismanagement and chronic underfunding at DCR coming from all sides, the time has come for the Stewardship Council to step into the breach and take on their mandated leadership responsibilities. 

Established by the legislature in 2003, the Stewardship Council oversees DCR.  The Council was created to ensure transparency and accountability in the department, and to keep the public involved in management and budgeting.  Neither the Governor nor EOEA set DCR's policies in a vacuum - the Council is responsible for oversight of policy development, as well as park management planning and capital planning, just as it is specifically granted authority in certain circumstances to designate an acting Commissioner.  Council members serve 7-year terms and cannot be fired by the Governor, maintaining their independence. 

The time has come for the Stewardship Council to exercise its authority to initiate an investigation into the alleged mismanagement and underfunding that resulted in inadequate snow removal from DCR controlled roadways and sidewalks.  With its specific duties and responsibilities regarding DCR's budget, the Stewardship Council should also review the adequacy of the agency's budget to accomplish its legislated mission, meet its mandated obligations and achieve approved policies and programs.