For Immediate Release: November 3, 2026
Contact: Andrew Farnitano, andrew@acfstrategies.com
Question 6, the Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative, Passes Overwhelmingly
130+ Conservation Groups, Land Trusts, & Community Organizations Supported Ballot Question 6 to Create Dedicated Nature for All Fund for Water and Land Conservation in Massachusetts — Without Raising Taxes
BOSTON — Tonight’s election results show that Question 6, the Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative on the Massachusetts statewide ballot, has passed overwhelmingly, establishing a new Nature for All Fund with as much as $100 million annually for water and land conservation. The “YES on 6” ballot campaign released the following statements in response:
“The results of Question 6 confirm what we already knew: that protecting the outdoors has broad appeal. This is an historic night for the nature of Massachusetts, and we’re grateful to our 130 partner organizations, supporters, volunteers, and the voters. Tonight we celebrate, and tomorrow we get back to work ensuring that this dedicated source of funding goes to protecting our parks, forests, wildlife, family farms, and drinking water for generations to come.” — David O’Neill, President & CEO, Mass Audubon
“Massachusetts has been at the forefront of land conservation for generations, but for years we’ve underfunded nature. Nature for All represents a huge step forward in that journey and recognizes that conservation isn't just about the places we protect, but about the people and communities who benefit from them. This vote is a powerful affirmation that everyone should have access to nature, clean water, and healthy landscapes. We’re grateful to the voters and to our extraordinary coalition of partners, and we are excited about what we can make possible together.” — Katie Theoharides, President & CEO, The Trustees
“Voters sent a clear message that protecting our natural resources matters. The passage of Question 6 is an investment in our forests, farms, wetlands, parks, and trails, as well as in the resilience of our communities in the face of extreme storms and flooding. This victory will help preserve clean air, clean water, and access to nature for future generations, all without raising taxes. We're grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.” — Brad Campbell, President and CEO, Conservation Law Foundation
“Through Question 6, Massachusetts voters affirmed the importance of protecting clean water and the natural places that make our communities special. We can now protect our drinking water, forests, farms, and wildlife while expanding access to parks and trails — all without raising taxes. At Trust for Public Land, we know that access to nature strengthens communities and brings people together. We’re grateful to the voters and coalition partners who made this victory possible, and we’re proud that it will connect more Massachusetts residents to the outdoors.” — Jodi Valenta, Associate Vice President and Massachusetts State Director, Trust for Public Land
“Massachusetts voters made it clear: they support robust state funding for clean water and nature. With the passage of Question 6, Massachusetts will have more resources to conserve the lands and waters that make the Commonwealth special. The Nature Conservancy looks forward to partnering with the Legislature, the Governor, and our coalition partners to ensure Nature for All Fund equitably and effectively protects clean water, reduces pollution, conserves forests, family farms, and natural wildlife habitats, prevents flooding and storm damage, and creates and improves access to nature.” — Kris Sarri, Massachusetts State Director, The Nature Conservancy
“Tonight, Massachusetts voters made a powerful commitment to the future of our public lands and trails. AMC was founded right here in the Commonwealth, and we could not be prouder to stand alongside the voters, volunteers, and coalition partners who turned this vision into a reality. We are ready to put this momentum to work connecting more communities to the outdoors.” — Nicole Zussman, President and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club
“Kestrel Land Trust is grateful to all those who supported this initiative across the Commonwealth. It’s heartening to know that Massachusetts residents understand the value of protecting the local farms, forests, parks, trails, and rivers that make this state such a great place to live. This new funding source will help Kestrel conserve irreplaceable lands in western Mass, for the benefit of wildlife, our local communities, and visitors alike.” — Kristin DeBoer, Executive Director of Kestrel Land Trust
“The Charles River Watershed Association is beyond thrilled to celebrate the passage of Question 6 to create a Nature for All Fund and we appreciate voters’ support. Increasing investments in our natural resources, including restored wetlands and cleaner waterways, will improve quality of life for communities in Greater Boston and throughout Massachusetts.” — Emily Norton, Executive Director, Charles River Watershed Association
Background
Question 6, the ‘Protect Water and Nature’ initiative, will dedicate funds from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to protecting and conserving water and nature — without raising taxes. Question 6 will create a dedicated Nature for All Fund with as much as $100 million each year to support the conservation and restoration of water and natural areas in Massachusetts, protect the quality of our drinking water and natural wildlife habitats, and support the creation and improvement of parks, trails, greenspaces, and other outdoor recreation spaces.
The Nature for All Fund will be funded by the state’s existing sales tax on sporting goods like camping gear, golf clubs, and fishing equipment — not by creating a new tax. Question 6 allocates just 0.16% of the state’s $63.4 billion annual budget, but it will make a big difference for land and water. Question 6 will also establish a public oversight board that would approve all expenditures from the fund, with strict annual reporting requirements to track every dollar spent.
Question 6 was supported by a diverse coalition of more than 130 environmental, conservation, and community organizations and businesses throughout Massachusetts, including the state’s leading nonprofit land and water conservation groups such as Mass Audubon, The Trustees, Appalachian Mountain Club, the Conservation Law Foundation, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, and Trust for Public Land, as well as dozens of local and regional groups from every corner of the state.
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The YES on 6 campaign is led by Nature for Massachusetts, a large and diverse coalition of environmental, conservation, and community organizations that seek to create a dedicated, annual revenue stream to conserve water, land, urban greenspace, outdoor recreation access, and wildlife in Massachusetts. For more information, visit natureforma.org.
