Stop by and sign: HCT joins ‘Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative’
Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) is collecting signatures to put the Protect Water and Nature Initiative on the November 2026 ballot in Massachusetts. It’s part of a statewide effort to dedicate funds from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to raise $100 million every year for protecting and conserving water and nature — without raising taxes.
With the mere flourish of a pen, you can help the effort to protect our rivers, lakes, forests, farms, and other natural areas. If you’re a fan of clean drinking water and access to nature, then this petition is for you!
Simply stop by the HCT office (947 Route 28 in Harwich), say “hi” to the friendly staff and volunteers, and sign the petition. The office will be open for petition signing on weekdays from Wednesday, May 13th through Friday, June 5th from 9 a.m. to noon.
A meadow in bloom at Harwich Conservation Trust’s (HCT) Muddy Creek Headwaters Preserve. Photo by Tyler Maikath
About the Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative
The Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative would create a dedicated Nature for All Fund with $100 million each year to support the conservation and restoration of water and land in Massachusetts, and to support the creation and improvement of parks, trails, greenspaces, and other outdoor recreation spaces.
By conserving natural areas, forests and wildlife habitats, the state can reduce runoff in our lakes, rivers and streams — protecting the quality of our drinking water and natural habitats.
The Nature for All Fund would be funded by the state’s existing sales tax on sporting goods such as golf clubs, RVs, and camping gear — not by creating a new tax. The law would also establish a public oversight board that would approve all expenditures from the fund.
What organizations support the Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative?
Organizations that support the Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative include:
Appalachian Mountain Club
Association to Preserve Cape Cod
Barnstable Land Trust
Brewster Conservation Trust
Chatham Conservation Foundation
Harwich Conservation Trust
Mass Audubon
Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition
Native Plant Trust
Orleans Conservation Trust
The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts
The Nature Conservancy
…and many others
For more information about the Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative, click here.
And remember to stop by the HCT office (947 Route 28 in Harwich, and sign the petition. Again the office will be open for petition signing on weekdays from Wednesday, May 13th through Friday, June 5th from 9 a.m. noon.
Many thanks from your friends at HCT!
—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.
—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.