Dear Conservation Commissioners:

The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions has endorsed the Public Lands Preservation Act (“PLPA,” S. 2388, aka the Article 97 bill aka the No-Net-Loss bill), and we need YOUR help for it to become law.

We believe this bill is important to you.  It would strengthen your hand in your administration and preservation of conservation land. 

The bill would make it the policy of the Commonwealth to approve change in use or disposition of land acquired for natural resource purposes, which is protected by Article 97 of the constitution, only if there is no feasible alternative and if equivalent replacement land is provided, i.e., there is no net loss.  The act would cover all land under your jurisdiction.

Although MACC has endorsed the PLPA, we believe that it is important that legislators know that the bill is supported by their individual Conservation Commissions.  We ask you to take a formal vote endorsing the PLPA at your next scheduled meeting.

For more information, including a copy of the PLPA, see the fact sheet on the left side of this page and go to:http://www.protectmassenvironment.org/public_lands_preservation_act.htm

When you have voted, let us know, and let your state representative and senator know (see sample letter on left side of this page for download and modification).

Please join MACC in supporting this important legislation.

Sincerely,

Ken Pruitt