Council Supports Question 6 to Create Natural Resource Conservation Fund

The Council is supporting Question 6, a statewide ballot measure that would create a dedicated fund for natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation. During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution supporting the measure, which will appear on the November 3, 2026 statewide ballot.

Question 6 would create a dedicated funding source of up to $100 million annually from existing sales tax revenue on purchases of items such as camping gear, golf clubs, and fishing equipment. The funding would support land conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the Commonwealth without raising taxes.

The resolution notes that conservation, climate resiliency, and access to parks, greenspace, trails, and outdoor recreation contribute to residents’ well-being and public health. A dedicated conservation fund would provide stable, long-term funding to protect forests, rivers, wildlife habitats, parks, and recreational lands while helping communities plan conservation and climate resilience projects.

The Commonwealth manages more public parkland in Boston than the City itself, including community spaces and natural areas such as the Charles River Esplanade, Stony Brook Reservation, and Southwest Corridor Park. The resolution also notes that significant undeveloped land presents opportunities to expand public access to outdoor recreation.

If approved, the Nature for All Fund could begin receiving 50 percent of the applicable tax revenue on July 1, 2027, and 100 percent beginning July 1, 2028. The measure would also establish a board of state officials and members of the public to allocate funding to eligible projects.

The Council’s resolution notes Boston’s efforts to build climate resiliency, conserve natural resources, and expand access to greenspace and outdoor recreation, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color.