Ask your legislator to support restoring wetlands

Wetlands at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary

Mass Audubon joins partners across the state in the crucial work of restoring wetlands so that their natural functions once again can support clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience. This work has proven benefits, but progress is slowed by burdensome permitting requirements and expensive delays.

In most cases, the permits and regulations are designed to protect against the impacts of development. Ecological restoration reverses impacts of historical development, so it needs a different approach.

HD1619 and SD1066, filed by Reps. Kassner and Shand and Sen. Crighton, is a new piece of legislation for the 2025-26 session, and needs support from as many legislators as possible to gain some momentum. It contains a number of proposals that could unlock wetlands restoration work across Massachusetts without sacrificing the environmental protections provided by these permits.

Ask your legislator to cosponsor these bills.

Personal messages and stories are most effective in speaking with decision-makers. Try to personalize your message as much as possible by sharing why restoring nature matters to you.

Please note: This form only accepts responses from Massachusetts residents.

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Dear [Decision Maker],

I am writing to respectfully request that you cosponsor HD1619 and SD1066, filed by Reps. Kassner and Shand and Senator Crighton. They contain four important proposals that will help scale up the restoration of wetlands across the state:

1. Reform coastal restoration permitting for projects that do not impact public access

2. Reduce permitting burdens for low-impact invasive removal in wetlands

3. Require inter-agency coordination to streamline restoration permitting

4. Allow research and demonstration projects for new and innovative nature-based techniques. This pilot program will identify techniques that are successful and scalable, setting the stage for further progress.

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These bills would address key permitting issues for low-risk, simple restoration actions, and would be an important first step towards restoring the thousands of acres of degraded wetland across Massachusetts.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]