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Senator Brewer and Representative Kulik Honored at Climate Change Adaptation Conference

BOSTON, Mass.—At a November conference focusing on wildlife climate change adaptation State Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), and Representative Stephen Kulik (D-Worthington) were recognized by Mass Audubon and The Nature Conservancy for their leadership to restore funding for the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program for the first time in six years.

"I am thrilled to receive this award and I am honored to continue working with both The Nature Conservancy and Mass Audubon on important environmental issues," said Senator Brewer. "As a public servant whose district is comprised of rural areas, I realize how vital it is to protect the wildlife habitat and manage ecologically significant lands across the state. I am proud to receive this award on the 30th anniversary of the Heritage Program, and I pledge to continue to preserve Mother Earth."

"I was pleased to lead the successful effort this year to restore funding in the House budget for the Natural Heritage and Endangered species program," said Representative Kulik. "The protection of our state's diverse natural habitats and the species that inhabit them adds to the appreciation of our environment and enhances the quality of life that we enjoy in the Commonwealth. I will continue to strongly support Heritage, and look forward to working with our partners in the field to strike the proper balance between environmental protection and appropriate economic development that is afforded by this important program."

The biological data collected, analyzed and distributed by the Heritage Program details the abundance and needs of the rare native species found in Massachusetts's lands and waters. In addition, staff members at Heritage identify the sites that provide the best opportunities for preserving and restoring these species. This data in turn guides the work of numerous state and local agencies, land use planners, conservation commissions, and environmental organizations across the state.

After receiving strong and consistent operating funds each year, Heritage was removed from the state's budget in 2003. Since then, the Program has pieced together scarce funding through state bonds, federal grants, and voluntary contributions from state income tax forms. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Brewer and Representative Kulik, the state program received $250,000 in Governor Patrick's Fiscal Year 2009 operating budget.

"We're delighted that Senator Brewer and Representative Kulik have helped restore funds to Massachusetts' endangered species program, which is celebrating 30 years of protecting our rarest natural treasures," said Laura Johnson, president of Mass Audubon. "The proposed funds will help ensure that the animals and plants in Massachusetts that are most threatened and at risk, such as piping plovers along our beaches and bald eagles along our rivers, continue to call Massachusetts home."

"Heritage data helps government agencies, local communities and conservation organizations focus on managing and protecting the state's most significant natural resources," said Wayne Klockner, director of The Nature Conservancy's Massachusetts Chapter. "This restored funding will help the Commonwealth make informed decisions on smart growth and smart conservation, and we thank Senator Brewer and Representative Kulik for their hard work in making this happen."

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Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 34,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 200,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon's mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women's fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of 47 wildlife sanctuaries welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our conservation, education, and advocacy work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.