TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK on H.897 Hello Friends, Regarding H.897, An Act Relative to Forest Protection, we are hearing that the Committee House Chair, Representative Smitty Pignatelli, needs to hear from the lawmakers who sponsored or co-sponsored this bill. If any of these lawmakers represents you, please call them and urge them to get in touch with Rep. Pignatelli this week. Talking points and co-sponsors: H.897 would protect all Massachusetts state conservation land as parks or reserves where forest ecosystems are guided primarily by natural processes, similar to our National Parks. Testimonies already submitted include climate science experts, biodiversity experts, environmental organizations, about 3,600 concerned citizens from over160 municipalities on a petition collected in communities around the state, and numerous Massachusetts residents who have otherwise called or written to the Committee. (is anyone listening?) This bill will: • fight climate change by reducing carbon loss — as occurs with current logging activities — and by maximizing carbon sequestration; • preserve 11% of the state’s land base and 20% of forested lands, including large contiguous landscape blocks that are needed to maintain native biodiversity, offering safe havens for wildlife and humans alike; • enhance public benefits such as clean air and water, recreational opportunities, and economic diversification. This bill allows management flexibility to address public health, safety and other concerns. It would not require increased funding to implement. Please help us ensure the sentiment of thousands of residents of Massachusetts be represented in the consideration of H.897. Your representatives are here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator Rep. Susannah Whipps [The lead sponsor of our forest protection bill.] 617-722-2090 [email protected] Rep. Natalie Blais, 617-722-2425 N [email protected] Sen. Jo Comerford, 617-722-1532 [email protected] Rep. Paul Mark, 617-722-2304 [email protected] Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, 617-722-2425 L [email protected] Rep. Mindy Domb, 617-722-2425 m [email protected] Angelo Puppolo, 617-722-2006 A [email protected] Jose Tosado, 413-788-0683 J [email protected] Denise Provost, 617-722-2263 [email protected] Stephan Hay, 617-722-2637 [email protected] Mike Connolly, 617-722-2060 M [email protected] Aaron Vega, 413-650-2727 A [email protected] Sean Garballey 617-722-2090 S [email protected] Tami Gouveia, 617-722-2425 [email protected] Paul McMurtry, 617-722-2582 P [email protected] James Arciero, 617-722-2012 [email protected] Thank you! Michael Kellett Janet Sinclair .