The Trump administration just terminated the largest federal conservation grant in Mass Audubon’s 129-year history—$25 million meant to protect 10,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and flood-buffering land in the Connecticut River Watershed.

This land doesn’t just hold trees. It holds flood resilience for nearby towns. It holds drinking water protections. It holds habitats for native wildlife, and public access for hunting, fishing, hiking, and paddling. This wasn’t red tape—it was real, shovel-ready conservation, built on partnerships with local land trusts and science-backed tools.

Killing this grant doesn’t save money. It wastes years of planning, forfeits matching funds, and abandons 10,000 acres of land that was ready to be protected. And no real reason was given.

We’re calling on the USDA and the Trump administration to reverse the decision and reinstate Mass Audubon’s conservation funding immediately. This project matters—not just for nature, but for communities, flood prevention, and our shared future.