UMass Extension - Public Issues

Public Issues

Natural Resource-based Economic Development

Massachusetts relies on its forests, soils, waters, and scenic landscapes to provide employment, income, natural resource products, recreational opportunities; tourism and ecosystem services that meet its citizens’ needs and drive its local economies. Maintaining a healthy local economy is a major concern for many communities in Massachusetts and the value of their natural resources serves as a major incentive for their conservation. Natural resource based businesses (agriculture, equine industries, forest based businesses, fishing, shellfish, outdoor recreation and tourism, horticultural green industries, and turf) can have a substantial, positive impact on the health of local economies and are important tools for helping to maintain open space. UMass Extension will support natural resource based businesses through research, education and informed policy for the benefit of the entire commonwealth.

Food Production

The capacity to produce food locally is an important component of our quality of life and food security; it fosters sustainable, land-based economic development and reduces transportation-related energy consumption. Maintaining food production capacity includes viable and sustainable agriculture, commercial fishing, shellfish harvesting, maple sugaring, as well as the maintenance of agricultural land whether or not it is currently being used to produce food.

Water Resource Protection

Adequate supplies of clean water are critical to public health and quality of life, food and fiber production, maintenance of healthy terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystems, and economic sustainability of Massachusetts communities. Water resources are affected by a wide range of activities including development, storm water management, agricultural and natural resources based business activities, water withdrawals, and industrial activities.

Land Use Management

Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the nation. In the 2000 U.S. Census, MA had about 810 persons per square mile, while New Jersey had nearly 1135, with Rhode Island in between. The Brookings Institution forecasts that the U.S. population will hit 400 million by 2043, if current immigration increases, and birth rates and birth/death ratios continue roughly in the same proportions. The rate of land consumption for residential development is steadily increasing, far out of proportion to its population growth; the MA Audubon Losing Ground studies showed that in the early 2000s, MA was losing about 40 acres a day of active agricultural, horticultural and forestry land to development. The recent Pioneer/Rappaport Institute studies on regulatory barriers to affordable housing in MA demonstrate that more than half of the land in the study area is zoned for 1 and 2 acre single family house lots. Not surprisingly, MA has been among the top four states in median housing costs for at least 25 years.

Ecosystem Management, Protection and Restoration

In addition to traditional resources such as water, fisheries, wildlife and forest products, natural systems are valued for open space, aesthetics and recreational opportunities. Ecosystems also provide benefits that are difficult to measure such as climate regulation, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and the maintenance of environmental quality. Recognition that many of the products we use every day and the drugs used to treat medical ailments were derived from wild or once wild organisms has heightened awareness of the importance of biodiversity. Protection of biodiversity—the sum total of living organisms and the ecosystems that support them—is increasingly being viewed as both an ethical and economic imperative.

Nutrition and Health

Healthful lifestyle behaviors such as eating nutritious food, handling food safely, being physically active, and having regular health screenings can lead to a longer and more productive life. These behaviors can also prevent the harmful effects of many chronic diseases. Forming healthful behaviors during childhood is especially important to future health.

Youth Development and Engagement

Americans are concerned about preparing youth for the challenges of the 21st century. While this concern has recently focused on standardized tests, academic achievement is only one component of preparation for citizenship and workforce participation. Young people also need to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes for good health, environmental stewardship, creative expression, and community service.