STATEMENT: Gov. Healey sets goals to protect Massachusetts wildlife, large and small

New executive order seeks to give species a ‘foothold on survival’

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order on Thursday to address and begin to remedy the challenges facing wildlife and plant species in Massachusetts. 

The order calls for the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game to “halt and reverse the loss of the variety of species and habitats of Massachusetts; and which may include policy and conservation investment targets related to land protection and connectivity, habitat and species status.” 

Researchers estimate that 40% of animals and 34% of plant species in the United States are at risk of extinction. Additionally, according to wildlife officials in states across the country, 12,000 species in the U.S. need conservation assistance. The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act protects 432 plant and animal species in the Bay State.. 

In response, Kelsey Lamp, Protect our Oceans Campaign director with Environment Massachusetts, released the following statement: 

“From the massive North Atlantic right whale off our coast to the small, buzzing American bumblebee, too many species are struggling to gain a foothold on survival. It’s a global problem that we’re also witnessing here in Massachusetts.  

“We can’t retroactively fix extinction, but we can take steps now to protect what’s left of our natural world. That’s why it’s great to see Governor Healey’s biodiversity pledge and the series of conservation goals in it. 

“Doing everything we can over the next few decades to remove threats facing our state’s declining species, on land and at sea, is crucial to create a richer, better future full of wonders.”