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Environmental Justice at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

All people have a right to be protected from environmental hazards and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthy environment.

As the steward of one of the largest and most diverse park systems in the country, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) works to nurture the vital connection between people and the environment while ensuring its properties are safe, welcoming, and accessible to all residents and visitors of Massachusetts. Through the agency’s Environmental Justice Strategy, DCR is removing barriers to outdoor recreation, expanding language access, strengthening public engagement, and investing in historically underserved communities so everyone can benefit from the natural, cultural, and recreational resources we manage and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands.

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What is Environmental Justice and how does the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) define it?

Environmental Justice (EJ) is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental hazards and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. EJ is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits.

Environmental Justice (“EJ”) Population means: (1) a Neighborhood that meets one or more of the following criteria: (a) the annual median household income is not more than 65 percent of the statewide annual median household income; (b) minorities comprise 40 percent or more of the population; (c) 25 percent or more of households lack English language proficiency; or (d) minorities comprise 25 percent or more of the population and the annual median household income of the municipality in which the neighborhood is located does not exceed 150 percent of the statewide annual median household income; or (2) a geographic portion of a neighborhood designated by the Secretary of EEA as an EJ population in accordance with the law.  - Environmental Justice Policy of Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, June 21, 2004.

Important Links

DCR Environmental Justice Strategy 2024 
View Environmental Justice Population Maps 
DCR Language Access Plan 
Request a Translation of Mass DCR Document 
Draft MassEnviroScreen Mapping tool 

DCR Programs in Environmental Justice Communities

Our focus extends beyond providing equitable access to green spaces—we are actively integrating climate resiliency and environmental stewardship into our programs and policies. Below are just some of the ways DCR is working to promote Environmental Justice and ensure that our services are accessible to all.

Greening the Gateway Cities Program  DCR Summer Nights Program  Universal Access Program  Community Wood Bank Program  Borrow a DCR Park Pass from Library  Commission on the Future of Metropolitan Beaches  DCR Project Shade  Charles River Task Force on Equitable River Access  Steering Committee to Build Forest Stewardship for a Just and Resilient Future 

Funding Opportunities Across EEA Related to Environmental Justice

Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO One Stop)  Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Grants Management System  Environmental Justice Fund Opportunities at the Attorney General's Office  MassDEP Air Sensor Grant (Deadline December 31, 2026) 

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