Mission Statement
SEMPBA is non-profit, all-volunteer group dedicated to preserving the Pine Barrens and all of the other natural communities within the Southeastern Massachusetts Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Ecoregion.
This ecoregion is the 2nd largest coastal pine barrens remaining in the world. It extends from Duxbury through Cape Cod and the Islands, and as far inland as Middleborough. It contains more biodiversity than any other area in the Commonwealth, which is threatened by development, abuse and lack of coordinated management. If you love nature and iive in the region, please volunteer or become a member and help support SEMPBA's mission.
We believe that by fostering learning opportunities and building a network of conservation groups, businesses and individuals for more effective advocacy, we will be able to turn around the escalating trend of rapidly disappearing and deteriorating natural communities within the greater pine barrens of SE Mass. and move towards a future of cooperative living between humankind and the natural world.
Description
SEMPBA’s Mission and Work:
SEMPBA is non-profit, all-volunteer group dedicated to preserving the Pine Barrens and all of the other natural communities within the Southeastern Massachusetts Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Ecoregion.
If you love nature and iive in the region, please volunteer or become a member and help support SEMPBA's mission.
1) Found a regional alliance of conservation-minded citizens and businesses, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. Developing the Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Conservation Directory and a Pine Barrens Community Conservation Center in the heart of the Pine Barrens.
2) Establish an assessment program in cooperationwith state and local agencies, in order to prioritize lands for the purposes of protection, restoration and creating conservation corridors.Pine Barrens Natural Communities Assessment Training Program.
3) Develop a database of research regarding the region’s pine barrens, and serve as a clearinghouse and information center for the public, regional environmental organizations, government agencies and conservation-minded businesses. Developing a Online Pine Barrens Resource Library and the Pine Barrens Conservation Center Resource Room.
4) Promote "smart growth" (low-impact development) and sustainable recreation in the region--Promoting Open Space Residential Design Model Bylaws for every town in the Pine Barrens region.
5) Convene public forums on issues affecting the region’s environment, public health, social well being, and the economic benefits derived locally, regionally and nationally by protecting and maintaining a healthy pine barrens ecology.Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Conservation Forum February 5-6, Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
6) Create learning opportunities for residents and tourists to raise public understanding, through hands-on activities and virtual reality, of why protection of the region is critical.Opening the first Pine Barrens Community Conservation Center in Massachusetts!
7) Encourage theinvolvement ofhome and business owners in the stewardship of land and water resources, through the promotion of native plant landscaping that expand wildlife corridors, maintain biodiversity, and retain the area’s natural pine barrens character. Go Native! A SEMPBA program to encourage homeowners, businesses and towns to landscape with plants indigenous to Southeastern Massachusetts.
8) Celebrate and highlight the region’s natural, historic and cultural resources, through media, public programs and events. The Pine Barrens Multicultural Celebration, PINE FEST, coming May 30, 2015. You are invited!
9) Initiate restoration projects in the Pine Barrens. Partnering with Wildland Restoration International to identify and facilitate Pine Barrens land restoration and management programs, including the use of prescribed fire!
