Green groups seek $100M fund for conservation

BOSTON — The state would be required to set aside $100 million in taxpayer money for land and water conservation under a proposal inching toward the 2026 ballot.

Backers of the “Protect Water and Nature” ballot initiative say they have collected more than 90,000 signatures from voters who support the measure, clearing a major hurdle in the qualifying process. Those signatures were due to be submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office by Dec. 3.