Americans Invest in Parks & Open Space

Transcription

1 LandVote 00 Americans Invest in Parks & Open Space

2 The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and wide open spaces, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Conservation Finance Program TPL s Conservation Finance Program assists land trusts, communities, and states in creating and expanding sources of public funding for land conservation. Since 995, TPL has helped pass more than 70 local and state ballot measures that have generated over $8 billion in new funding for parks and open space. Visit TPL on the web at to learn about Conservation Finance: Strategies: The nuts and bolts on raising state and local conservation funds Local Case Studies: Real-life stories from successful county and municipal conservation finance measures State Funding Profiles: Summary information on state funding for parks and open space conservation Services: A complete listing of TPL s Conservation Finance services and information on TPL s team of experts The Land Trust Alliance, founded in 98, promotes voluntary land conservation across the country and provides resources, leadership and training to the nation s,00-plus nonprofit, grassroots land trusts, helping them to protect important open spaces. Visit LTA on the web at to learn about: LTA in Your Region: Programs, grants, training, and more for local land trusts Public Policy: Supporting land trusts land conservation goals Publications: Books, videos, brochures, and more for land trusts, attorneys, financial advisers, and landowners Finding a Land Trust: Locate local land trusts in your area Copyright 00 by The Trust for Public Land Land Trust Alliance All rights reserved

3 January 00 Dear Friends: In 00, American voters in 4 communities and states passed $0 billion in conservation ballot measures - of which we estimate $5.7 billion is dedicated to local and state land acquisition, restoration, and protection. Introduction LandVote 00 - both in this published form and on-line at - is the most authoritative annual accounting of ballot measures to fund parks, water quality protection, farmland preservation, and other important open space needs. LandVote 00 documents that Americans, regardless of political affiliations, are strongly committed to land conservation and will devote hardearned tax dollars for this purpose. The results of LandVote 00 are inspiring to land trusts, public officials, and others dedicated to open space protection. LandVote 00 s many stories of community vision, successful coalition-building, ballot measure development, and campaign strategy will help those who are committed to protecting parks and open space in their communities. We urge more cities, towns, and states to consider ballot measures to fund timesensitive land conservation priorities. We further recommend that LandVote 00, and the experience and knowledge of both The Trust for Public Land and the Land Trust Alliance, can serve as resources for you in these efforts. TPL and LTA look forward to working with you on your important conservation endeavors in the future. Thank you very much. Will Rogers President The Trust for Public Land Rand Wentworth President Land Trust Alliance

4 Contents National Overview... Frequently Asked Questions... West Region... Rocky Mountain Region... 5 Southwest Region... Midwest Region... 8 Southeast Region... 0 Mid-Atlantic Region... New England Region... 5 Ten Ways to Increase Public Open Space Funds... 8

5 MEASURES 00 LOCAL MEASURE PASSED STATEWIDE MEASURE PASSED Americans Vote to Protect Open Space The active support of American voters for local and state land conservation funding continued to grow in 00. Three-quarters of all local and state conservation-related ballot measures passed: of the 89 measures in 8 states, 4 passed. These measures generated $0 billion in conservation-related funding including an estimated $5.7 billion specifically for land acquisition and restoration. The approval rate was particularly high on November 5, 00 when 95 of measures were approved by voters nationwide. This 85 percent approval rate was a marked increase over the 75 percent of measures approved on general election day in November 00. Measures passed on November 5, 00 yielded $.9 billion for conservation-related purposes, including approximately $.9 billion in local and state funding for land acquisition and restoration. National Overview Land Conservation Voting Results measures 74 measures 7 measures 4 measures passed (90%) passed (8%) passed (70%) passed (75%) $.8 B $7.5 B $.7 B $5.7 B created created created created Largest State Measures Passed in 00 Location Total Measure Open Space Yes No California Proposition 40 $. B $. B 57% 4% Proposition 50 $.4 B $.5 B 55% 45% Nevada Question $00 M $89.5 M 59% 4% Virginia Question $9 M $.5 M 9% % M= Million B = Billion Largest Local Measures Passed in 00 Location Total Measure Open Space Yes No East Southampton, NY $00 M $00 M 9% % Massachusetts (CPA) $4 M $48 M N/A N/A East Hampton, NY $95 M $95 M 7% 9% Northampton, PA $7 M $7 M 5% 5% Brookhaven, NY $0 M $0 M 7% 9% South Charleston, SC $. B $.5 M 0% 40% Collier, FL $75 M.7 M 59% 4% Flagler, FL $.7 M $.7 M 74% % Midwest Wilmette PD, IL $5 M $5 M 55% 45% Dakota, MN $0 M $0 M 57% 4% Kendall, IL $5 M $5 M 4% % West Fort Collins, CO $50 M $0 M 5% 5% Eagle CO $5 M $5 M 50.% 49.8% Maui, HI $0 M $0 M 7% 7% Coconino, AZ $ M $9.8 M % 8% Kirkland, WA $8.4 M $5.5 M 4% % Lake Oswego, OR $9.8 M $4.5 M 58% 4% Abbreviations and Symbols Used County Bor. Borough Twp. Township Ð District PD Park District P&RD Park and Recreation District RD Recreation District WCD Water Conservancy District CPA Community Preservation Act Massachusetts TBD To Be Determined by administrative action City or Town Measure County Measure Statewide Measure

6 Frequently Asked Questions What do the results in LandVote 00 say about open space protection in America? LandVote documents remarkable and consistent support for open space protection among voters across the United States. The results in LandVote make clear that Americans care deeply about parks and other special places and that they will raise their own taxes to protect them. Can my county, town, or state seek to pass an open space ballot measure to conserve land? While laws and practices vary widely in the 50 states, virtually any community can enact a ballot measure to increase local open space funding. Success usually depends on a strong commitment to open space, local leadership, and sustained hard work over a period of time. How can my community get started? The Conservation Finance Program of The Trust for Public Land assists communities and states that seek to enact measures to create and expand public funding for parks and open space. In conjunction with the Land Trust Alliance and other partners, TPL s program works directly with elected and appointed officials, land trusts, and others on the key components of conservation finance, including: fiscal and legal research; design of ballot measures; public opinion surveys; message development and communications; and campaign management. Are all open space ballot measures the same? No. Ballot measures are as unique as American communities. One major distinguishing factor is whether a measure is an initiative or a referendum. A referendum is referred to voters by a town or city council, a county board of commissioners, or a state legislature. An initiative is placed on the ballot by citizens petition. Laws governing ballot measures also vary widely from state to state, where a measure may be called a proposition or an article. How are the major types of conservation funding calculated by LandVote? LandVote tracks two major types of conservation funding measures. The first type are measures that authorize sales, property, excise, and other taxes to pay for conservation. These are often called pay as you go funding sources. When a ballot measure authorizes a new tax, LandVote counts the estimated revenue generated for the duration of the tax. When the tax is not limited to a specific term, a duration of 0 years is used to generate the figure. In all cases the total funds generated over the life of the measure are conservatively estimated and do not reflect likely increases in the tax base. When a ballot measure increases an existing open space tax, LandVote counts only the value of the added increment. A second type of measure is the bond measure a ballot question that authorizes the use of bonded indebtedness (general obligation bonds) for the purpose of financing capital improvements such as land conservation. In tabulating results for 00, LandVote counts the face value of the bonds authorized, rather than the much higher value of repaying the bonds in the future. Bonds usually extend for 0 or 0 years. When a measure s duration is not specified, LandVote estimates its revenue on a 0-year duration. How does LandVote estimate all the amounts from ballot measures in 00? LandVote tabulates local and state conservation ballot measures in two ways: ) the total measure funding for land acquisition and restoration, and all other purposes, and ) the open space funding for land acquisition, restoration, and protection. Both sets of figures document and help explain the substantial voter support that exists for conservation and the voters willingness to pay for conservation.

7 West Summary Funds Approved State Measures % Passed Total Measure Open Space Alaska 0% California 7 8% $,70,450,000 $,85,00,000 Hawaii 00% $5,000,000 $5,000,000 Nevada 00% $00,000,000 $89,500,000 Oregon 5 0% $9,750,00 $4,550,000 Washington 4 50% $,900,000 $,000, Washington Oregon Nevada West Region Alaska Hawaii 7 California 4 5 West Region 00 Election Results Funds Approved State Jurisdiction Date Yes No Description Total Measure Open Space AK Anchorage Apr. Fail 40% 0% Proposition E, bond for sports fields CA Statewide Mar. 5 Pass 57% 4% Proposition 40, bond for clean water, air, $,00,000,000 $,00,000,000 parks, farmland, coastal protection CA Statewide Nov. 5 Fail 4% 59% Proposition 5, 0% of state revenues collected on motor vehicle sales tax to be allocated for transportation programs, land conservation CA Statewide Nov. 5 Pass 55% 45% Proposition 50, bond for a variety of water $,440,000,000 $,500,000,000 projects, including coastal land protection CA Oakland Nov. 5 Pass 80% 0% Measure DD, bond for parks, recreation, $98,50,000 TBD water quality projects, open space CA Santa Aug. Pass 77% % Bond for open space in the Santa $5,00,000 $5,00,000 Monica, Ð Monica Mountains CA Santa Aug. Pass 8% % Bond for open space in the Santa See District Monica, Ð Monica Mountains CA Valley Nov. 5 Pass % 9% Proposition GG, $4 per parcel tax increase $,00,000 TBD Center P&RD for open space, parks, recreation HI Kauai Nov. 5 Pass 7% 7%.5% of existing property tax revenues $5,000,000 5,000,000 earmarked for open space, natural resources HI Maui No. 5 Pass 7% 7% % (minimum) of real property tax revenue $0,000,000 $0,000,000 for open space, natural resources, cultural resources, scenic views NV Statewide Nov. 5 Pass 59% 4% Question, bond to preserve water quality $00,000,000 $89,500,000 and protect wildlife habitat, open space, historic and cultural resources OR Salem Nov. 5 Fail 45% 55% Measure 4-79, bond for parks OR Lake Nov. 5 Pass 58% 4% Measure -9, bond for parks, open $9,750,000 $4,550,000 Oswego space, pathways OR Troutdale Nov 5 Fail 47% 5% Measure -4, bond for parkland, greenways OR West Linn May Fail 48% 5% Measure -7, bond for parkland and athletic fields OR West Linn Mar. Fail 49.8% 50.% Measure -5, bond for parkland and athletic fields WA Bellevue Sept. 7 Fail* 59% 4% Bond for parks, open space WA Bellevue Nov. 5 Fail* 57% 4% Bond for parks, open space WA Kirkland Nov. 5 Pass 4% % Bonds for open space, natural areas, $8,400,000 $5,500,000 wildlife habitat, playgrounds, playfields, parks WA Spokane Nov. 5 Pass 0% 40% 5-year, per $,000 property tax extension $5,500,000 $5,500,000 for open space, water quality, agricultural land * Measures need 0 percent majority to pass The overwhelming voter support for this Maui County measure clearly demonstrates the public s commitment to protecting and preserving Hawaii s most precious resource: our open spaces, breathtaking views and unobstructed beaches. We ve made one of the most visionary investments we can make in our children s future. Dale B. Bonar Director Maui Coastal Land Trust, HI

8 Kirkland, Washington Votes for Parks and Open Space West Region (continued) In the end, the community had to sell the measure to the community, said Nona Ganz, co-chair of the Kirkland Parks Now campaign, which spearheaded passage of an $8.4 million parks and open space bond measure approved on November 5. Kirkland lies twenty minutes north of Seattle on the shores of Lake Washington. Ganz knows the community well, having served on the city s parks board and as a city councilwoman for ten years. She is also a member of the Cascade Land Conservancy, with a longstanding personal commitment to conserving wetlands and open space. Does Ganz have advice for those seeking to protect land and create parks in their own community? Get key endorsements from community leaders and organizations early on. Raise money. And involve the whole community in the project. Photo: Douglas Peebles Ganz persuaded a wide variety of residents and organizations to join the campaign to pass Kirkland s park and open space measure, including businesses, neighborhood associations, the P.T.A., sports groups, Rotarians, the Chamber of Commerce, and even the local hospital. The Trust for Public Land lent its campaign expertise. A large contingent of supporters called attention to the measure by marching in Kirkland s annual July 4 parade. An army of volunteers fanned out across the city to hand out campaign flyers doorto-door and launched a get-out-the-vote drive before the election. Getting people to volunteer often tested Ganz s powers of persuasion. I called myself the perfect nag, she said. There was a lot of twisting arms. Kaapahee, HI Photo: Phil Schermeister In the end, the community had to sell the measure to the community. Nona Ganz, co-chair of Kirkland Parks Now The hard work and persistence paid off. Despite the economic downturn that drove voters in Washington State to reject other ballot measures this year, in Kirkland 5 percent of voters supported the new parks and open space program. The bond money is earmarked for several current projects, with $5.5 million set aside for open space acquisition. Upper Sacramento River, CA 4

9 Idaho Montana Wyoming Rocky Mountain Summary Funds Approved State Measures % Passed Total Measure Open Space Colorado 90% $7,000,79 $7,00,79 Utah 00% $0,000,000 TBD Rocky Mountain Region Utah Colorado Rocky Mountain Region 00 Election Results Funds Approved State Jurisdiction Date Yes No Description Total Measure Open Space CO Bent Nov. 5 Pass 55% 45% 0-year,.5 mill property tax to create $55,000,000 $55,000,000 and fund the Lower Arkansas Valley WCD CO Crowley Nov. 5 Pass % 4% 0-year,.5 mill property tax to create see Bent and fund the Lower Arkansas Valley WCD CO Eagle Nov. 5 Pass 50.% 49.8% -year,.5 mill property tax increase for $5,000,79 $5,000,79 open space, farmland, water protection CO Fort Nov. 5 Pass 5% 5% Issue D, 5-year,.5% sales tax extension $50,000,000 $0,000,000 Collins for open space, wildlife habitat, farmland, recreation areas CO Greeley Nov. 5 Pass 55% 45% Issue A, 0-year,.% sales tax increase $4,000,000 $4,00,000 for parks, recreation CO Hyland May 7 Pass 7% 8% Bond for park improvements, open $8,000,000 $4,000,000 Hills P&RD space acquisition CO Louisville Nov. 5 Pass 4% % Issue D, 0-year,.75% sales tax extension $5,000,000 $5,000,000 for open space, trails, parks CO Otero Nov. 5 Pass 7% % 0-year,.5 mill property tax to create see Bent and fund the Lower Arkansas Valley WCD CO Prowers Nov. 5 Pass 4% % 0-year,.5 mill property tax to create see Bent and fund the Lower Arkansas Valley WCD CO Pueblo Nov. 5 Pass % 8% 0-year,.5 mill property tax to create see Bent and fund the Lower Arkansas Valley WCD CO Ouray Nov. 5 Fail 48% 5% -year, % use tax on building materials for conservation, acquisition, protection of open space UT Cache Nov. 5 Pass 59% 4% 0-year sales tax increase for recreation, arts, $0,000,000 TBD and parks, including land acquisition UT Park City Nov. 5 Pass 80% 0% Bond measure for parks, open space $0,000,000 TBD This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to protect access to our public lands and conserve our western heritage. Arn Menconi Commissioner Eagle County, CO 5

10 4 Oklahoma Southwest Region Arizona New Mexico Texas Southwest Summary Funds Approved State Measures % Passed Total Measure Open Space Arizona 00% $,000,000 $9,800,00 New Mexico 00% $4,000,000 $,00,000 Oklahoma 00% $,0,0 $,0,0 Texas 7 4% $05,000,000 $8,700,000 I have always hoped that people would take care of the land, for the land is our mother This sales tax will go to the people. It will go to taking care of the land. Louise Yellowman Coconino County Supervisor, AZ Southwest Region 00 Election Results Funds Approved State Jurisdiction Date Yes No Description Total Measure Open Space AZ Coconino Nov. 5 Pass % 8% 0-year, ⅛ sales tax increase for parks, $,000,000 $9,800,000 wetlands, forests, open space NM Sante Fe Apr. 9 Pass 77% %.5% gross receipts tax for open space, $4,000,000 $,00,000 trails, wastewater programs OK Moore Nov. 5 Pass 57% 4% Bond for parkland acquisition $9,0 $9,0 OK Sand Apr. Pass 58% 4% Bond for parks, recreation $,00,000 $,00,000 Springs TX Frisco Sept.4 Pass 8% 9% Bond for parks, hiking, biking trails $5,500,000 $5,00,000 TX Highland May 4 Fail 45% 55% Bond for open space Village TX Highland May 4 Fail 8% % Bond for open space Village TX Highland May 4 Fail 40% 0% Bond for open space Village TX Highland May 4 Fail 8% % Bond for open space Village TX Lewisville Sept.4 Pass 7% 4%.5 sales tax for library, parks $7,000,000 TBD TX Pasadena Aug. Pass 7% 8% Bond for parks, recreation $,500,000 $,500,000 Photo: Maggie Heinzel-Neel Photo: Jane Bernard Santa Fe Railyard/ Farmers Market, Santa Fe, NM Taos Valley Overlook in Taos, NM

11 Working Together to Protect Land in Arizona Conservation groups, elected officials and the Navajo Nation joined forces this year to support a $ million open space and parks ballot measure in Coconino County, Arizona. It takes many people working together to get something like this done, said county supervisor Matt Ryan, pointing to the bipartisanship and coalition-building that led to success on election day. The diverse county landscape includes desert, forest, the Grand Canyon, the city of Flagstaff, and the Navajo Nation reservation. The new bond measure will fund parks and open space projects across the county, including the first park in Tuba City, a community of 0,000 people on the Navajo reservation. Ray Russell of the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department made the reason he supported the park measure clear: For our children, grandchildren, and the future of all the coming generations. Coconino County already includes vast tracts of public land, but areas like Flagstaff and Tuba City, where development is channeled, are starting to feel the squeeze of sprawl. We re a small enough community so we haven t seen the big impacts from sprawl yet, but our population is increasing. Ryan said. This money gives us another tool to plan for the future. Photo: Nevada Wier Coconino parks director Todd Graeff and his staff worked tirelessly to identify the counties priorities and to involve all interested parties in the design of the measure. A coalition of conservation groups including the Grand Canyon Trust, The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land played a key role in the campaign. It takes many people working together to get something like this done Matt Ryan, Coconino County Supervisor On November 5, more than 0 percent voted for the new program, which will be funded through a 0- year, ⅛ cent sales tax. The measure is aimed at parks and preserving open space. Other priorities include protecting aquifers, forests, wetlands, wildlife corridors, and historic and cultural sites. Of the total, $9.8 million has been earmarked specifically for new land acquisition. Photo: Lin Adler Southwest Region (continued) Los Morteros, Tuscon, AZ Virgin River Confluence/West Hurricane, UT 7

12 North Dakota Midwest Region South Dakota Nebraska Minnesota Iowa Wisconsin Illinois 0 9 Michigan Indiana Ohio Kansas Missouri Kendall County is facing tremendous development pressure from the sprawling Chicago metropolis. By protecting open space, the citizens in Kendall County will be able to at least control some of this growth. By passing the first ever forest preserve open space referendum in Kendall County, the forest preserve district will be able to double its land holdings. Brook McDonald Executive Director The Conservation Foundation Naperville, IL Midwest Region 00 Election Results Funds Approved State Jurisdiction Date Yes No Description Total Measure Open Space IL Barrington Mar. 9 Pass % 9% Bond for 55-acre parcel for recreation $,500,000 $,500,000 PD IL Frankfort Mar. 9 Pass 9% % Bond for park district including acquisition $5,00,9 $,50,49 Square PD IL Fremont Mar. 9 Fail 4% 57% Bond to create open space district to Twp. purchase farmland, open space IL Kendall Nov. 5 Pass 4% % Bond to purchase open space, drinking water $5,000,000 $5,000,000 supplies, natural corridors, wildlife habitat IL Lake Forest Nov. 5 Pass 9% % Bond to purchase 5 acres of open space $,000,000 $,000,000 IL Wilmette Mar. 9 Pass 55% 45% Bond for historic buildings, open space $5,000,000 $5,000,000 PD MI Ada Twp. Nov. 5 Pass 5% 48% 5 -year,.4 mill property tax for parks, $,87,0 $,50,000 open space MI Grosse Nov. 5 Fail 44% 5% Proposition, -year, mill property tax Ile Twp. increase for open space Midwest Summary Funds Approved State Measures % Passed Total Measure Open Space Illinois 8% $5,50,9 $48,750,49 Michigan 4 75% $8,7,0 $7,050,000 Minnesota 00% $0,000,000 $0,000,000 Ohio 00% $,000,000 $,000,000 MI Grosse Nov. 5 Pass 57% 4% Proposition, -year, mill property tax $,,000 $,,000 Ile Twp. extension for open space MI Peninsula Nov. 5 Pass 59% 4% 0-year,.75 mill property tax increase for $,5,000 $,5,000 Twp. farmland development rights, open space MN Dakota. Nov. 5 Pass 57% 4% Bond to protect farmland, open space, $0,000,000 $0,000,000 Co water, natural areas OH Lucas Nov. 5 Pass % 9% 0-year,.-mill property tax increase for $,000,000 $,000,000 Metro. PD parks, open space 8

13 Dakota County, Minnesota Protects Farmland and Natural Areas People care about the environment and are willing to pay to protect it when the benefits are clear and close to home, said Whitney Clark, Executive Director of the Friends of the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota. This year, Clark s group helped lead a successful campaign to preserve farmland and natural areas in Dakota County, which lies south of Minneapolis/St. Clark pointed in particular to voters in rural areas. The salt-of-the-earth farmers and farmland preservationists were on-board from the beginning. From the start, the campaign sought and won key endorsements from newspapers and other community leaders, limiting opposition to the measure. In addition, Clark credited The Trust for Public Land for laying the groundwork for the Midwest Region (continued) People care about the environment and are willing to pay to protect it when the benefits are clear and close to home Whitney Clark, Executive Director Friends of the Mississippi River Paul. Although suburbia is spreading across much of the landscape near the Twin Cities, Dakota County still includes large pockets of open space and environmentally sensitive land, with rural farmland predominating in the southern portion of the county. Dubbed the Farmland and Natural Areas Project, the $0 million bond measure focused on protecting both working farms and open space. The measure galvanized support in all parts of the county, and campaign, assisting with fundraising, and conducting polls that identified water conservation as a key concern for residents. Ultimately, Clark said the success of the bond measure in 00 dramatizes the bipartisan support for open space in the county, which this year voted for Republican candidates including Senator Norm Coleman and Governor Tim Pawlenty. We reached out to everyone, Clark explained, nobody s vote was taken for granted. Photo: Tom Evers Namekagen River, Bayfield County, WI 9

14 Kentucky Southeast Region Arkansas Louisiana Southeast Summary Funds Approved State Measures % Passed Total Measure Open Space Florida 4 00% $88,00,000 $78,50,000 South Carolina 50% $,0,0,000 $,500,000 Tennessee Alabama Mississippi Georgia North Carolina South Carolina Florida 5 4 The public sees the urgency. Land is not going to be available in the future. Southeast Region 00 Election Results Funds Approved Doug Anderson, County Manager, St. Lucie County, FL State Jurisdiction Date Yes No Description Total Measure Open Space 4 5 FL Collier Nov. 5 Pass 59% 4% 0-year,.5 mill property tax increase to $75,000,000 $,750,000 preserve environmentally-sensitive land, focusing on biological value, accessibility FL Flagler Nov. 5 Pass 74% % Bond for environmentally-sensitive land, $,700,000 $,700,000 water recharge, parks FL Palm Nov. 5 Pass % 8% Bond for parks, recreation, cultural facilities, $50,000,000 $,000,000 Beach including acquisition of coastal properties FL St. Lucie Nov. 5 Pass 5% 48% 0-year,.5 mill property tax increase for $5,900,000 $,00,000 parks, open space, trails, recreation land SC Charleston Nov. 5 Pass 0% 40% 5-year,.5 sales tax for roads, public $,0,0,000 $,500,000 transportation, parks, greenspace SC Greenville Nov. 5 Fail 4% 59% -year, % sales tax increase for parks Photo: Billy Weeks Photo: Billy Weeks Walnut Bridge Chattanooga Greenway, Chattanooga, TN Chattanooga Greenway, Chattanooga, TN 0

15 West Virginia Pennsylvania Virginia New York New Jersey Delaware 0 Maryland Mid-Atlantic Summary Funds Approved State Measures % Passed Total Measure Open Space Maryland 00% $0,050,000 $4,55,000 New Jersey 8% $50,90,0 $,50,0 New York 9% $4,4,4 $4,4,4 Pennsylvania 5 00% $5,450,000 $5,450,000 Virginia 00% $0,48,500 $0,000, Mid-Atlantic Region Mid-Atlantic Region 00 Election Results Funds Approved State Jurisdiction Date Yes No Description Total Measure Open Space MD Baltimore Nov. 5 Pass 7% 7% Question J, bond to purchase farmland $4,500,000 $4,500,000 development easements MD Baltimore Nov. 5 Pass 75% 5% Question E, bond for parks, recreation areas $5,550,000 $5,000 NJ Berkeley Nov. 5 Pass 74% % per $00 property tax increase for open $4,984,0 $4,984,0 Twp. space, farmland, historic preservation NJ Branchburg Nov. 5 Pass 5% 47% per $00 property tax increase for open $8,7,87 $8,7,87 space, recreation lands, farmland, land maintenance NJ Carteret Nov. 5 Pass 4% % per $00 property tax increase for $,900,000 $,900,000 open space NJ Clifton Nov. 5 Fail 45% 55%.5 per $00 property tax increase for open space, conservation easements, recreation lands NJ Clinton Nov. 5 Pass % 4% 5 per $00 property tax extended for five $,800,000 $,800,000 years for open space then revert to per $00 NJ Delanco Nov. 5 Fail 48% 5%.5 per $00 property tax increase for Twp. open space, recreation lands, farmland, historic preservation 9 NJ East Nov. 5 Fail 49.% 50.4% per $00 property tax increase for open Greenwich space, recreation lands, farmland, Twp. historic preservation NJ Elk Twp. Nov. 5 Pass 8% % per $00 property tax increase for open $0,000 $0,000 space, farmland preservation easements NJ Hardwick Nov. 5 Pass % 8% per $00 property tax increase for open $80,000 $80,000 space, recreation lands, farmland, historic preservation, drinking water protection NJ Harrison Nov. 5 Pass 7% % per $00 property tax increase to replace $,0,57 $,0,57 Twp. previous funding mechanisms for open space, recreation lands, farmland, historic preservation, drinking water protection NJ Hazlet Nov. 5 Fail 49.7% 50.% per $00 property tax increase for open space NJ Hillsdale Nov. 5 Pass 58% 4% per $00 property tax increase for $,0,000 $,0,000 open space NJ Hopewell Nov. 5 Pass % 7% per $00 property tax increase for $4,0,000 $4,0,000 open space, recreation lands, farmland, historic preservation NJ Jefferson Nov. 5 Pass % 4% per $00 property tax increase for $,480,000 $,480,000 open space continued on page

16 Mid-Atlantic Region (continued) These votes confirm that long-term investments in Virginia s future are a priority, even in the current economic times. The message from voters is keep Virginia moving, and that s what we intend to do. Mark R. Warner Governor, VA continued from page NJ Keyport Nov. 5 Pass % 8%.5 per $00 property tax increase for $,,0 $,,0 open space, recreation lands, farmland, historic preservation NJ Kinnelon Nov. 5 Pass % 7% per $00 property tax increase for $,0,000 $,0,000 Borough open space, recreation lands, farmland, historic preservation NJ Lebanon. Nov. 5 Pass % 4% per $00 property tax increase for open $,755, $,755, Twp space, farmland, conservation easements NJ Lincoln Nov. 5 Pass 5% 44% per $00 property tax increase for open $,940,000 $,940,000 Park space, recreation lands, conservation NJ Livingston Nov. 5 Pass 7% 4% Up to per $00 property tax increase $5,45,580 $5,45,580 for open space, recreation lands, historic preservation NJ Mansfield Nov. 5 Pass 57% 4% per $00 property tax increase for $70,000 $70,000 Twp. open space NJ Middletown Nov. 5 Pass 59% 4% per $00 property tax increase for open TBD TBD Twp. space, parklands, farmland, recreation lands NJ Milltown Nov. 5 Fail 49% 5% per $00 property tax increase for open space, recreation lands, conservation NJ Monmouth Nov. 5 Pass 7% 7% per $00 property tax increase for open $,000,000 $,000,000 space, farmland, recreation land NJ Monroe Nov. 5 Pass 8% % per $00 property tax increase for open $5,88,75 $5,88,75 Twp. space, farmland, recreation lands, historic preservation, conservation NJ Mount Nov. 5 Pass 9% % 4 per $00 property tax increase for open $0,000,000 $0,000,000 Laurel space, parks and recreation lands, historic preservation, farmland NJ New Nov. 5 Pass % 4% per $00 property tax increase for open $,,00 $,,00 Providence space, parks NJ Peapack Nov. 5 Pass 74% % per $00 property tax increase for open $800,000 $800,000 and space, recreation lands, farmland, Gladstone historic preservation NJ Pittsgrove Nov. 5 Fail 47% 5% Up to 5 per $00 property tax increase for open space and farmland conservation easements NJ South Nov. 5 Pass 5% 47% Up to.5 per $00 property tax increase $4,400,000 $4,400,000 Brunswick for open space and amend law to allow.5 per $00 for historic preservation NJ Warren Nov. 5 Pass 0% 40% per $00 property tax increase for $8,000,000 $,00,000 open space NJ Woolwich Nov. 5 Pass 54% 4% 4 per $00 property tax increase for open $,4,00 $,4,00 Twp. space, farmland NY Brighton Dec, 7 Pass 80% 0% Bond measure for open space, parkland $5,000,000 $5,000,000 NY Brookhaven Nov. 5 Pass 7% 9% Bond for open space $0,000,000 $0,000,000 NY Clarence Nov. 5 Pass % 7% Bond for farmland development rights, $,500,000 $,500,000 open space NY East Nov. 5 Pass 7% 9% 0-year, % tax extension on real estate $95,000,000 $95,000,000 Hampton transactions to protect open space NY New Castle Nov. 5 Pass 74% % Bond for open space $,000,000 $,000,000 NY Orangetown Nov. 5 Pass 7% 8% Bond for a 48-acre parcel $,950,000 $,950,000 NY Penfield Apr. Pass 7% % Bond for farmland development rights $0,000,000 $0,000,000 NY Riverhead Nov. 5 Pass 7% 8% 0-year, % tax extension on real estate $0,000,000 $0,000,000 transactions to protect open space NY Saratoga Nov. 5 Pass 74% % Bond for environmentally sensitive areas, $5,000,000 $5,000,000 Springs farmland and parkland NY Shelter Nov. 5 Pass 77% % 0-year, % tax extension on real estate $5,58,54 $5,58,54 Island transactions to protect open space NY Southampton Nov. 5 Pass 9% % 0-year, % tax extension on real estate $00,000,000 $00,000,000 transactions to protect open space NY Southold Nov. 5 Pass 7% 9% 0-year, % tax extension on real estate $9,55,0 $9,55,0 transactions to protect open space NY Webster Apr. 9 Fail 4% 58% Bond for open space, farmland continued on page

17 continued from page PA Bedminster Nov. 5 Pass 77% % Bond for open space, agriculture and $,500,000 $,500,000 conservation easements, property development rights, recreation, historic lands PA East Nov. 5 Pass 74% %.005% earned income tax increase for $,500,000 $,500,000 Brandywine open space PA East May Pass 80% 0%.5% earned income tax increase for $,000,000 $,000,000 Vincent open space, farmland, natural resources PA Franklin Nov. 5 Pass 70% 0%.5 mill property tax for open space, $,400,000 $,400,000 conservation easements PA Lehigh May Pass 7% 9% Bond to finance purchase of agricultural $0,000,000 $0,000,000 easements, parks, open space PA North May Pass 77% %.5% earned income tax increase for open $8,000,000 $8,000,000 Coventry space, conservation easements PA Northampton Nov. 5 Pass 5% 5% Bond for watersheds, wetlands, $7,000,000 $7,000,000 farmland, parks PA Richland Nov. 5 Pass 5% 44% 5-year,.% earned income tax increase for $,000,000 $,000,000 open space, forest and agricultural easements, historic land PA Richland Nov. 5 Pass 58% 4% Bond for open space, forest and agricultural $4,000,000 $4,000,000 easements, historic land PA Solebury Nov. 5 Pass 87% % Borrowing for open space, farm easements, $,000,000 $,000,000 recreation land PA Tinicum Nov. 5 Pass 5% 5%.5% earned income tax increase and real $5,000,000 $5,000,000 Twp. estate tax increase of mill for open space, agricultural and conservation easements, property development rights, recreational, historic lands PA Upper May Pass 9% % Bond for open space land, conservation $,000,000 $,000,000 Southampton easements Twp. PA West May Pass % 7% mill per $00 tax increase for open $,900,000 $,900,000 Vincent space, conservation easements PA Wrightstown May Pass 59% 4%.5% earned income tax increase for farmland, $,50,000 $,50,000 open space, water resources, historic sites PA Wrightstown May Pass 70% 0% Bond for farmland, open space, water $,500,000 $,500,000 resources, historic sites VA Statewide Nov. 5 Pass 9% % Question, bond for parks, recreation $9,000,000 $,500,000 VA Arlington Nov. 5 Pass 80% 0% Bond for conservation, parks, roads, safety, $7,48,500 $8,500,000 drainage, pedestrians, metro projects VA Fairfax Nov. 5 Pass 70% 0% Bond for parkland, facilities $0,000,000 $5,000,000 Mid-Atlantic Region (continued) Photo: Ken Sherman Photo: Ken Sherman Western Staten Island/Harbor Herons, Graniteville, NY Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge, Sussex County, NJ

18 Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Fights Back Against Sprawl Mid-Atlantic Region (continued) Historically, dairy barns and blast furnaces have symbolized the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, though it has been transformed in recent years by suburban sprawl and traffic congestion. Some people still think of this area as a sleepy backwater, but it is no more, says Tom Kerr of the Wildlands Conservancy, which this year led two successful bond campaigns one in each of the valley s two counties. Together the campaigns secured $7 million for open space and land conservation. Voters responded to the key issues, Kerr said, sprawl, highway congestion, and the effects of rapid growth. Kerr sees the campaign as a political watershed. At one time, the Lehigh Valley was run like a company town. If people needed something like a park or a theater, Bethlehem Steel or Mack Truck would provide it, he said, Now that the big industries are gone or dead, people have to figure out how to do it themselves. That s what happened this year with open space. According to Kerr, the bond campaigns succeeded for several reasons. Campaign organizers gained key endorsements from groups ranging from garden clubs to Chambers of Commerce, and their tactics were successful, including targeted mailings, lawn signs, free media coverage, and selective advertising. In addition, Kerr credited The Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy for helping the campaigns find focus and allocate resources more effectively. Voters responded to the key issues... sprawl, highway congestion, and the effects of rapid growth. Tom Kerr,Wildlands Conservancy Voters responded with overwhelming support for open space. In May, over 70 percent of Lehigh County voters approved a $0 million bond to protect watersheds, wetlands, farmland and parks. In November, 5 percent of Northampton County voters approved a similar $7 million bond. Photo: Ken Sherman Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge, Sussex County, NJ 4

19 New Hampshire Vermont Maine Massachusetts Rhode Island Connecticut New England Summary Funds Approved State Measures % Passed Total Measure Open Space Connecticut 00% $5,00,000 $4,700,000 Massachusetts 45 49% $4,5,480 $47,547, Maine 00% $,500,000 $,500,000 New Hampshire 8% $9,54,000 $9,54,000 Rhode Island 00% $5,800,000 $,940, New England Region New England Region 00 Election Results Funds Approved State Jurisdiction Date Yes No Description Total Measure Open Space CT Middletown Nov. 5 Pass 7% 7% Bond for open space protection, parks $,000,000 $,500,000 CT Westbrook Jan. Pass 84% 4% Bond for open space protection $,00,000 $,00,000 MA Acton Nov. 5 Pass 55% 45% Community Preservation Act (.5% Surcharge) $8,747,0 $,95,75 MA Ashby Apr. Fail 8% % Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Ashland May 7 Pass 5% 49% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $7,584,980 $,59,7 MA Braintree Apr. Pass % 8% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $,7,000 $,40,7 MA Bridgewater Apr. 7 Fail 49% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Buckland May Fail 44% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Chatham May Pass 50.9% 49.% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $8,50,500 $,84,7 MA Dartmouth Apr. Pass % 7% Community Preservation Act (.5% Surcharge) $5,,00 $,877,87 MA Dover May 0 Fail 8% 7% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Essex May Fail 4% 58% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Grafton May Pass % 7% Community Preservation Act (.5% Surcharge) $,0,90 $87,07 MA Great May Fail 44% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) Barrington MA Hamilton Nov. 5 Fail 4% 54% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Hudson May Fail 44% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Leverett Apr. 8 Pass 9% % Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $805,40 $8,547 MA Lincoln Nov. 5 Pass % 8% Community Preservation Act (.5% Surcharge) $,789,0 $,,0 MA Ludlow Mar. 5 Fail 4% 7% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Lunenberg Nov. 5 Fail 9% % Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Manchester May Fail 4% 58% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Marblehead Nov. 5 Fail 45% 55% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Mendon Nov. 5 Pass 59% 4% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $,8,40 $795,447 MA Middleboro Nov. 5 Fail 4% 54% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Newburyport Nov. 5 Pass 5% 49% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $7,5,980 $,47,7 MA North Apr. Fail 5% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) Attleborough MA Norton Apr. 9 Fail 5% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Norwell Mar. Pass % 7% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $9,094,940 $,0,47 continued on page 5 5

20 New England Region (continued) 9 continued from page 5 MA Plymouth May Pass 0% 40% Community Preservation Act (.5% Surcharge) $9,40,940 $,4,47 0 MA Reading Apr. Fail 49.% 50.7% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Rehoboth Apr. Fail 9% % Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Rockport Apr. Pass 5% 48% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $4,75,000 $,578, MA Scituate Mar. 0 Pass 58% 4% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $9,809,50 $,8,840 MA Sharon May 7 Fail 48% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Sherborn May 4 Fail % 74% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Southwick Nov. 5 Pass 5% 48% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $,95,80 $8,47 MA Stockbridge May 0 Pass 5% 44% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $,40,50 $47,840 MA Sudbury Mar. 5 Pass 5% 49% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $8,75,580 $,55,9 MA Swansea Apr. 8 Fail 9% 7% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Wakefield Apr. Fail 5% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Wareham Apr. Pass 75% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $,88,80 $,79,50 MA Wellesley Nov. 5 Pass 9% % Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $9,90,580 $,0,9 4 MA Westfield Nov. 5 Pass 50.% 49.8% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $,5,70 $,77, MA Westport Mar. Pass 5% 5% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $5,48,940 $,78,980 MA Whitman May 8 Fail 4% 58% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Wilbraham May Fail 4% % Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) MA Williamstown May 4 Pass 55% 45% Community Preservation Act (% Surcharge) $,057,0 $85,70 ME Saco Nov. 5 Pass 8% % Question, bond for parks, recreation $,500,000 $,500,000 NH Amherst Mar. Pass 4% % Bond for 47-acre parcel $400,000 $400,000 NH Amherst Mar. Pass 4% % Bond for -acre parcel $44,000 $44,000 NH Brookfield Mar. Fail 5% 48% Bond to aid purchase of 00+ acres NH Brookline Mar. Pass 8% 7% Bond for open space acquisition $,000,000 $,000,000 NH Hampton Mar. Fail 40% 0% Bond for land conservation NH Hollis Mar. Pass 9% 9% Bond for open space acquisition $,500,000 $,500, NH Londonderry Mar. Pass 7% 8% Bond for open space acquisition $,000,000 $,000, NH Merrimack Mar. Pass 7% % Bond for open space, forest, wetlands $4,00,000 $4,00,000 NH Newfields Mar. Pass 89% % Bond for open space $,000,000 $,000,000 NH Newmarket May Pass 70% 0% Bond for land for open space, recreation $,000,000 $,000,000 NH Stratham Mar. Pass 88% % Bond for land for conservation $5,000,000 $5,000,000 RI Statewide Nov. 5 Pass 7% 7% Bond for transportation, includes some land $,500,000 $40,000 acquisition for bike trails, walkways, greenspace RI Middletown Nov. 5 Pass 7% 9% Bond for the acquisition of open space, $,000,000 $,000,000 groundwater protection RI South Nov. 5 Pass 78% % Bond for open space, farmland, recreation $,00,000 $,00,000 Kingstown New Hampshire bond measures need either a / or /5 majority to pass. Photo: Susan Lapides Photo: Jerry and Marcy Monkman/ Fuller Farm, Scarborough, ME Mt. Abraham, Franklin County, ME

21 Voters Across New England Support Conservation Voters across New England approved conservation measures this year, from longstanding manufacturing cities like Westfield, Massachusetts to beachfront communities like Westbrook, Connecticut. Uncontrolled growth affects everyone regardless of their political views or incomes, said Mark Noonan of the Winding River Land Conservancy, which led the Westfield campaign. Westfield is located at the foot of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts. The landscape has changed rapidly in recent years, with tract housing replacing much of the surrounding open space and working farmland. Elements leading to the measures success included effective use of both cable television and print media; assistance with grants and campaign expertise from The Trust for Public Land; and strong support on the city council particularly that of councilor Barbara Swords. According to Noonan, the measure was most successful in areas where the Winding River Land Conservancy had been working on land protection projects. The measure also did well in residential areas in the inner city. The new program is expected to generate around $.5 million over the next 0 years under the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act (CPA), a state law that allows municipalities to raise and earmark a portion of their property taxes to protect land for open space, refurbish historic sites, and create affordable housing. Land protection was also a top priority this year along the Connecticut shoreline in Westbrook, which passed a $. million bond to protect open space. According to Tom O Dell, who led the campaign as chair of the local Conservation Commission, protecting the town s character became their rallying cry. With population growing by around 7 percent over the last decade, voters had already expressed strong support for securing open space. Early in the campaign, local selectmen and the board of finance came out in support of the bond measure. In addition, The Trust for Public Land and the Westbrook Land Conservation Trust lent their energy, expertise and support. The campaign made the issue of water conservation tied to open space protection a top priority. We have lots of private wells, and two commercial wells with aquifers within the town. We also have two major rivers that wash into Long Island Sound affecting our beaches, O Dell said, adding, Everyone is affected. On election day last January the results were impressive with 8 percent voting for the referendum. According to O Dell, the results are now tangible; a portion of the new bond was used to secure a valuable lakefront property that had been slated for development. New England Region (continued) Photo: Ned Therrien Photo: Susan Lapides Carter Hill Orchard, Concord, NH Fuller Farm, Scarborough, ME 7

22 0 Ways To Increase Public Open Space Funds TPL s Conservation Finance Program has created a top 0 list for land trusts that seek to generate new local and state funding for land conservation. The list of 0 Ways to Increase Public Open Space Funds is also useful for other conservation public officials and priviate individuals who wish to create land protection resources in their area. Please address any questions about the list, or about how TPL can help generate local and state financing of open space protection, to the TPL Conservation Finance Program at , or consult For more information on these fundamentals and conservation ballot measures, contact TPL s Conservation Finance Program Andy McLeod Director , extension 4 Adam Eichberg Associate Director, Western US Will Abberger Associate Director, Eastern US , extension Take positions on public issues, advocate before public officials, and campaign for ballot measures - just as the American Red Cross, the Girl Scouts, and thousands of other 50(c)() charitable nonprofits do every day. Know and follow the federal and state rules on lobbying and campaign finance. Recognize that, for instance, a land trust with an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less can spend up to 0 percent of its budget on lobbying for land conservation. Learn what other land trusts are doing to increase public funding. Consult resources like Land Vote and the Land Trust Alliance- Have a current strategy that supports new and increased open space financing at the local and state levels. Be in the conservation finance business for the long-run. Ballot campaigns and legislative advocacy are not only one-time or short-term pursuits. Partner with other groups and individuals that seek increased public funding for land acquisition. Build coalitions to increase support and influence, and consider allying with business, agricultural, recreational, sporting, real estate, tourism, or other interests. Know your legislators and other elected officials, and inform them of the benefits your land trust brings to the community and of the importance of actively protecting land. Publicly endorse local ballot questions for open space funding. Be visible and tangible in your support of ballot campaigns. Collect signatures, organize phone banks, and donate resources like office space, computers, and copiers. Encourage land trust members and volunteers to participate actively in legislative advocacy and ballot question campaigns. Donate land trust funds and encourage members and volunteers to contribute financially to ballot campaigns for open space funding. Get and stay involved in public issues of land protection! Land trusts and their members are respected members of the community. Your leadership and credibility can influence elected officials and voters. Land trusts should lead on conservation finance, just as they do in transactions and stewardship. Be involved - in a responsible, accountable manner - in the issues of importance to land protection in your region! 8

23 The Trust for Public Land Will Rogers President D. Ernest Cook Senior Vice President Andrew H. McLeod Director, Conservation Finance Program Will Abberger Associate Director, Conservation Finance Program Adam Eichberg Associate Director, Conservation Finance Program William P. Lee Conservation Finance Counsel Matthew Zieper Research Director Wendy Muzzy Program Manager Nicki List Research Associate Land Trust Alliance Rand Wentworth President Russell Shay Director of Public Policy LandVote David Hyde Project Director Brook Zeisse Designer Conservation Finance Program Union Street Boston, MA Land Trust Alliance H Street NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC

24 The Trust for Public Land Conservation Finance Program Union Street Boston, MA 008 landvote.org