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Land Conservation Votes 2005
 On Tuesday, voters in four (*) Pennsylvania referenda overwhelming passed ballot measures supporting open-space purchases, farmland, parks and recreation. In total, $68.6 million in spending was approved by voters in these communities. Two referenda measure failed. These four measures are in addition to two measures that passed in the spring primary election.
Last year, six conservation measures passed, securing over $122 million statewide through those measures alone. On average, 2007 conservation referenda have passed by an overwhelming 2-1 margin.
To date, $1.8 billion has been approved by voters for conservation through state, county and local measures.
"People want to protect special places in their communities and are willing to pay for it", said Andy Loza, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association. "Citizens are willing to tax themselves to pay for things that last. They want government to responsibly spend money to conserve dwindling green spaces, wildlife habitat and productive farmland. They want parks for safe, enjoyable retreats."
2008 General Election Measures
Adams County
Description: Bond issue to purchase open space, farmland & recreational lands
Total Funds: $10 million
Open Space Funds: $10million
Election Results: Passed - 75% to 25%
Hatfield Township (Montgomery County)
Description: .125 percent earned income tax increase for the protection of open space, farmland and recreational lands
Total Funds: $10 million
Open Space Funds: $10 million
Election Results: Failed - 43% to 57%
Lower Makefield Township (Bucks County)
Description: Bond for open space preservation
Total Funds: $15 million
Open Space Funds: $15 million
Election Results: Passed - 69% to 31%
Newtown Township (Bucks County)
Description: .1 percent earned income tax increase for open space preservation
Total Funds: $13.6 million
Open Space Funds: $13.6 million
Election Results: Passed - 61% to 39%
Upper Saucon Township (Lehigh County)*
Description: .25 percent earned income tax increase for open space and recreational lands
Total Funds: $24 million
Open Space Funds: $24 million
Election Results: Failed - 50% to 49%
Upper Dublin Township (Montgomery County)
Description: Bond for the acquisition of land and/or easements to protect natural and cultural resources
Total Funds: $30 million
Open Space Funds: $30 million
Election Results: Passed - 67% to 33%
* A recount revealed that the measured actually failed by 33 votes. Original reports showed the measure had passed.
2008 Primary Election Measures
Buckingham Township
Description: Bond issue to purchase open space, farmland & recreational lands
Total Funds: $20 million
Open Space Funds: $20million
Election Results: Passed - 82% to 18%
Charlestown Township
Description: .5% EIT increase for open space & farmland preservation
Total Funds: $20 million
Open Space Funds: $20 million
Election Results: Passed - 77% to 23%
View Pennsylvania’s 2007 results
View Pennsylvania’s 2006 results
View Pennsylvania’s 2005 results
View Pennsylvania’s 2004 results
View Pennsylvania’s 2003 results
View Pennsylvania’s 2002 results
The Trust for Public Land provides guidance on raising local conservation funding through ballot initiatives. For more information, visit: http://www.tpl.org
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