2005 proved to be a successful year for open space referendums in Pennsylvania with voters passing thirteen out of seventeen ballot initiatives requesting the use of public monies for land conservation. In total, fourteen municipalities, one county and one statewide referendum was proposed.

13 measures passed

4 measures failed

62.4% -- average vote in favor

37.6% -- average vote opposed

Derry Township (Dauphin)
Description:10-year, .1% earned income tax increase for land acquisition and preservation
Total Funds: $5.0 million
Open Space Funds: $5.0 million
Date of Vote: May 17, 2005
Election Results: Failed - 56% to 44%

Chadds Ford Township (Delaware)
Description: .28 millage increase for buying land, easements, and development rights for the preservation of open space
Total Funds: $2.5 million
Open Space Funds: $2.5 million
Date of Vote:May 17, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 72% to 28%

Moore Townshiop (Northampton)
Description: .25 percent earned income tax increase to fund farmland preservation
Total Funds: $10.0 million
Open Space Funds: $10.0 million
Date of Vote: May 17, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 55% to 45%

Middletown Township (Delaware)
Description: Bond to purchase 72 acres of land to keep as open space
Total Funds: $8.5 million
Open Space Funds: 8.5 million
Date of Vote:May 17, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 79% to 21%

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Description: "Growing Greener II", Environmental bond for watershed protection, expansion of open space and farmland, and maintenance
Total Funds: $625 million
Open Space Funds: $300 million
Date of Vote: May 17, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 60% to 40%

Kennett Township (Chester)
Description: One quarter of one percent earned income tax for open space preservation
Total Funds: $400,000
Open Space Funds: $400,000
Date of Vote: May 17, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 76% to 24%

Bedminster Township (Bucks)
Description: Bond to acquire open space, agricultural or natural resource conservation easements, development rights or recreation and historic lands
Total Funds: $2.5 million
Open Space Funds: $2.5 million
Date of Vote: May 17, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 69% to 31%

Pike County
Description: Bond for scenic rural preservation and open space purchases
Total Funds: $10 million
Open Space Funds: $10 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 68% to 32%

Bedminster Township (Bucks)
Description: .25 percent earned income tax used to acquire open space, agricultural conservation easements and recreation and historic properties
Total Funds: $10.27 million
Open Space Funds: $10.27 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 51% to 49%

Bushkill Township (Bucks)
Description: .25 percent earned income tax increase to purchase development rights
Total Funds: $9 million
Open Space Funds: $9 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 66% to 34%

Schuylkill Township (Chester)
Description: Bond for the purchase of open space and other natural and scenic resources
Total Funds: $20 million
Open Space Funds: $20 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Failed - 58% to 42%

South Middleton Township (Cumberland)
Description: .25 percent earned income tax increase to buy and preserve farmland and open space
Total Funds: $13 million
Open Space Funds: $13 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Failed - 56% to 44%

Wallace Township (Chester)
Description: .25 percent earned income tax increase to preserve and protect watersheds, habitats, open space, farmland and parks
Total Funds: $5.027 million
Open Space Funds: $5.027 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Failed - 63% to 37%

Upper Makefield Township (Bucks)
Description: Bond for open space and farmland preservation
Total Funds: $10 million
Open Space Funds: $10 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 80% to 20%

Plumstead Township (Bucks)
Description: Bond to puchase open space and conservation easements
Total Funds: $8 million
Open Space Funds: $8 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 77% to 23%

Solebury Township (Bucks)
Description: Bond for the acquisition and protection of open space, farmland, and recreational areas
Total Funds: $18 million
Open Space Funds: $18 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 88% to 12%

Honey Brook Township (Chester)
Description: Half-percent earned income tax increase for the purchase of open space and farmland
Total Funds: $10 million
Open Space Funds: $10 million
Date of Vote: November 8, 2005
Election Results: Passed - 51% to 49%

Information above courtesy of Trust for Public Land, Land Vote Database.