The PA Land Trust Association this week reported local voters approved five ballot measures that will provide a total of $92.6 million to support open-space purchases, farmland preservation, parks and recreation programs. Only one referenda measure failed.

These five 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."

Here is a list of environmental ballot measures considered this year--

Adams County
:Bond issue to purchase open space, farmland and recreational lands
. Total Funds: $10 million. 
Open Space Funds: $10 million
. Election Results: Passed - 75 percent to 25 percent;

Hatfield Township (Montgomery County)
: 0.125 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 percent to 57 percent;

Lower Makefield Township (Bucks County)
: Bond for open space preservation. 
Total Funds: $15 million. 
Open Space Funds: $15 million
. Election Results: Passed - 69 percent to 31percent;

Newtown Township (Bucks County)
: 0.1 percent earned income tax increase for open space preservation. 
Total Funds: $13.6 million
. Open Space Funds: $13.6 million
. Election Results: Passed - 61 percent to 39 percent

Upper Saucon Township (Lehigh County)
: 0.25 percent earned income tax increase for open space and recreational lands
. Total Funds: $24 million
. Open Space Funds: $24 million
. Election Results: Passed - 50 percent to 50 percent;

Upper Dublin Township (Bucks County)
: 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 percent to 33 percent;

Buckingham Township
:Bond issue to purchase open space, farmland and recreational lands
. Total Funds: $20 million
. Open Space Funds: $20million
. Election Results: Passed - 82 percent to 18 percent; and

Charlestown Township
: 0.5 percent Earned Income Tax increase for open space and farmland preservation. 
Total Funds: $20 million. 
Open Space Funds: $20 million
. Election Results: Passed - 77 percent to 23 percent.

11/7/2008