A note from The Nature Conservancy about successful state and local initiatives focused on conservation projects. Posted for The New York Times Dot Earth blog. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com http:// http://www.nature.org/

1. A note from The Nature Conservancy about successful state and local initiatives focused on conservation
projects. Posted for The New York Times Dot Earth blog.
Last night was huge victory for conservation. The Nature Conservancy state chapters took leading roles in 13
state and local conservation funding ballot measures in 9 states this Election, in many cases providing strategic
management, financial support, voter outreach, and endorsements. Of those 13 campaigns, 11 were successful,
giving us a win rate of 85% and generating over $692 million for land and water conservation and parks for
many of our priority areas.
Many of TNC’s measures passed with some of the highest levels of voter approval we have ever seen. Voters in
Alabama approved their measure at 75%; Rhode Island at 74%; Polk County, IA at 72%; Bozeman, MT at 73%;
Marin County, CA at 74%. Nationally, 47 land and water ballot measures passed last night generating over $1
BILLION for land, water, and parks.
I think it’s important to show you just one example of what a difference it makes when The Conservancy gets
really engaged with one of these measures.
A year ago in October, a baseline survey in Alabama showed that 25% of likely voters would definitely vote
“yes” on the Forever Wild measure were it on the ballot that day. Last night, a year later, we sealed the deal
with 75% of the Alabamian electorate voting “yes” to extend Forever Wild funding, which provides up to $15
million /year for statewide conservation over the next 20 years. Through TV ads, mail, radio and phone
outreach, we targeted our key constituencies and they delivered a win for us! This means a huge
funding source for an area of the country rich in biodiversity and ecosystems that offer so much to
those living there.
A heart-felt thanks to all the State Directors and to Peter Kareiva for your financial contributions to the
Alabama campaign. As you can see from the baseline survey, passing this measure was an uphill
battle, but once again the organization came together and it made all the difference. I would also be
remiss not to single out Russ Hoeflich. Russ, thank you for galvanizing and inspiring the troops!
The Conservancy’s successes this year were a testament to TNC’s state chapters running smart campaigns, and
giving voters a product they value—protecting their land and water. Voters see the connection to their health,
their quality of life, and future generations, and are willing to pay for it.
Lastly, thank you to the Conservation Campaigns Team for providing guidance to many of our state chapters.
Hazel Wong
Director, Conservation
Campaigns
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Nature Conservancy victories at the ballot box this year:
ALABAMA
Amendment 1: Alabama’s Forever Wild Land Trust
Amendment 1 will provide up to $15 million per year to continue the popular Alabama Forever Wild
program for another 20 years. Voters first approved the Alabama Forever Wild program back in 1992.
Since then, this program has protected over 227,000 acres of natural areas to ensure clean drinking
water, preserve wildlife habitat, and provide access for outdoor recreation. Forever Wild is funded by

2. fees from natural gas companies that drill off Alabama’s coastal waters and will not raise taxes.
RHODE ISLAND
Questions 5 & 6: Clean Water and Green Space
Question 5 will provide $20 million for clean water infrastructure projects to improve water quality of
Narragansett Bay--ensure safe drinking water, cleaner beaches, more productive fisheries, and
healthier communities. Question 6 will provide $20 million to restore the Narragansett Bay and protect
its watershed; conserve natural habitat for the benefit of people, plants and wildlife; preserve family
farms and local sources of food; and improve historic areas and local parks.
MAINE
Question 3: Land for Maine’s Future
Question 3 will provide $5 million to replenish the popular Land for Maine’s Future program. Since
1987, Land for Maine’s Future has made key investments in Maine’s natural resource-based economy.
It has conserved over 445,000 acres of natural areas, rivers, and lakes; more than 1,000 miles of
waterfront land; developed some 160 miles of recreational trails; expanded state and regional parks;
and protected working farms.
AUSTIN, TX
Propositions 13 & 14: Open Space and Parks
In Austin, voters passed Proposition 13, authorizing $30 million in general revenue bonds for the
purchase of land and conservation easements in the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer watershed.
These lands will help protect the quality and quantity of rainfall runoff and recharge waters that provide
the source of Barton Springs. Voters also approved Proposition 14, authorizing $77.7 million for parks
and recreation projects for urban neighborhoods throughout the city.
POLK COUNTY, IA
Measure A: Polk County Water & Land Legacy
Citizens of Polk County, Iowa passed the Polk County Water & Land Legacy bond. This measure will
provide $50 million to protect drinking water sources, help prevent flooding, and improve parks and
trails. The average household in Polk County will spend no more than $9 each year to fund these
activities.
GEAUGA COUNTY, OH (Cleveland Metro Area)
Issue 28
Voters in the Cleveland area approved Issue 28, a 20-year, 1 mill replacement property levy which will
generate $58 million for a wonderful network of 19 parks which provides excellent outdoor recreation
for thousands of people in the Cleveland area.
LAKE COUNTY, OH (Cleveland Metro Area)
Issue 7
Voters in the Cleveland area approved Issue 7, a 10-year, .8 mill and additional property tax levy which

3. will generate $27 million for park improvements and trails for this network of parks along the coast of
Lake Erie.
BOZEMAN, MT
Parks and Trails Bond
Bozeman residents passed a $15 million bond for parks, trails, athletic fields and natural areas. The
20-year obligation bond will cost the Bozeman typical household less than $45 a year. Funds will be
used solely for acquiring and improving parks, trails, stream corridors, and natural areas. In Bozeman,
parks and trails support a large part of its recreation and tourism based economy.
MARIN COUNTY, CA
Measure A
Voters in the San Francisco Bay area of Marin County passed a 9-year, .25 cent sales tax increase
which will generate $90 million to fund parks, open space and farmland acquisitions. Much of this
funding will be used to create buffer zones around existing protected areas as well as natural wildlife
corridors.