Voters across America to decide on conservation funds
Next week's election is taking place in an off-year and in the midst of a deep recession, but a number of communities - and the state of New Jersey - are going forward with ballot measures to fund conservation. The Conservation Campaign website lists dozens of measures up for a vote, from Tigard, Oregon, to Windham, Maine.
Polls conducted over the last year in various parts of the country show that a large majority of American voters continue to support greater public investment in conservation at the local, state and federal level, even if it results in a small tax increase.
Passing these measures is more challenging in tough economic times. New Jersey voters have approved every conservation funding referendum going back to 1961, but a recent poll found voters closely divided on the $400 million bond act up for a vote on November 3. But evidence is piling up that public funding to conserve land and water is one of the best economic investments a state can make.
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How land conservation boosts the economy
A recent study in New Jersey showed that every dollar spent in preserving working farms, forests, fish and wildlife habitat, clean water, parks and historic sites returns $10 in economic benefits. It estimates that the bond measure, which would cost households just $10 a year, will generate $500 million annually in farm and fish products, outdoor recreation and ecosystem services.
Over the long term, protecting land saves billions of dollars by preventing floods and water pollution. The purchase of watershed lands is two-thirds less expensive than building water treatment plants. Open space, park and historic restoration programs also create jobs in farming, fishing, construction, recreation and tourism.
To support the Conservation Campaign's efforts to generate state and local funding for conservation - and to learn how you can help create funds to protect your community's land and water - visit the Conservation Campaign's website. |
