GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
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Local Funding
In November 2006, 20 of 22 local open space referendums appearing on the ballot in Pennsylvania passed. Nearly all of the initiatives were concentrated in southeast Pennsylvania counties (7 in Chester County, 5 in Montgomery County, 4 in Bucks County and 1 in Delaware County) and ranged from property and income tax increases to bond measures. More than $150 million is anticipated to be raised annually from this most recent voter support.
For a complete list of county and municipal open space funds in the GSA region, including those adopted in November of 2006, please click here.
To view a list of municipalities in Southeatern Pennsylvania with no open space funding, please click here.
State Funding
In addition to local funds for preservation, state funds have traditionally existed through the PA DCNR's “Growing Greener” programs and from the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program. However the Growing Greener program is scheduled to end in 2011, with no plans for renewal. Growing Greener has transformed Pennsylvania by empowering communities to protect working farms and conserve special places, clean up rivers and streams, create and improve parks and trails,
and revitalize cities and towns. After a decade of success, the funding sources that support Growing Greener are nearly gone. Unless action is taken, the good work made possible by the Growing Greener programs will come to an end in 2011. Show your support for this vital program at www.renewgrowinggreener.org.
Federal Funding
From time to time, federal funds assist in land preservation, e.g. Land and Water Conservation Fund. It is anticipated that by the end of 2007, a new federal Farm Bill may offer additional conservation funding.
Donations
The generosity of citizens and private landowners must be mentioned. Donations of property and monies for preservation have resulted in saving invaluable lands.
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