Metro’s system of parks, trails, natural areas and cemeteries is the demonstration of a more than a quarter century of commitment, action and investment by the region.
None of this would be possible without the support of voters for two natural areas bond measures and two parks and natural areas levies. Thanks to these voter investments, Metro now manages 17,000 acres of parks, trails and natural areas across every community in the region. These are the places where endangered fish, wildlife and plants are able to once again thrive, where children discover nature, where memories are made.
Spending from the 2006 natural areas bond measure is winding down, though money remains to acquire and protect more land and support locally significant projects.
The final year of funding from the 2013 levy is scheduled to expire in June 2018, with money from the levy renewal kicking in the next month. Continued funding from the levy renewal will build upon the successes in the first levy. More sites will be restored to provide healthy habitat. Future nature parks planned for in the first few years of the levy will soon open to visitors. And popular parks will continue to see improvements with new facilities and more programming.
The work continues. Stay tuned for next year’s annual report to track how your tax dollars are spent to improve parks and nature throughout the region.
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