A yes vote on Proposition 1 is a vote for birds, wildlife and their habitat | Letter
Published 10:55 am Friday, July 26, 2013
A yes vote on Proposition 1 on the Aug. 6 ballot is a vote for the good of people, ecosystems and wildlife.
The Eastside Audubon board held a serious discussion before endorsing this measure to renew levy funding for parks, open space and trails. We realize these are lean times for many households. We decided to endorse the measure because:
• Without the Proposition 1 levy renewal, the budget for King County parks and recreation will face a 70 percent shortfall after 2013.
• Beloved parks where people enjoy nature and wildlife — such as Marymoor, Tolt MacDonald, Tiger Mountain and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail — depend on levy revenue to remain open and safe.
• Revenue from the six-year levy will support necessary and modest projects in 39 towns throughout King County, benefiting virtually every resident.
• Of the $56 per year tax impact on a $300,000 property, the portion that is new revenue will be only about $1.38 per month.
• Levy revenue will enable acquiring 450 acres a year for parks, retaining a favorable ratio of open space to populated areas.
• Open space acquisition will protect wildlife habitat, including potential nesting sites for the Marbled Murrelet, an at-risk seabird that nests in old-growth trees.
• Improvement and maintenance of regional trails, such as the Burke-Gilman and the Eastside Rail Corridor, will encourage both recreation and non-motorized commuting.
As a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and enhancing natural ecosystems for the benefit of birds, wildlife and people, Eastside Audubon urges you vote yes for Proposition 1 and mail your ballot soon.
Andrew McCormick, President
Peter S. Marshall, Conservation Chair
Eastside Audubon
