Boulder County Open Space Tax Extension

As a member of Boulder County's Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee I have had a close up view of our Open Space program. We have protected and preserved more than 50,000 acres. Most of these lands were acquired with funds raised by the 1993 Open Space sales tax. We've committed essentially all the revenues from the tax to pay for our present Open Space. That's why we're requesting an extension of the existing tax (and corresponding bonding authority) on the November ballot.

A recent Camera article on the election asked "When is enough, enough?". Today there are about 100,000 acres of Boulder County that can still be developed. Most of this land is in the plains and front range. That means that two thirds of the county farms and open areas we see today may be gone tomorrow. If you travel in eastern Boulder you've seen the new developments in Broomfield, Superior, Longmont, Lafayette, and now Erie. We need to pass the tax extension if we want to limit urban sprawl, preserve wildlife habitat and agricultural properties, and create recreational trails. It's only 25 cents per hundred dollars spent. Are a few quarters too much to spend to preserve our quality of life? I hope not. Please support the Open Space tax extension. Vote yes for County Issue 1A.

Eric Vogelsberg

President, Boulder Area Trails Coalition