Planning and conservation › Natural areas, parks and trails › Acquiring natural areas › 2006 bond measure
In November 2006 voters directed the Metro Council to safeguard water quality, protect fish and wildlife habitat and ensure access to nature for future generations.
The $227.4 million bond measure voters approved protects natural areas and lands near rivers and streams throughout the metro region, safeguarding the quality of our water while managing the impacts of growth and maintaining the area's quality of life for future generations.
Metro's Natural Areas Program is designed to preserve natural areas at the regional, local and neighborhood levels:
In September 2007 the Metro Council approved acquisition plans for each of the 27 regional target areas included in the voter-approved measure. The Metro Council established these priorities with the input of natural resource and land use experts, scientists, citizens and local land managers. More than 500 people attended eight community open houses to share their ideas with Metro Councilors. Nearly 1,000 people filled out questionnaires ranking their priorities and offering ideas for partnerships and other ways to stretch the public's investment. The acquisition plans include a map, goals and objectives for each target area. ($168.4 million in bond funds)
See target area maps and learn more about acquiring natural areas
Local cities, counties and park providers in the metro area will complete more than 100 projects that protect water quality, improve parks and natural areas, preserve wildlife habitat and provide greater access to nature for people all over the region. ($44 million in bond funds)
More about local projects
The Nature in Neighborhoods capital grants program funds projects that preserve or enhance natural features and their ecological functions on public lands in neighborhoods, and help ensure that every community enjoys clean water and nature as an element of its character and livability. Schools, neighborhood associations, community groups and other nonprofit organizations, cities, counties and public park providers may apply. ($15 million in bond funds)
More about neighborhood grants
The natural areas acquisition program will operate entirely on a willing seller basis with local property owners.
The Metro Council is committed to ensuring that the natural areas bond measure funds are used efficiently and effectively to achieve the best results for clean water, fish and wildlife, and future generations. Two citizen-led committees are helping the Metro Council fulfill that commitment:
To stay informed about the natural areas program get on the natural areas mailing list by calling 503- 797-1545 or sending e-mail to naturalareas@oregonmetro.gov. For media inquiries, call Heather Nelson Kent at 503-797-1739.
Natural Areas Program
503-797-1545
naturalareas@oregonmetro.gov
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Meet the committee charged by the Metro Council with independent oversight of the voter-approved natural areas bond measure
