Unfortunately, we just don’t get out to walk and visit the amazing Land Bank preserves as often as we used to. Still, we get great satisfaction in knowing that our Land Bank preserves and conservation easements contribute to our personal health and to the environmental health of the islands. They keep our water plentiful and pure and our forests healthy and resilient. The cost is minimal and 60% of the real estate excise tax is paid for by new people moving here. Because the revenue is not a property tax, but a transfer tax paid by the buyers of property, to the extent that new development reduces open spaces and natural areas, the problem funds the solution. Vote yes on Proposition 1.

Tom and Tammy Cowan

Lopez Island