Los Angeles, CA – Representatives of Audubon California today said that a Los Angeles County ballot measure to raise nearly $95 million a year for park improvements will not only have great benefits for residents, but also bolster habitat for birds and other wildlife. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors yesterday voted 3-1 to place the measure on the November ballot.

“The children and families of Los Angeles County deserve a park system that matches the beauty and breadth of this wonderful community,” said Audubon California Executive Director Brigid McCormack. “Even as this measure creates more opportunities for residents to experience nature and the outdoors, it will also fund a number of projects that will restore habitat for birds and other wildlife.”

Before voting to place the measure before the voters, supervisors reviewed the results of a study showing broad disparities in access to safe parks throughout the County. While the measure would largely fund grants to build and restore parks, a great deal of language in the measure creates funding for habitat restoration, clean water and other conservation efforts that will benefit birds and other wildlife.

“As we see on Bird LA Day each May, and every day at our Audubon Center at Debs Park, Los Angeles County offers a diversity of natural wonders to rival any place in the United States,” said McCormack. “We are glad to see that this ballot measure recognizes the need to enhance these natural spaces as part of this effort to increase access to parks.”

About Audubon California 

Audubon California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 150,000 members and supports in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.

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