Audubon California and an increasing number of area Audubon chapters fully support a ballot measure on the November Los Angeles County ballot that will provide a lasting source of funding for park improvements and maintenance. Measure A, also called the Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks Measure of 2016, will raise nearly $95 million through a parcel tax specifically for Los Angeles County parks.

Measure A includes millions of dollars in funding to protect natural lands, habitat improvements, watershed health, local clean water, beach clean-ups and other work that will directly benefit Los Angeles County birds and nature enthusiasts. With more than 500 different species of birds observed in Los Angeles County, the area remains one of the most diverse and welcoming places for birds in the United States.

Bolstering Los Angeles County’s parks through Measure A will also improve the connection between residents and the outdoors, which Audubon always supports. In addition to funding a variety of more traditional park facilities, the measure will also fund trails and regional facilities – including disabled access – that specifically help residents connect with nature.

Measure A also presents an essential opportunity to help fund water conservation efforts through the use of drought-tolerant plants, recycled water for ball fields, landscapes and green spaces and capturing and cleaning more rainwater. These efforts to reduce waste will save money and help to protect local drinking water supplies.

Click here to read the text of the ballot measure.