Have you heard that the Wild Spaces & Public Places Program (WSPP) is back on your Alachua County ballot? The Wild Spaces & Public Places Program — funded by a half-cent sales tax passed by a majority of Alachua County voters in 2016 — works to conserve lands to protect and preserve our area’s water supply and sensitive habitats. This November 8th it is up for renewal.
If approved, this ballot measure would implement a one-cent sales tax and dedicate half the funding for over ten years to extending the Wild Spaces & Public Places Program, continuing to conserve public lands and improve parks throughout Alachua County. Since the passage of the Wild Spaces & Public Places referendum six years ago, Alachua County has closed on 22 acquisitions protecting 12,400 acres. Most open space and natural land across Alachua County is privately owned. They are open to development and likely will be developed in the next few decades without conservation programs like Wild Spaces & Public Places.
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