The open space sales and use tax passed by voters in 1994 is dedicated to the protection of open space and for parks and cannot be used for any other purpose. Since the inception of the Open Space Program, 63,037 acres have been protected through a combination of fee purchases and conservation easements, through extraordinary partnerships with Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, land trusts, private landowners and others. For every $1 of sales tax funds spent, the County has received $2.98 in partnership funding.
The following are acquisitions in which Douglas County Open Space Sales and Use Tax was used:
Private Conservation Easements | 44,074 acres |
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Private property with land use restrictions. A land trust or government agency holds the conservation easement. | 70% of all lands preserved |
Owned by Douglas County | 16,980 acres |
To protect natural resources, wildlife habitat, agricultural operations, scenic views, or other unique features. May have opportunities for public access, and most are protected by conservation easements. | 27% of all lands preserved |
Owned by Others | 1,983 acres |
May be State park, local municipalities or other agencies. | 3% of all lands preserved |
Total Preserved | 63,037 acres |
Total Property Costs | $211,997,936.00 |
Partner Contributions | $135,139,294 |
County Contributions | $76,855,642 |
This represents $2.76 in partner contributions for every $1.00 of Open Space Sales and Use Tax spent.
NOTE: This chart does not include State Parks, Pike National Forest, other public land acquired by other means, or privately preserved open space.