| 1968 |
Voters approve Forward Thrust Bonds
Civic leader Jim Ellis advocates for and voters approve Forward Thrust Bonds, the nation's largest parks, open space and recreation infrastructure bond measure. |
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| 1971 |
Legislature passes Conservation Futures Tax
The Washington State Legislature declares it is citizens' 'fundamental and inalienable right' to a healthy environment and creates the Department of Ecology in a special session called by Governor Dan Evans. The Conservation Futures Tax, a resource lands funding source for counties, was among numerous environmental laws approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Evans. |
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| 1979 |
Voters approve Farmland Preservation Levy
County Executive John Spellman advocates and voters approve $50 million Farmland Preservation bond measure. |
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| 1982 |
Conservation Futures used for first time
County Executive Randy Revelle names Farmland Preservation Task Force; King County becomes the first county to use CFT. |
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| 1985 |
Bellevue shifts to connecting green spaces
Bellevue Parks Director Lee Springgate leads new vision to connect green space rather than build individual stand alone parks. |
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| 1989 |
Voters approve Open Space Bonds
Civic Leader Gerry Johnson Chairs Citizens Oversight Committee for voter approved $117.6 million King County Open Space Bonds Levy. |
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| 1990 |
Citizens given a strong voice
CFT Citizens Committee is established by ordinance approved by King County Council. |
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| 1992 |
Public and nonprofit partnerships increase
Conservation Futures becomes important funding source for matching grants with cities and nonprofit organizations. |
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| 1994 |
Bear Creek protected
Rural resident Terry Lavender joins neighbors to protect and restore Bear Creek. |
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| 1996 |
Regional trails connected
A public/private partnership worked to provide a park in Woodinville with river access, open space and a playground. Conservation Futures helps to save land, connect and expand trails system, restore habitat, and protect rivers from flooding. |
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| 1997 |
Environmental systems become County focus
Civic leader Carol James chairs CFT Citizens Committee as county focuses on environmental systems. |
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| 1999 |
Increased focus on salmon habitat
Chinook salmon listed as a threatened species by the EPA; King County Councilman Larry Philips is a leader in habitat preservation and restoration |
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| 2004 |
Snoqualmie Forest protected
County Executive Ron Sims leads purchase of development rights to 90,000 acre Snoqualmie Forest. |
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| 2010 |
Maury Island gravel mine purchased
County Executive Dow Constantine concludes a ten-year collaborative effort with the purchase of Maury Island gravel mine. |
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