Protect ranger, naturalist staffing: Vote yes on `A'

Measure A, the quarter-cent sales tax to provide funding for parks, open space and to preserve local working lands, is up for renewal this June.

Since it was passed in 2012, this source of funding has improved both county, city and special district parks, fuels management, increased accessibility for all community members through library park passes and reduced entrance fees, as well as permanent conservation of farmlands and wetlands from development.

New benefits in the funding plan for 2022 will increase funding for wildfire prevention, training programs for ranchers on carbon sequestration and riparian restoration conducted by the Marin Resource Conservation District and grant funding for community gardens.

The COVID-19 pandemic has attracted more people to our county, city and special district parks, as well as open spaces, to recreate and enjoy the outdoors.

Without the renewal of Measure A, these important and well-used assets will go unmaintained and services such as ranger and naturalist staffing will be reduced.

Please vote yes on Measure A to preserve and protect Marin's parks and open spaces for current and future generations.

— Madeline Kellner, Novato