Public Opinion on Open Space Protection in York County ... · Public Opinion on Open Space...

Public Opinion on Open Space Protection in York County, Pennsylvania

The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy

59 E. Market Street 717-815-1418 York, PA 17403 [email protected]

Prepared by: Vinny Cannizzaro, MPP

mailto:[email protected]

Public Opinion on Open Space Protection

in York County, Pennsylvania

Prepared by: Vinny Cannizzaro, MPP

Director, Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy York College of Pennsylvania

59 E. Market St. 717-815-1418 York, PA 17401 [email protected]

Prepared for: York County Land Protection Committee York County Agricultural Land Preservation Board

Farm and Natural Lands Trust of York County York County Commissioners

York County Conservation District York County Parks

York County Planning Commission

Acknowledgements:

This research and report have been funded by the York County Community Foundation and the Powder Mill Foundation and is supported by the York County Commissioners and the York County Land Protection Committee (York County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, Farm and Natural Land Trust of York County, York County Commissioners, York County Conservation District, York County Parks, and York County Planning Commission). I would like to thank individual members of the York County Land Protection Committee for their support and expertise. The members include Wade Gobrecht, Anne Walko, Patty McCandless, Mark Kimmel, Tammy Klunk, Sean Kenny, Mark Derr, Felicia Dell and Pam Shellenberger. . I am grateful for the support of Ashley Cannizzaro, Jordan King, Karin Swartz, and our work studies students at the Center for Community Engagement for their assistance in completing this research.

Table of Contents Executive Summary iv Introduction 1 Background on York County 1 Objectives of the Public Opinion on Open

Space in York County, Pennsylvania 2

Methodology 2 Demographic Profile of Respondents 4 Importance of Open Space 5 Usage of Open Space 5 Importance to Family and Community 6 Importance to Age Groups 9 Concerns About Open Space in York County 10 Quality of Life 10 Concerns About Losing Open Space 11 Protection for the Future 13 Taking Action to Protect Open Space 16 Value of Past Open Space Protection 16 Importance of Future Action 19 Future of Protection 23 New Funding Sources 27 Accomplish Open Space Protection

Through Increased Taxes 32

Executive Summary York County is located in the South Central portion of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There are 911 squares miles, or 583,040 acres, of land within the County. As of 2018, 12.8% of the County’s total land area, or about 74,000 acres, has been protected as “open space.”

The majority of open space protected in York County is agricultural land and agriculture easements. Other protected open space includes parks, recreational facilities, and natural areas. For the purpose of this survey, the Land Protection Committee defines open space as publicly or privately owned land and water that is:

• Predominately in a natural state; • Dedicated to providing areas for passive or active public recreation (Parks and Trails); • Agricultural lands privately owned and managed for food & fiber production; • Lands protecting natural (water, air, soil, minerals, forests, wildlife) or historic resources; or • Lands preserving scenic quality and maintaining community character.

KEY FINDINGS

• At least 10% of respondents visited open spaces on a daily basis.

o At least 33% of respondents visited open spaces on a weekly basis. • Over 75% of respondents viewed open space as “very important” to themselves or their families. • Over 80% of respondents considered open space to be “very important” to a good quality of life

in York County. • At least 60% of respondents were “very concerned” about losing open space to development. • About 90% of respondents felt that the protection of open space is “very important” for future

generations. • At least 80% of respondents viewed York County’s past efforts of open space protection as “very

valuable.” • Over 70% of respondents viewed York County’s goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space

over the next 30 years, or 2,500 acres per year, as a “very important” goal. • At least 90% of respondents felt that at least 2,500 acres of open space should be protected each

year. o At least 50% felt that over 2,500 acres of open space should be protected each year.

• Over 60% of respondents felt that the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream for continued open space protection.

• At least 75% of respondents were willing to contribute additional tax dollars each year for the continued protection of open space.

o On average, respondents were willing to pay at least $11 per year in additional taxes for the continued protection of open space.

Public Opinion on Open Space Protection in York County, Pennsylvania 1

Introduction

Background on York County York County is located in the South Central portion of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There are 911 squares miles, or 583,040 acres, of land within the County. As of 2018, 12.8% of the County’s total land area, or just over 74,000 acres, has been protected as “open space”. For this report, open space is defined as any publicly or privately owned land, that is predominantly in a natural state; dedicated to providing areas for public recreation (such as parks or trails); privately-owned agricultural land managed for food and fiber production; protecting natural or historic resources; and/or preserving scenic quality and community character. The majority of open space protected in York County is agricultural land and agriculture easements, followed by parks, recreational facilities, and natural areas.

Preserved and Protected Land in York County to Date by Ownership Entity

The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy 2

Objectives of the Public Opinion on Open Space in York County, Pennsylvania

The Growth Management Plan component of the York County Comprehensive Plan has two goals:

1. To protect and preserve important natural resources, and 2. To direct growth and development to appropriate locations.

These goals are to be accomplished in part through the implementation of the York County Open Space and Greenways Plan (2006). The objectives of that Plan are as follows:

1. Identify and inventory the existing open space, 2. Establish the criteria for future protection, 3. Identify the key areas for preservation, and 4. Develop an implementation strategy. A key piece of the implementation strategy is the

establishment of the preservation benchmark of 2,500 acres annually.

In the spring of 2019, the York County Land Protection Committee commissioned the Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy to assist with the first, second, fourth, and fifth goals through survey research. This research aimed to better understand the perspectives of York County residents towards protecting open space, as well as residents’ desire to establish a dedicated, sustainable source of funding for open space protection. The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy presented four main research objectives to better understand the issue:

1. The importance of land preservation to York County residents; 2. The value of the County’s work in preserving agricultural and natural lands and parks and

recreation areas; 3. If York County’s current efforts should increase, decrease, or stay the same regarding

land protection and preservation; and, 4. If York County residents would be willing to support the establishment of a dedicated

and sustainable funding source for open space protection.

Methodology Tier-One Randomized Sample The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy initiated a two-tiered approach to conducting this research. The first tier to data collection was a randomized sample of York County addresses. A total of 1,500 addresses were selected from approximately 160,000 households. Sampled households were chosen to reflect the population distribution of York County. Raw household data were provided by the York County Planning Commission and included properties that pay property taxes to York County. Businesses and tax-exempt properties were excluded from the dataset. Of the sampled households, households were identified in which a “super voter” was present, or households where an individual voted in the past four elections. Households were able to return mailed surveys for approximately 2.5 months. A $2 cash incentive was included with the first mailing to sampled households.


The Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy received over 450 valid survey responses, providing a response rate of over 30%. With this response rate, results analyzed for the sampled households are valid within a margin of error of 4.56%. This is both a standard response rate and margin of error for community-based survey research. Tier-Two Voluntary Open-Access The second tier to data collection was an open-access survey that was available online through the York County Land Protection Committee’s website, www.yorkopenspace.org. The survey was available for approximately one month (August 16, 2019 through September 20, 2019). Survey responses were considered valid if the respondent answered any question, AND the respondent identified themselves as currently living in York County, AND did not participate in the survey through a mailed paper response. A total of 1,750 valid survey responses were collected. As individuals self-selected to participate in the online survey methodology, there is no valid method of determining this population’s margin of error. Due to the two-tiered approach to this research, all results are presented in three formats:

Types of Results Reported Format Explanation Margin of Error

Overall Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents N/A

Tier-One Respondents Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households 4.51% Super Voter Respondents

Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive elections 5.59%

Please note that all applicable columns may not equal 100% due to rounding.

http://www.yorkopenspace.org/


Demographic Profile of Respondents The majority of York County was represented with tier one responses and represented a distribution congruent with the population. Missing zip codes encompassed approximately 1.5% of the total households within York County. In terms of age, there was an under-sampling of respondents within the age of 18 to 24 years old, and an oversampling of respondents within the age range of 55 through 74. The under-sampling of 18 to 24 year old, and the oversampling of 55 to 74 year olds, is most likely the result of data provided by the York County Planning Commission and the age of homeowners in York County, Pennsylvania. Approximately 89% of respondents owned their homes. Almost 30% of respondents had children under the age of 18 years old living at their current residence. Approximately 85% of respondents lived in York County for ten or more years.


Importance of Open Space

Usage of Open Space Overall, 97% of survey respondents utilized open space areas throughout York County. Throughout all response categorizations, at least 33% of respondents utilized open space areas at least once per week.

How often do you visit open space areas in York County? Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents Never 3% 4% 4% At least once a year 16% 25% 28% At least once a month 38% 37% 35% At least once a week 29% 22% 19% Daily 14% 11% 14% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Residents of York County over the age of 75 utilized open space areas at a rate lower than all other age categories. While 90% of those over 75 years old visited an open space area at least once per year only 66% visit an open space at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that Visit Open Space Areas at Least Once Per Month By Age Category

Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents 18 to 24 Years Old 84% 100% --- 25 to 34 Years Old 90% 81% 83% 35 to 44 Years Old 90% 83% 82% 45 to 54 Years Old 85% 77% 78% 55 to 64 Years Old 78% 74% 75% 65 to 74 Years Old 78% 66% 66% 75 and Older 66% 60% 56% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Finally, households with children under the age of 18 visited open spaces at a higher rate than those households without children.

Percentage of Respondents that Visit Open Space Areas at Least Once Per Month By Presence of Children


Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents Children Present 88% 84% 85% No Children Present 79% 67% 66% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Importance to Family and Community

A factor that may contribute to a household utilizing open space in York County is the importance they place on open space for their family, their community, and the County as a whole. When considering the importance of open space to a respondent or their family, the majority of survey respondents viewed open space as “very important.”

How important is open space to you or your family? Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents Very Important 86% 77% 76% Somewhat Important 12% 21% 23% Not at all Important 2% 2% 1% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


At all levels of survey respondents, those that visited open spaces at least once a month had at least a 33% increased likelihood of viewing open spaces as “very important” to their family.

Phi Correlation of Respondents that Visit Open Spaces at Least Once per Month and View Open Space as “Very Important” to Their Family

Respondent Categorization Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents

Visits at least once per month .42*** .37*** .34*** * p<.05; ** p<.01; *** p<.001 Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

When considering the importance of open space to a household’s community or municipality of residence, the majority of survey respondents view open space as “very important.”

How important to you or your family is it to have open space in your community or municipality? Respondent Categorization


There are statistically significant correlations between whether a household visits an open space ever, as well as at least once per month, and the household’s view of the importance of open space on their community or municipality.

Phi Correlation of How Often Respondents that Visit Open Spaces and View Open Space as “Very Important” to Their Community or Municipality


Visits at least once per year .25*** .15** .07 Visits at least once per month .38*** .39*** .34*** * p<.05; ** p<.01; *** p<.001 Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


When considering the importance of open space on the County as a whole, the majority of survey respondents view open space as “very important.”

How important to you or your family is it to have open space throughout York County? Respondent Categorization


There are statistically significant correlations between whether a household visits an open space ever, as well as at least once per month, and the household’s view of the importance of open space on the County as a whole.

Phi Correlation of How Often Respondents that Visit Open Spaces and View Open Space as “Very Important” to York County


Visits at least once per year .25*** .15** .09 Visits at least once per month .36*** .33*** .30*** * p<.05; ** p<.01; *** p<.001 Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Importance to Age Groups Across all respondent categorizations, open space was viewed as most important to elementary and middle school-aged children, followed by high school and college-aged individuals.

Percent of Respondent that View Open Space as “Very Important” to Specific Age Groups Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents Preschool and younger 83% 74% 69% Elementary through Middle School 88% 85% 83% High School and College 86% 79% 78% Adults ages 21-64 86% 78% 77% Adults ages 65 and older 82% 71% 71% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Concerns About Open Space in York County

Quality of Life The majority of survey respondents view open space as an important factor for a good quality of life.

Do you consider open space to be an important factor to a good quality of life in York County? Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents Very Important 88% 82% 82% Somewhat Important 10% 16% 17% Not at All Important 2% 1% 0% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Of respondents that viewed open spaces at “very important” to their quality of life in York County, 99% visited open spaces at least once per year, and 87% visited open spaces at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that View Open Spaces at “Very Important” to Quality of Life By How Often They Visit


Visits at least once per year 99% 97% 97% Visits at least once per month 87% 78% 76% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Generally speaking, both households with and without children viewed open spaces as “very important” to quality of life in York County.

Percentage of Respondents that View Open Spaces at “Very Important” to Quality of Life By Presence of Children


Children Present 89% 83% 85% No Children Present 88% 82% 82% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Of respondents that viewed open space as “very important” to their quality of life, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” for themselves or their family.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space for Themselves or Family If Respondent Views Open Space as “Very Important” to Their Quality of Life

How important is open space to you or your family?


Very Important 95% 90% 89% Somewhat Important 5% 10% 11% Not at All Important 0% 0% 0% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Concerns About Losing Open Space

Within each category, the majority of survey respondents were “very concerned” about losing open space to development.

Are you concerned about losing open space to development in York County? Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents Very Concerned 74% 62% 60% Somewhat Concerned 22% 34% 38% Not at All Concerned 5% 4% 2% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Of respondents that were “very concerned” about losing open space to development, 99% visited open spaces at least once per year, and 87% visited open spaces at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that are “Very Concerned” about Losing Open Spaces to Development By How Often They Visit



Generally speaking, both households with and without children were concerned about losing open spaces to development.

Percentage of Respondents that are “Very Concerned” about Losing Open Spaces to Development By Presence of Children



Of respondents that were “very concerned” about losing open space to development, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” for themselves or their family.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space for Themselves or Family If Respondent Is “Very Concerned” About Losing Open Space to Development





Of respondents that were “very concerned” about losing open space to development, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to their quality of life in York County.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space on Their Quality of Life If Respondent Is “Very Concerned” About Losing Open Space to Development

Do you consider open space to be an important factor to a good quality of life in York County?


Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents

Very Important 97% 94% 93% Somewhat Important 3% 6% 7% Not at All Important 0%% 0% 0% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Protection for the Future

Within each category, the majority of survey respondents felt that it was “very important” to protect open space for future generations.

How important is it to have open space protected for future generations? Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents Very Concerned 90% 89% 90% Somewhat Concerned 7% 11% 10% Not at All Concerned 2% 1% 0% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Of respondents that felt it is “very important” to protect open space for future generations, 99% visited open spaces at least once per year, and 85% visited open spaces at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that Views the Protection of Open Space as “Very Important” for Future Generations By How Often They Visit



Generally speaking, both households with and without children felt that it was very important to protect open space for future generations.

Percentage of Respondents that Views the Protection of Open Space as “Very Important” for Future Generations By Presence of Children



Of respondents that viewed open space protection as “very important” for future generations, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to themselves or their family.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space for Themselves or Family If Respondent Views the Protection of Open Space as “Very Important” for Future Generations





Of respondents that viewed open space protection as “very important” for future generations, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to their quality of life.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space on Their Quality of Life If Respondent Views the Protection of Open Space as “Very Important” for Future Generations





Of respondents that viewed open space protection as “very important” for future generations, the majority were also “very concerned” about losing open space to development.

Distribution of Respondent Concerns on Losing Open Space to Development If Respondent Views the Protection of Open Space as “Very Important” for Future Generations



Very Concerned 81% 70% 67% Somewhat Concerned 18% 29% 33% Not at All Concerned 0% 1% 0% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Taking Action to Protect Open Space

Value of Past Open Space Protection Over the last 70 years, about 12% of York County has been protected as open space. The majority of survey respondents view past work regarding the protection of open space as “very valuable.”

How valuable are open space protection efforts to you or your family? Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents Very Valuable 85% 80% 80% Somewhat Valuable 11% 18% 18% Not at All Valuable 3% 2% 2% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Of respondents that viewed past efforts of preserving open space at “very valuable”, 99% visited open spaces at least once per year, and 87% visited open spaces at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that View Past Open Space Protection Efforts as “Very Valuable” By How Often They Visit




While both households with and without children within tier-one respondents and overall sample respondents viewed past efforts of preserving open space as “very valuable”, super voter respondents with children viewed past effort as more valuable than super voter respondents without children.

Percentage of Respondents that View Past Open Space Protection Efforts as “Very Valuable” By Presence of Children



Of respondents that viewed past efforts of protecting open space as “very important,” the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to themselves or their family.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space for Themselves or Family If Respondent Views Past Open Space Protection Efforts as “Very Valuable”





Of respondents that viewed past efforts of protecting open space as “very important,” the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to their quality of life.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space on Their Quality of Life If Respondent Views Past Open Space Protection Efforts as “Very Valuable”





Of respondents that viewed past efforts of protecting open space as “very important,” the majority are also concerned about losing open space to development.

Distribution of Respondent Concerns on Losing Open Space to Development If Respondent Views Past Open Space Protection Efforts as “Very Valuable”






Of respondents that viewed past efforts of protecting open space as “very important,” the majority also viewed open space protection as “very important” for future generations.

Distribution of Respondent Views on Open Space Protection for Future Generations If Respondent Views Past Open Space Protection Efforts as “Very Valuable”

How important is it to have open space protected for future generations?




Importance of Future Action

Over the next 30 years, York County plans to protect approximately 85,000 acres, or 14.5% of the land area in York County as open space. To accomplish this, York County’s Comprehensive Plan has a goal of protecting about 2,500 acres of open space per year. The majority of respondents feel that this goal is “very important.”

How important is the goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years, by protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year?




Of respondents that view York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years, by protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year, as “very important,” 99% visited open spaces at least once per year, and 87% visited open spaces at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that View York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important” By How Often They Visit



Generally speaking, both households with and without children viewed York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years, by protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year, as “very important.”

Percentage of Respondents that View York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important” By Presence of Children




Of respondents that viewed York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years, by protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year, as “very important,” the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to themselves or their family.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space for Themselves or Family If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”




Of respondents that viewed York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years, by protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year, as “very important,” the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to their quality of life.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space on Their Quality of Life If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”






Of respondents that viewed York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years, by protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year, as “very important,” the majority were also concerned about losing open space to development.

Distribution of Respondent Concerns on Losing Open Space to Development If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”





Of respondents that viewed York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years, by protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year, as “very important,” the majority also viewed open space protection as “very important” for future generations.

Distribution of Respondent Views on Open Space Protection for Future Generations If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”






Of respondents that viewed York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years, by protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year, as “very important,” the majority also viewed York County’s past open space protection efforts as “very valuable.”

Distribution of Respondent Views on Value of Past Open Space Protection Efforts If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”

How valuable are open space protection efforts to you or your family?



Very Valuable 97% 97% 96% Somewhat Valuable 3% 3% 4% Not at All Valuable 0% 0% 0% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Future of Protection

While York County’s Comprehensive Plan has a goal of protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year for the next 30 years, the majority of respondents felt that more open space should be protected each year.

How much open space should York County continue to protect each year? Respondent Categorization

Overall Tier-One Respondents Super Voter Respondents More than 2,500 acres 69% 52% 50% 2,500 acres 25% 38% 41% Less than 2,500 acres 7% 9% 10% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Of respondents that felt York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year, 97% visited open spaces at least once per year, and 88% visited open spaces at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that Feel York County Should Protect More Than 2,500 Acres per Year By How Often They Visit



A slightly larger percentage of households with children under the age of 18 felt that York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year when compared to households without children.

Percentage of Respondents that Feel York County Should Protect More Than 2,500 Acres per Year By Presence of Children



Of respondents that felt York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to themselves or their family.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space for Themselves or Family If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”





Of respondents that felt York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to their quality of life.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space on Their Quality of Life If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”





Of respondents that felt York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year, the majority were also concerned about losing open space to development.

Distribution of Respondent Concerns on Losing Open Space to Development If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”






Of respondents that felt York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year, the majority also viewed open space protection as “very important” for future generations.

Distribution of Respondent Views on Open Space Protection for Future Generations If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”





Of respondents that felt York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year, the majority also view York County’s past open space protection efforts as “very valuable.”

Distribution of Respondent Views on Value of Past Open Space Protection Efforts If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”






Of respondents that felt York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year, the majority also viewed York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal as “very important.”

Distribution of Respondent that View York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important” If Respondent Views York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important”

How important is the goal of protecting 85,000 acres of open space over the next 30 years?



New Funding Sources

To accomplish York County’s short and long term goals regarding open space protection, the majority of respondents agreed that the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection.

Should the York County Commissioners identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream for continued open space protection?


Yes, a dedicated funding stream should be identified 72% 66% 63%

Neutral 22% 32% 30% No, a dedicated funding stream should not be identified 6% 6% 7%

Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Of respondents that think the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection, 99% visited open spaces at least once per year, and 87% visit open spaces at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that Agree with Want Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space By How Often They Visit



A slightly larger percentage of households with children under the age of 18 think the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection when compared to households without children.

Percentage of Respondents that Agree with Want Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space By Presence of Children



Of respondents that thought the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to themselves or their family.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space for Themselves or Family If Respondent Wants a Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space





Of respondents that thought the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to their quality of life.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space on Their Quality of Life If Respondent Wants a Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space





Of respondents that thought the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection, the majority were also concerned about losing open space to development.

Distribution of Respondent Concerns on Losing Open Space to Development If Respondent Wants a Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space






Of respondents that thought the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection, the majority also viewed open space protection as “very important” for future generations.

Distribution of Respondent Views on Open Space Protection for Future Generations If Respondent Wants a Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space





Of respondents that thought the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection, the majority also viewed York County’s past open space protection efforts as “very valuable.”

Distribution of Respondent Views on Value of Past Open Space Protection Efforts If Respondent Wants a Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space






Of respondents that thought the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection, the majority also view York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal as “very important.”

Distribution of Respondent that View York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important” If Respondent Wants a Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space





Of respondents that thought the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection, the majority also felt that York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year.

Distribution of Respondent that View York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important” If Respondent Wants a Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space

How much open space should York County continue to protect each year?



More than 2,500 acres 79% 65% 61% 2,500 acres 20% 34% 37% Less than 2,500 acres 1% 1% 2% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Accomplish Open Space Protection Through Increased Taxes To accomplish York County’s short and long term goals regarding open space protection, over 75% of respondents in every category would be willing to pay more in taxes.

Would you be willing to contribute in tax dollars each year for the continued protection of open space?


Yes 85% 77% 79% No 15% 23% 21% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

When considering a yearly dollar amount, a pluarality respondents in each category would be willing to pay an additional $20 in taxes each year to ensure continued open space protection. The overall respondent group would be willing to pay, on average, $13.66 in additional taxes. Tier-one respondents would be willing to pay, on average, $11.03 in additional taxes. Super voters would be willing to pay, on average, $11.41 in additional taxes.

What amount would you be willing to contribute in tax dollars each year for the continued protection of open space?


$20 54% 38% 41% $15 5% 3% 2% $10 16% 22% 22% $5 10% 14% 14% $0 15% 23% 21% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, 99% visited open spaces at least once per year, and 86% visited open spaces at least once per month.

Percentage of Respondents that Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection By How Often They Visit



A slightly larger percentage of households with children under the age of 18 would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space when compared to households without children.

Percentage of Respondents that Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection By Presence of Children



Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to themselves or their family.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space for Themselves or Family If Respondent Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection





Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, the majority also viewed open space as “very important” to their quality of life.

Distribution of Respondent Views on the Importance of Open Space on Their Quality of Life If Respondent Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection





Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, the majority were also concerned about losing open space to development.

Distribution of Respondent Concerns on Losing Open Space to Development If Respondent Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection






Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, the majority also viewed open space protection as “very important” for future generations.

Distribution of Respondent Views on Open Space Protection for Future Generations If Respondent Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection





Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, the majority also viewed York County’s past open space protection efforts as “very valuable.”

Distribution of Respondent Views on Value of Past Open Space Protection Efforts If Respondent Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection




Very Valuable 92% 89% 88% Somwhat Valuable 8% 11% 11% Not at All Valuable 0% 0% 0% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, the majority also viewed York County’s Comprehensive Plan goal as “very important.”

Distribution of Respondent that View York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important” If Respondent Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection





Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, the majority also felt that York County should protect more than 2,500 acres of open space each year.

Distribution of Respondent that View York’s Open Space Protection Goal as “Very Important” If Respondent Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection

How much open space should York County continue to protect each year?



More than 2,500 acres 73% 56% 54% 2,500 acres 25% 40% 41% Less than 2,500 acres 2% 4% 5% Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.


Of respondents that would be willing to pay an additional tax for the continued protection of open space, the majority also think the York County Commissioners should identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream to continue open space protection.

Distribution of Respondent that Want a Dedicated Funding Stream to Protect Open Space If Respondent Would Pay Additional Taxes for Continued Open Space Protection

Should the York County Commissioners identify a dedicated and predictable funding stream for continued open space protection?



Yes, a dedicated funding stream should be identified 81% 74% 74%

Neutral 18% 24% 24% No, a dedicated funding stream should not be identified 1% 1% 2%

Source: Survey on Open Space Protection in York County Overall - Both tier-one random sample respondent households and tier-two voluntary open-access respondents; Tier-One Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households; Super Voter Respondents - Only respondents from tier-one random sampled respondent households that have also voted in the past four consecutive election.

Finally, the distribution of respondents willing ot pay additional tax dollars to support open space protection varied by zip code from approximately 25% of respondnets, to 100% of respodnents.

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