Voters in several states and counties weighed in on public lands and conservation measures in the November 3, 2026, midterm election. The measures addressed hunting and fishing rights, park funding, wildfire prevention, protected open space and public access to waterways.
Colorado voters rejected Amendment 83, which would have established a constitutional right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife using “traditional methods,” without defining that term. It also would have made hunting and fishing the state’s preferred constitutional methods for managing game species. The result leaves wildlife policy decisions with the state legislature and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
The final count was still pending for Colorado Proposition 137 at the time of publication. The measure could direct existing sporting-goods sales tax revenue to conservation, generating an estimated $175 million a year for wildfire mitigation, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, state parks and trail maintenance. Colorado generally refunds tax revenue above the amount the state is allowed to retain, so the proposal could mean smaller refunds in some years and less funding for other state programs. Official results had not yet been published.
Massachusetts voters approved the Nature for All Fund, which would use existing sales tax revenue from sporting goods, recreational vehicles and golf courses. The fund could receive up to $65 million annually for forests, waterways, wildlife habitat, parks and trails. Unspent money would remain in the fund, while state lawmakers would decide how much to allocate each year.
In South Carolina, Charleston County voters backed extending a half-cent sales tax projected to raise up to $4.25 billion over 25 years. The measure earmarks $690 million for open-space protection, divided equally between urban and rural areas. The funds could support land purchases for parks, farmland preservation and public access to the water. The tax will also fund bike paths and pedestrian improvements through a separate transportation budget. County officials must approve individual purchases and projects.
Sarasota County, Florida, voters supported two measures to protect natural areas and parks. One extends an existing property tax through 2049, and the other allows the county to borrow up to $250 million to buy and maintain conservation land. Revenue from the extended tax will help repay the loans. Together, the measures are intended to protect wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat and public parks along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Napa County, California, voters approved a half-cent sales tax expected to raise about $23 million annually for 18 years. The proceeds will be divided between wildfire preparedness and the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District, supporting vegetation clearing, water-supply protection, and maintenance of parks and natural areas.
Rhode Island voters approved a $55 million Green Economy Bond for improvements to state parks, beaches, campgrounds and other outdoor spaces. The funding includes $12 million for parks, beaches and campgrounds, $7 million to restore Narragansett Bay and nearby waterways, and $3 million to protect open space. Additional funding will support local recreation areas and boating facilities, while $25 million will help communities prepare for flooding, coastal erosion and other climate-related damage.
Sources: Outside.