SANTA CRUZ COUNTY >> Measure Q, an initiative to levy an annual $87 special parcel tax to fund wildfire prevention, parks, river cleanups and beach projects throughout Santa Cruz County, appears likely to pass as votes continue to be counted.

The measure leads with 58% voting “Yes” and 42% voting “No” as of Wednesday morning’s results

Sarah Newkirk, executive director of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, was excited Tuesday as she followed the results from a watch party at Pleasure Pizza. Reached again Wednesday morning, she continued to express optimism about the measure’s continued trajectory.

“We’re really pleased at the results that we’ve seen, recognizing that there are still votes to be counted, but it looks like it’s going strongly in our favor,” she said.

The measure seeks to raise approximately $7.5 million annually for projects in forests, streams, beaches and other open spaces through an $87 property tax on each parcel throughout the county. It was certified by the County Clerk’s Office in May after enough signatures were gathered through an initiative petition called the “Safe Drinking Water, Clean Beaches, Wildfire Risk Reduction, and Wildlife Protection Initiative.” If approved, the measure will add a chapter to the Santa Cruz County Code to allow for annual collection of the tax until ended by the voters for specific eligible projects. Among the projects highlighted by the measure were safeguarding natural water resources and forests and reducing wildfire risks by removing overgrown brush, conducting controlled burns and creating shared firebreaks.

The measure was primarily written by the nonprofit Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, which was also one of its top campaign funders along with other nonprofits Peninsula Open Space Trust and Sempervirens Fund. It was endorsed by a long list of environmental organizations and local elected officials, including Rep. Jimmy Panetta.

In the argument for the measure on the ballot, proponents argued that climate change underlined the need for Measure Q.

“In the past few years, our communities have been threatened by more and more extreme wildfires,” proponents wrote. “Drought and pollution are growing threats to our local natural water sources — the rivers, creeks and streams that provide our groundwater reserves.”

Newkirk said she felt the proponents ran a strong campaign.

“I would think that this measure appealed to a lot of different voters from a lot of different backgrounds and groups that they represent,” she said.

The measure was primarily opposed by the Santa Cruz County Fire Chiefs Association, which felt the measure did not guarantee funds would be spent to reduce wildfire risk, as it was just one of the 17 areas of focus outlined in the measure.

“(I)n light of the CZU wildfire experience, we believe funding should be prioritized, not minimized, to protect our communities and for it to be placed in those best positioned to protect them,” Mark Bingham, president of the Santa Cruz County Fire Chiefs Association wrote in the ballot opposition statement.

In its rebuttal to the argument against, proponents emphasized that local fire departments were eligible for the measure’s largest financial grants.

“These funds will help buy wildland fire engines, lifesaving equipment, and more,” proponents wrote. “Measure Q also protects water quality, clean beaches, and wildlife habitat.”

Newkirk said the measure would have transparent oversight through a citizens’ oversight board which would set the direction for expenditures under the measure through a five-year vision plan.

“It will be accountable to the voters, so it will be watching how the various administrative entities distribute funds and ensure that they are consistent with the intent of the measure,” she said.

The measure would also be subject to public spending disclosures and an annual audit.

Overall, Newkirk felt positive about the results.

“We’re super proud of the campaign and the outcome,” she said.

The measure needs only a simple majority to pass.