In the days after Election Day on Nov. 5, staffers at the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority only tepidly leaned toward publicly acknowledging a victory for Measure PH, the ballot measure that could help the agency continue its work preserving local open space. No more.

The Habitat Authority on Monday declared the probable passage of the ballot measure, saying in a statement they believe Measure PH has passed based on all ballots counted so far.

The Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office released results Monday that showed the measure with 68.03% for passage, with 47,541 voters authorizing a penny-per-square-foot parcel tax for property owners. The bond needed a two-thirds majority to pass.

The success of the measure means the Habitat Authority will have the budget to fight wildfires and ensure trails and wildlife habitats on the Puente Reserve remain protected.

“We are pleased that the communities of the Puente Hills region have recognized the immense value and incredible importance of Measure PH to better the environment, protect property values, and preserve the beauty of the hills for this and future generations,” said Ivan Sulic, chairman of the agency’s Board of Directors. “The surrounding residents have fought hard over the decades to protect the rich biological diversity of these hills and to keep it accessible. It is clear time and time again that voters have shown what they value and care about, their love of the hills.”

The measure’s success is a boost for everyone who works to protect and preserve the Puente Hills, added Andrea Gullo, executive director for the Habitat Authority.

“We are honored to manage the hills and look forward to continuing our connections with the communities around us,” she said.

The preserve touches the cities of Whittier, La Habra Heights, Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights. The average homeowners there would pay about $18 a year per the tax, helping pay for projects such as clearing brush from structures and emergency access roads for first responders; preventing and removing homeless encampments; vandalism and illegal dumping; and maintaining ranger patrols and natural habitats. The measure should generate about $1.1 million a year.

This year marks the agency’s 30th anniversary. Since its establishment, the Habitat Authority has managed more than 3,800 acres of habitat, including the Hacienda Hills, Turnbull Canyon, Sycamore Canyon, Hellman Park, Arroyo Pescadero and Powder Canyon.

The Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office will update ballot counts until Tuesday.

Results will be certified in December.