About Martin County Forever
Mission & Goals
Founded in 2022, the mission of Martin County Forever is to acquire and preserve important natural lands in Martin County for the benefit of present and future generations through a voter approved sales tax.
OUR TEAM
- Craig Coy
- Lorraine Kayser
- John Keller
- Merritt Matheson
- Jim Snedeker, Team Captain
- Mabel Vogel
- Tony Zunino
Technical Advisors:
- John Maehl, Martin County Public Works, Ecosystem Division
- Michael Yustin, Martin County Public Works, Ecosystem Division
Community Outreach and Communications:
- Stacy Ranieri, The Firefly Group
History
Martin County already has a Great Track Record.
- The county has been acquiring environmental lands for more than 30 years.
- Citizens voted on several occasions to tax themselves to support acquisition efforts.
- In 2006, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax generated $27 million.
- 90% was for acquisition of 71,000 acres and 10% was for management of those lands.
- An additional $30 million was obtained through state and federal sources.
- The Sales Tax has since expired.
Martin County Residents are Passionate About Protecting our Natural Environment
Many of us are familiar with our county’s unofficial tagline, “Martin County: It’s Different Here.” Part of that difference is the diversity of interest groups, as well as their passion and advocacy for the things that matter to them. We’ve discussed this conservation initiative with members of many local environmental groups as well as business owners, chamber of commerce members, farmers, realtors and government watchdog groups. There has been tremendous support! Some of the organizations are below. If you or your group would like to officially endorse the initiative, please email your logo, letter of support or testimonial to martincountyforever@gmail.com and we’ll include it on our website.