I’ve been a Mahoning Valley resident for nine years. My wife Carol and I moved back here in 2013, a few years after I retired from the Air Force.

Over the course of 28 years living around the U.S., I noticed the negative impact that excessive development had on places I called home. Development is inevitable and necessary, however it is important to plan accordingly, so that places that are dear to us and critical to the health of our environment are conserved for our own well-being and future generations.

It is important to remember that nature-related tourism brings over $35 million in economic benefits to our area each year, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Management Plan for the Lehigh River. Even though the economic analysis portion of the document is out of date, it provides a starting point for recognizing the need to preserve natural resources that are the base of Carbon County’s economic well-being and make it a special place to live.

On Nov. 8, Carbon County residents will see a nonpartisan referendum question on the ballot. The referendum is to help protect drinking water, lakes, streams, the Lehigh River, working farms, and wildlife habitat from excessive development. If passed, the referendum will raise up to $10 million over a 20-year period. Those funds will be available to farmers and conservation interests to purchase land for protection purposes on a matching funds basis. The intent is to preserve and protect land and water resources throughout Carbon County. In particular the referendum will preserve farms, watershed areas, and wildlife habitat.

As a past president and board member of the Lehigh River Stocking Association. I urge all Carbon County residents to consider the benefits this referendum will provide, and vote yes.

Steve Chuckra

Lehighton