As noted by the Trust for Public Land, which maintains its Federal Affairs office in Washington, DC, the obvious expression of concern for land preservation was neither a liberal nor a conservative issue. "Voters across the political spectrum have again voiced strong support for protection of natural lands, clean water and safe parks," says TPL director of Conservation Finance Ernest Cook. "Voter reaction to the pressures of uncontrolled growth and sprawl is bipartisan."

There were 147 related local and state measures on the ballot on Tuesday, and 76% of them, or 111, were passed; 82 of the total measures originated in Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey, alone.